Learning Simple Auto-Mechanics Can Really Simplify Your Life

Written by: Kelly L. Hunter

On average, thousands of American-driver’s cars will break-down each year. As we all know; going to the mechanic can most times be a nightmare, especially if you are a woman. If more Americans learned basic auto-mechanics, drivers might find that they would actually save themselves time and money. Most mechanics charge $60-$75 dollars an hour, if not more, for their time and labor. If you add those prices to that of the car parts needed; you will often times find that what seemed to be something simple, has instead turned out to be something very expensive.
There are several different resources that an individual can utilize in order to learn and master simple auto-mechanical skills. For instance, your local Vocational-Technical schools usually offer some type of Auto Mechanics program or class. You can also find many “how-to” books at your local public libraries and bookstores. If you know someone who is already an Auto Mechanic, you may want to ask them if they would be interested in teaching you some basic mechanical skills and techniques. Another idea would be to call around to different car-repair shops in your area, and ask them if they have any openings for a Mechanic’s helper or if they have any Internship positions available. Sometimes you can get a job as a helper having little to no experience and receive on-the-job training.
Learning simple tasks such as; how to change your own oil, spark plugs, and gaskets; will not only save you time and money, but will leave you with a since of pride for accomplishing such a difficult task as well. Most drivers will spend more time and attention washing and detailing their vehicles, than they will spend checking the pressure in their tires. Making sure that your tire pressure is always at the correct level, will help to ensure that you do not have an unnecessary blow-out. Getting a flat-tire can really be a head-ache, especially at night when you are driving on a busy street or highway. You can make it a routine event, to check your tire pressure every time that you stop to get gas. Most gas stations are equipped with an air-pressure gauge that is already attached to the air hose itself, you can also pick up your own pressure gauge at any auto parts store. Checking the pressure of your tires will also allow you some time to view the tires, making sure that you do not have any bald spots or wire-mesh showing through.
In the unfortunate event that you do experience a blow-out or a flat tire, it is key knowledge, to know how to change a tire correctly. Always make sure that you have a spare tire in your trunk or located somewhere on your vehicle. Having the right tools and equipment to change a tire is also very important. Setting up some roadside flares or reflectors will help to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Most new cars will come with a factory style jack that will be located somewhere inside of your trunk. I however, recommend buying a sturdier jack from a hardware store, auto parts store, or local department store. Factory jacks can sometimes he weak and hard to use, a hydraulic jack is stronger and can be more effective in use. Knowing how to change your own tires will also save you the trouble of calling for roadside assistance or for a tow truck. Using either of these alternative choices can be rather expensive and often times, these companies can take a long time getting to you.
Drivers are faced with enough stress just by owning a vehicle, why be faced with the burden of costly repair bills? Just by learning how to properly up keep your car or truck can save the everyday driver from a lot of hassle and an empty wallet. Simply knowing the difference between an old battery and a faulty starter can save you a ton of money. I am sure that I am not alone when I say, that I have taken my car in for some problem or another and the mechanic has come back informing me of 10 other things that need to be fixed as well. I do not know much about cars and have often times felt as though I am being taken advantage of because I do not know what the mechanic is talking about. I am not saying that auto mechanics are thieves or anything along those lines. I understand that this is their job and this is how they make their money. I do believe that if I would have been more educated and knowledgeable about cars, I too could have saved myself a boat load of money throughout the years