Check Your Car for RecallsAutomobile manufacturers offer free repairs called "recalls" for many problems which affect their cars. These repairs are generally available from the nearest dealer whether a car has had one or many owners.
Baby Oil for Foggy HeadlightsIf your headlights are already damaged as in you've used sandpaper and/or restorer and NOTHING is bringing them back from the fog, you can use baby oil on a paper towel and buff until clear after you wash them well.
Black Pepper For Radiator LeaksIf your radiator or heater core in your car/truck has a leak, pour some black pepper in there. It immediately stops it and lasts for a while too. Guaranteed!
Electronic Key ReplacementWho knew it would be so difficult to replace my car keys? Electronic keys are not as simple to replace as other car, home or other keys. If you don't already have a spare, you might want to get one before you need one.
Repairing Foggy Yellowed Vehicle HeadlightsMy car headlights were horribly yellowed after 12 years of ignoring them. I could barely even see when driving at night because that's how bad they were!
GPS Instead of a SpeedometerWe have an old car, and it needed a new speedometer. We were told by our friend who works on cars to just get a GPS and use it. GPS's tell your speed along with directions.
Use CarTalk To Find a Good MechanicI think www.cartalk.com is by far the best solution to finding a good mechanic and figuring out what is wrong with the vehicle. I have been able to find good mechanics for my kids when they've been 3,000 miles from home.
Finding a Good Auto MechanicI found an excellent mechanic on the NPR radio auto mechanics, The Tappett Brothers site. They do not recommend anyone but provide a list for your area of the top mechanics according to the feedback they receive from satisfied customers.
Review: eBay Motors for Auto PartsUse eBay motors for car parts vs. local parts stores or junkyards. My car needs a headlight. A local junkyard quoted me $45 for the part. I recently bid on, and won the same thing on eBay motors for $5 plus $12.40 shipping.
Fix-a-Flat for Flat Tires I knew how to change a tire but I am 73 years old and didn't have the strength. I went into the automotive section and saw this can of "FIX A FLAT". I bought a can, just in case I did have a flat again.
Use Free Auto Services At Auto Parts StoresUse free auto services out there, like Advanced Auto, or Auto Zone. Recently my battery went out. I went to Advanced, bought a replacement and they put it in for free. The other day, my 'check engine' light came on.
Check for Auto Recalls Before Visiting MechanicBe sure to check for recalls before going to the mechanic. I would love to think that there were not such things as "secret recalls", but there are.
Use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to Remove Paint TransferMy husband went ballistic when he saw a scrape on my car bumper. My grandkids ride their bikes, etc. and he just knew someone had "nicked" the paint on the bumper. I took a tiny bit of a Mr. Clean sponge (the clean-the-marks kind) and gently scrubbed the "nick".
Spray Paint to Update Car CarpetingAn auto detailer said that used car lots update old carpeting with plain old spray paint.
Research Online for Best Car Part PricesSave money on your car repairs by researching the price of the parts, and perhaps buying the part on your own. Many automotive shops charge up the price of the part and pass it on to the consumer.
Get an Estimate for Car RepairsGet on Estimate for Car Repairs. Always get an estimate in writing before having repair work done on your car. Once the repairs are done, only pay for the repairs that you authorized.
Major Car Repairs - Ask for a Rental Car RentalIf you are having a major car repair done and your car won't be available to you for days, or even weeks, ask the garage doing the repair to give you a loaner car to use while you wait. They may have loaner cars available for this purpose or they may arrange to get you a car from a rental agency.
Using an Established MechanicConsumers can lose lots of money yearly, by taking their vehicles to unestablished garages and mechanics, on unneeded and poorly done repairs. Before you need repairs, look for a mechanic who is...
Car Repair TipsThe best time to locate and check out a repair shop is when you don't need one! Don't wait until you have a serious problem and are in a panic, that can make you a prime candidate for making a costly mistake.
