Your local online classifieds: Try searching through a site like Craigslist if there is a board for where you live (or don’t mind driving to). Craigslist is full of people who are looking to buy and sell car parts online. There is even a specific board just for car parts listings. With a few simple emails, you might be able to find exactly the part you are looking for, or with someone who knows how to find it.
Finally this may sound silly to some, but you would be surprised to see how many people neglect to test things like brake lights, turn signals, wipers, the locks, how well the windows roll up and down, and other miscellaneous items. When you shut the car off after a few minutes take a quick glance under the car again to see if any new leaks or drips have developed.
Any mechanical problems will almost certainly need the attention of a autozone homepage. Don’t hesitate to call one up and have them take a look at your vehicle. If, however, the problem is electrical, it could be a problem you can solve on your own. You probably live near several DIY auto discount stores, where you can usually get everything you need to complete simple electrical car repair. Of course, if you don’t have any idea of what you’re looking for, how do you know if they problem is electrical to begin with?
Resist the urge to impress your friends and family with ornate birthday gifts that show off your impeccable taste. In fact, put off buying people gifts at all while you are still in the lean years of your mechanic program. Buy them all you want once you become a mechanic, but for now, offer them gifts that cost nothing, but convey volumes about how you feel about your nearest and dearest.
It’s way too easy just to listen to what you’re being told, and then tell the auto repair shop just to get on with the job. If the problem isn’t urgent, and you’re able to go to one or two other auto repair shops, then do that. If they all agree that a certain part is causing all of your problems, then there’s less chance of paying for unnecessary repairs.
Because of this increase in quality from lower priced auto part suppliers, it is now less important to pay extra money for a name brand car part. The lower priced parts are increasing in quality, so paying the extra money to have a part stamped with a high quality European label isn’t necessary now. The difference in quality between a made in Europe auto part and a made in Asia car part has never been lower.
In reality most of us don’t drive rare imports and don’t want to pay the extra money the dealership will charge us. This coupled with the less than average customer service that many experience at the hands of any dealership service department make a trip there for repairs nothing short of a horror movie. Never fear, there are other options.
