A car’s oxygen sensor tells the engine when the air-to-fuel ratio is too high. Keeping the sensor in good working order is essential to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Ask the mechanic to explain their repairs and why in plain, easy-to-understand language. It may seem like a lot, but it will help you make better-informed decisions about the work.
The average car owner visits a mechanic at the end of the day
A reliable mechanic will happily explain the repair process and parts used to you in plain terms. This will help you understand why the auto repair Bellevue WA, is needed and minimize misunderstandings later.
Be sure to keep records of all repairs and maintenance. This will be helpful when you sell your vehicle or need to prove that you have maintained regular maintenance.
The average car has over 30,000 parts
A car’s exact number of parts can vary greatly, from the engine block down to the most miniature nuts and bolts. However, on average, a vehicle has over 30,000 parts.
These parts include everything from the alternator to the air conditioning compressor. Some of these parts are easily identifiable, while others are less so. If you need to locate a specific part, you can start by searching with three things: the automotive make, model, and year.
Body filler is not a permanent fix
Body filler is a putty-like substance that patches up small holes and imperfections in a car’s surface. It can be mixed and spread quickly, but it is essential to use it correctly.
Using too much can cause the finish to look uneven, and misapplying it can damage it. This is why professional shops only use the highest quality products like Bondo.
Rot is a problem for older vehicles
To buy an older vehicle, you must be aware of rust problems. Surface rust is usually not a problem, but if left long enough, it can cause corrosion and even penetrate the metal.
To protect yourself, always get a detailed estimate for any work done on your car. This way, you have documentation if something goes wrong.
The average car owner knows less than 10% of the parts in their car
Many car owners must know their vehicles’ intricate parts, such as the shocks, springs, and struts. These are essential to your vehicle’s performance and should be inspected every 15,000-30,000 miles.
Keeping an eye on your car can prevent big repair bills by nipping issues in the bud. Listen for strange sounds, smells, or changes in performance. Also, compare shop maintenance schedules to your owner’sowner’s manual recommendations.
Body filler can scab off
Body filler, also known as putty or mud (specifically the brand name Bondo), is used by auto body technicians to smooth a vehicle’s surface before it is painted. This is especially necessary after dents have been corrected, as the area will be uneven without it.
However, using a degreaser and blowing off the filler thoroughly before sanding is essential. This will help prevent the product from scabbing.
The average car owner needs to learn how to repair rot
A little rust is no big deal, but if it starts to compromise the frame of a car, it could be dangerous. Look for rust spots in wheel wells and on panels beneath doors.
Seasoned mechanics are not fans of improvised repairs, like using duct tape. Instead, they want to see the owner understand that good maintenance and regular repair visits keep their cars on the road.
The average car owner uses a cell phone while driving
Cell phone use while driving increases a driver’s crash risk by two- to six-fold. It also slows reaction times, increases lane deviations, and causes drivers to lose focus on the road.
According to NOPUS (see section 6), 4% of drivers observed at stop signs and stop lights during daylight hours held a hand-held phone in 2002. This is up from 3% in 2000.
The average car owner does not have a car manual
In the digital age, vehicle manuals have become thick and mind-numbing tomes that sit unread in glove boxes beneath piles of insurance cards, repair receipts, and take-out ketchup packets. Despite their intimidating size, they are an essential source of information.
They provide everything from the kind of oil your car needs to which grade of fuel it takes. They also explain how to set and use various features of your vehicle, including the most critical safety warnings.
The average car owner visits a dealership
Whether you drive a new or older vehicle, keeping your car in working condition takes diligence. This diligence often entails frequent maintenance and repair work.
Service shoppers have many choices regarding where they go for their auto repair needs, but dealerships are gaining favor with them. They cite factory-trained technicians and original equipment manufacturer parts as critical reasons for their preference.
