Learn How to Fix Cars Online
Cars have definitely become more complex, with computers running everything from the engine to the radio volume.
There'due south so much good information online at present that DIY car repair has never been easier. By visiting the right motorcar forums, you tin can get help diagnosing the problem, learn how to do the repair and find the correct parts at skilful prices. And if you go stuck, y'all can even get advice from fellow owners and professional person mechanics.
Meet the Expert: Rick Muscoplat, gearhead
I volunteer on several motorcar repair Q&A sites, helping DIYers diagnose and repair their own vehicles. My site contains more than 1,300 articles covering the about common automobile and truck problems, and they're all gratuitous. The advice listed here comes from years of experience helping online DIYers.
I'll show you how to locate and use Internet sites to go the answers you need to diagnose and fix your car. And I've included links to sites where professional person mechanics volunteer and other sites where you tin talk to a professional mechanic for a small fee. One time you review all online posts and get advice from others who've washed the repair, yous can determine whether you're up for doing the repair yourself. If not, check out our Net source to aid yous locate an independent repair shop near y'all.
Diagnose the Problem
When a problem shows up repeatedly on a specific vehicle model, people write about it online. You lot can salve a lot of fourth dimension merely by searching what others have done to diagnose and set up the problem. Hither's how to find that information:
• If the "Cheque Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light is on, get the trouble codes read for gratis at most automobile parts stores, or buy your own code reader for less than $forty (ane pick is the Autel MaxiScan MS300; $19 at amazon.com).
• And so search for solutions using any online search engine. Enter the problem lawmaking along with your make and model, like this: "P0420 on 2003 Ford Taurus." If the "Check Engine Low-cal" isn't on or you're dealing with another type of problem, search for results based on the symptom, like this: "clunking sound over bumps on 2001 Honda CRV."
• If the search results don't address the problem, find a vehicle-specific auto repair forum. Search past entering your vehicle's model, followed by the word "forum," similar this: "Ford F-150 forum." Search the forum's archives first to run across if others have had the same problem. If non, mail your problem on the Q&A section of the forum and look for replies.
Learn the Lingo Before Posting Your Question
There's a correct way and a incorrect way to ask a question in a car forum. For instance, if your machine won't start, don't only enquire: "Why won't my car start?" Instead, requite meaningful details: "2009 Pontiac Vibe cranks but won't burn up when common cold." Always include the year, make and model, forth with a detailed description of the problem and when you encounter it, such as when information technology'due south cold or hot, when turning left, at speeds less than 30 mph, etc.
• If you lot come empty using a search engine and a vehicle-specific forum, try a site frequented by professional mechanics. Here's a list of places frequented by volunteer professional mechanics: gminsidenews.com/forums/f53/, batauto.com, reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice, 2carpros.com, ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com
• Pay to talk or email 1-on-one with a professional mechanic at an online help service like expertcaradvice. com or justanswer.com. The services contract with mechanics from dealers and independent repair shops and route your question to an skillful who works on your car'south make every 24-hour interval.
Learn How to Do the Repair
You can't decide if you lot're upwards to doing the repair yourself until you lot know the steps involved and the tools required. Notice that information online. So decide whether to fix it yourself or accept it to a pro.
• For step-by-step instructions, specifications, manufacturing plant service bulletins, wiring diagrams and illustrations, purchase a subscription to a professional online shop transmission. The 2 best online manuals are alldatadiy.com and eautorepair.net. Check your local library to see if it offers online repair manual admission.
• Search for repair videos this way: "replace power steering pump 2005 Dodge Chiliad Caravan video." Or go directly to YouTube and search for repair videos at that place. But utilize common sense when viewing these amateur videos, and scout several before deciding if at that place'south a common thread when it comes to the fixes. Some of the techniques y'all'll come across are not just wrong; they can exist downright dangerous.
Get the Best Deal on Parts
The all-time source for replacement parts is the dealer, only it's typically the most expensive. However, many dealers now sell genuine manufacturer parts online at a disbelieve. And, retail auto parts stores also offering online discounts. Then store online get-go, then ask whether the parts store or dealer will match the online toll.
• Search for discounted dealer parts like this: "18-carat Dodge discount parts."
• Search for coupon codes for motorcar parts retailers like this: "AutoZone coupon code."
• Find a non-dealer disbelieve online parts seller similar this: "Discount machine parts." Rockauto.com, frugalmechanic.com and autoanything.com offer nifty deals on replacement car parts.
— Rick Muscoplat, Contributing Editor
Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/learn-how-to-fix-cars-online/
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