Acquiring the Utmost in Automotive Care
http://www.aboutautomobiles.net/articles/6087/1/Acquiring-the-Utmost-in-Automotive-Care/Page1.html
Sam Otoner
Sam Otoner is an author writing about automotive related topics, and you are invited to visit his website covering number of aspects about cars in New Jersey & Newark car classifieds. By Sam Otoner
Published on 26 February 2010
Most people are thrilled at the aspect of getting a new car It is very easy to get carried away in all that excitement
Most people are thrilled at the aspect of getting a new car. It is very easy to get carried away in all that excitement. Regardless of how strongly you feel about a vehicle, take it for a test drive. Calculate the time it will take to properly check out the vehicle. A couple of minutes is just not enough time to really study the car. Not only do you want to thoroughly inspect the vehicle, you should take it to a mechanic before buying.
It is just as important for you to communicate effectively with your mechanic for your car as it is for you to do so with your doctor for your body. Really what it comes down to is that you know your car better than anyone else. Since you drive it every day, you will know when something isn’t right. Don’t ignore those signs. If the car does not feel right to you, take it to be serviced. The following information will help you with decisions:
Prevention Tips:
Follow the recommended maintenance itinerary. Always keep a recordof all repairs and service. During servicing, check your car for: unusual sounds, odd smells, drips, smoke, and warning lights. Other signs to look for include: changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, and fluid levels. Finally, be aware of worn tires, belts, and hoses, difficulty in handling, braking, and/or steering, and odd vibrations.
When you notice that there is an issue, write the information down to give to your mechanic. Determine when the problem started. Decide when the problem usually occurs. Is the problem constant or does it occur only now and again? Does the problem happen when the vehicle is cold? Or is it when the car is warmed up? You may also need to know whether the problem is apparent during accelerations.
Even if you think you know what the issue is, you should still let a professional mechanic diagnose the problem to be sure. Don’t demand an on-the-spot diagnosis. Give the mechanic the time needed to properly assess the problem. To truly understand the issue, the technician needs time.
It will be easier for the mechanic to locate, diagnose, and fix a problem if you openly share information. If you communicate well, you’ll be on the road in no time.
Look at the outside image of the car. Is the body in alignment? Is the paint chipping? Do the doors open with ease? Are the tires balanced? Always look under the hood for a better idea.. If you don’t know exactly what to look for, that is ok. Keep an eye out for holes in hoses, excess oil, and damaged parts. Check the oil and transmission fluid. Take a whiff. If the scent reminds you of something burning, don’t buy the car. The fluid should be a clear, rosy color (for transmission fluid). Repairing transmissions is expensive.
Check the radiator fluid as well. It should be a slightly green color. Check that the gauges and lights work properly. Start the car up and see how it runs. Obviously, you don’t want a car with alarm lights lit on the dash. Check that the seat belts fit. Wait til early sundown and check the headlight brightness. Make sure your children’s seats fit in the style of car you are considering. Accelerate up to higher speeds; go up to forty miles an hour. Does the car shift between gears smoothly? When you brake, if you feel a twitch, it could indicate an issue. The test drive is the best opportunity to check these features.
It is just as important for you to communicate effectively with your mechanic for your car as it is for you to do so with your doctor for your body. Really what it comes down to is that you know your car better than anyone else. Since you drive it every day, you will know when something isn’t right. Don’t ignore those signs. If the car does not feel right to you, take it to be serviced. The following information will help you with decisions:
Prevention Tips:
Follow the recommended maintenance itinerary. Always keep a recordof all repairs and service. During servicing, check your car for: unusual sounds, odd smells, drips, smoke, and warning lights. Other signs to look for include: changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, and fluid levels. Finally, be aware of worn tires, belts, and hoses, difficulty in handling, braking, and/or steering, and odd vibrations.
When you notice that there is an issue, write the information down to give to your mechanic. Determine when the problem started. Decide when the problem usually occurs. Is the problem constant or does it occur only now and again? Does the problem happen when the vehicle is cold? Or is it when the car is warmed up? You may also need to know whether the problem is apparent during accelerations.
Even if you think you know what the issue is, you should still let a professional mechanic diagnose the problem to be sure. Don’t demand an on-the-spot diagnosis. Give the mechanic the time needed to properly assess the problem. To truly understand the issue, the technician needs time.
It will be easier for the mechanic to locate, diagnose, and fix a problem if you openly share information. If you communicate well, you’ll be on the road in no time.
Look at the outside image of the car. Is the body in alignment? Is the paint chipping? Do the doors open with ease? Are the tires balanced? Always look under the hood for a better idea.. If you don’t know exactly what to look for, that is ok. Keep an eye out for holes in hoses, excess oil, and damaged parts. Check the oil and transmission fluid. Take a whiff. If the scent reminds you of something burning, don’t buy the car. The fluid should be a clear, rosy color (for transmission fluid). Repairing transmissions is expensive.
Check the radiator fluid as well. It should be a slightly green color. Check that the gauges and lights work properly. Start the car up and see how it runs. Obviously, you don’t want a car with alarm lights lit on the dash. Check that the seat belts fit. Wait til early sundown and check the headlight brightness. Make sure your children’s seats fit in the style of car you are considering. Accelerate up to higher speeds; go up to forty miles an hour. Does the car shift between gears smoothly? When you brake, if you feel a twitch, it could indicate an issue. The test drive is the best opportunity to check these features.