Tag Archives: car repair service

Being Prepared for Auto Repairs

If your car is running perfectly, you may not be thinking about auto repairs. However, it is a good idea to find a reputable mechanic before you need your car to be worked on. Maybe it’s your first car and you don’t have any idea what types of repairs you might need down the road. Here are some of the most common repairs that cars need.

Photo by Arseny Togulev on Unsplash

Body Work

If you have been in an accident, then your vehicle will likely need some cosmetic repairs. This may include plastic welding services or a paint job, depending on what was damaged. If your car or truck was damaged in an accident, be sure to check with your insurance to see what they’ll cover before having the work done.

Exhaust System

The exhaust system is one of those items that may have several things go wrong with it as your vehicle ages. You may need to have the oxygen sensor or the catalytic converter replaced. Be sure to follow your maintenance schedule to keep your system working properly and so that your mechanic can let you know when you need to replace components.

Fuel Cap

If your fuel cap fits loosely, it can cause your engine to underperform. If the cap gets so loose that it falls off, you could really be tanking on your gas mileage. Check this item regularly because it is an easy fix and is often signaled by a lit check engine light.

Spark Plugs

You want your car to have a good ignition system, so be sure to replace the spark plugs and the ignition coil at the first sign of a problem. If the engine misfires or idles quite roughly, it’s a good idea to have it looked at.

This is not a comprehensive list but gives you an idea of some things to watch out for. It is a good idea to do your regular maintenance so you can avoid issues and reduce the cost of car repairs.

Should You Try to Fix Dents in Your Car?

Has this happened to you? You come out to your car after shopping to find a dent in your bumper and no one anywhere in sight. The repair will be expensive but not over your insurance deductible. What can you do? You can try to remove the dent yourself or you can look into auto dent removal lakewood co.

Photo by Adam Griffith on Unsplash

Suction Methods

One way to remove dents in a bumper or fender is through suction. An ordinary, cup-style, toilet plunger will often do the trick. Wet the rim of the plunger, place the cup over the dent and press as you would to unclog a slow sink. The suction will pull small dents out. Another suction method involves a plastic pot or small bucket and a vacuum cleaner with a detachable hose. Cut a hole for the hose in the bottom of the bucket or pot, then tape the container over the dent. Turn on the vacuum cleaner and the dent should be history. You can also buy suction tools specifically made to remove dents.

Temperature Methods

Another way to get small dings out of a vehicle is through temperature differences. Pour boiling water over the dent and very quickly press on the other side. If it doesn’t pop out right away, pour more boiling water over it and try again. Another method involves dry ice. This is the stuff that is popular in punch bowls at Halloween. The theory behind both of these methods is that the difference in temperature between the dented area and the surrounding material makes the dent pop out.

Call a Professional

If you have tried these methods and the dent persists, it may be too big to remove by yourself. In that case, you will need to take it to an auto body shop. It will be more expensive than doing it yourself, but you will probably be happier with the results.

If you like DIY projects, give some of these a try the next time a mysterious dent appears.