What you should know about auto repair? Top resources with manuals
A working knowledge of auto repair and vehicle maintenance is something every driver should have; however, the actual driving population has a wide variation in their knowledge of auto repair. Some drivers can perform maintenance and repair of their vehicles on their own. Others need assistance for whatever service they need on their vehicles. In between, there is a wide range of vehicle care competency levels.
The purpose of this article is to give someone with even the most basic knowledge about their vehicle some information to help them understand when to service their vehicle. Chances are, if you are reading this article, you don't know everything there is to know about auto repair. Knowing the warning signs will help ensure that your car is in working order, as well as ensure your safety and the safety of others.
There are many factors that can cause a vehicle to stop working properly and require repair. Sometimes a car must be towed to a repair shop, and other times it can be safely driven to the shop if the damage is minor. When a car cannot be moved at all, that is known as a total breakdown. A partial breakdown is defined as a breakdown where towing may not be necessary, but the vehicle still needs immediate repair. It can be dangerous to drive a vehicle that is experiencing a partial breakdown, and should be driven immediately to a specialized auto repair shop.
A total breakdown can be caused by several different factors. Generally, total breakdowns are caused by a problem with the engine. The only major exception to this is the common problem of a discharged battery, which is usually solved by an auxiliary start in which another vehicle is connected with jumper cables and the electrical load is used to start the vehicle with the discharged battery. However, in the event of engine failure, the vehicle should be serviced by a trained automotive repair person.
Partial vehicle failure can mean many different things. A flat tire, as mentioned above, is a very common type of partial breakdown. In many cases, people replace their own flat tires. However, sometimes this is not an option. For example, one may not have a spare tire or the knowledge to repair a flat tire. You will want a trained technician to replace your tire in that situation.
Other causes of partial breakdown include brake problems, minor but serious engine problems such as overheating, or even a minor traffic collision. Failure to have a car serviced regularly can put you, your passengers and other drivers at risk.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what is required to repair a car, you can make better informed decisions about when and how to repair your vehicle in the event of a breakdown or collision. You can also consult your vehicle owner's manual for specific details about your vehicle.