The Anatomy of Healthy Cars: A Service and Repair Blog

Car and Truck Repair Mistakes to Avoid

by Brittany Marshall

The repairs you make on your car or truck should last for years, but only if you take the time, and invest the needed money, to get those repairs done right. A few simple mistakes when addressing needed vehicle repairs can actually wind up costing you more money over time. Note what this means, so you can avoid these mistakes yourself, and ensure your car or truck is always in good condition.

Waiting too long to have repairs done

Don't assume that you can put off repairs if your vehicle is still operational, as this can mean more serious and costly repairs once you do take your car or truck to the shop, and can also mean compromising your safety on the road. As an example, if your car begins to hesitate and even outright stall when you're idling, this can mean a damaged oxygen boot or a clogged catalytic converter. The car might still run, but if these problems get worse, the vehicle may suddenly stall when you're on the road, putting you at risk. This can also mean more wear and tear on your engine so that it may give out sooner than it should, resulting in even costlier repairs.

Doing your own repairs

Even if you have some basic knowledge of engines and a nice selection of tools in the garage, never assume that you can manage vehicle repairs on your own. A mechanic often has more experience in your needed repair, and better diagnostic tools, which can help him or her find the real cause of a mechanical problem, fix it more quickly, and ensure the work is done properly. He or she may also take the time to check the calibration of parts that are around the repaired part and buff out any body damage done to the vehicle, so your car or truck looks its best once you get it back on the road.

Learn more by contacting services that provide Japanese truck parts.

Not knowing your fluids

While the skill of a mechanic is important, so are the parts used for those repairs, and this includes fluids. Never assume that all fluids are the same; for example, motor oils have different designations based on their additives, viscosity, and other such factors. Choosing an oil that is not right for your vehicle's engine can mean a thick oil that doesn't flow as it should, or additives that cling to the engine, causing damage. If you're not sure the right fluids to use for your car, ask your mechanic for his or her recommendation.

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