Shedding Light on Common car Repair Misconceptions

We all know that is takes a lot of work to keep our cars in excellent shape. That doesn't mean we don't sometimes believe the hype and lies that people make up when it comes to car repair, though. It's an easy thing to believe. After all, we like nothing better than to think we're wasting our money when we could be saving it.

There are quite a few common misconceptions you might have about car repair, and now is the time to dispel them. Here's the truth about the myths you've grown accustomed to hearing in regards to your car parts.

Car Parts: Repairs and Misconceptions

Myth 1: When a manufacturer lists a suggested maintenance schedule, they simply want you to spend more money on their car parts, in their shops.

While many people think that car manufacturers are this shady, they actually aren't. Cars today are actually built in such a way that they last longer and don't require as much maintenance. That doesn't mean they don't require some, though, especially in terms of preventative maintenance. Maintained correctly, you can expect your car to drive more than 100,000 miles without having to go through any kind of major repairs. For instance, if your Renault has a timing belt that must be replaced periodically, doing so can keep your engine in excellent shape and protect other car parts that might become damaged if the belt were left to wear down and break.

Myth 2: Mechanics and garages can provide you with an accurate price for the repairs you need over the phone. 

This myth simply isn't true, and while you can waste your time calling around to different shops to get the best price, chances are the price will be different in the end. The mechanic needs to test drive the car and diagnose exactly what the problem is before they can determine how much the repair will cost. Beware of any shop that attempts to quote you a low price when other shops aren't, especially when they haven't even seen the car yet. They are most likely just trying to get you to make an appointment and will charge you more once you arrive.

Myth 3: Repair shops will tack on extra work that “needs to be done” just so you'll end up spending more money in the end.

While there are some mechanics that can't be trusted, the truth is that if you visit a garage and the mechanic doesn't look for potential problems and tell you about them, you've got greater reason to worry. Quality repair shops test out each car they receive and try to uncover any wear and tear that might be happening. This way, they can help you fix the car before the small problems become big and expensive ones.

Most mechanics are also aware of how important even the smallest repair can be to your safety. They want to keep you informed of all the issues related to your car so you don't find yourself broken down on the side of the road or in an accident.

Myth 4: Every garage you go to will be the same.

This, unfortunately, isn't true. Some shops are better than others. Some will have the newest diagnostic equipment available, while others may not keep up with their training like they should. The development of automotive technology means that auto repair shops have to be constantly changing and striving for the best in training and education so they can remain competitive and stay up-to-date.

Myth 5: Diagnostic machines are able to tell a mechanic exactly what is wrong with my Renault.

While diagnostic machines have made great technological strides and can often help to find out what Renault parts are malfunctioning, they have limitations. In many cases, diagnostic machines can detect no problems with your car, even when you're Renault isn't running well. They can also detect problems that aren't really there.

It's for this reason that using a diagnostic machine yourself isn't recommended by car experts. A qualified and trained mechanic is the only individual you should turn to to help interpret results given by a diagnostic machine. He will have the skills to evaluate the problem and determine if it is actually the issue making your car perform poorly.

Myths That Have Some Truth to Them

While there are plenty of myths about car repair out there that are just plain wrong, that doesn't mean all of them are. There are some maintenance myths that are based in truth, and can protect you from spending too much money in repairs or having to replace car parts later on.

• Lubing the Chassis- Most vehicles that were built in the last 20 years, actually don't need lubing of the chassis. If your mechanic tells you that he can place a fitting in so the chassis can be pumped full of grease, be cautious. Consult your owner's manual or get a second opinion first. Lubing the chassis when it doesn't require it can result in more repair problems.

• Transmission Flushing- Flushing the automatic transmission in your car is required, but generally every 60,000 miles. Check your owner's manual to see exactly how long you have until your next flush. Then, make sure to check to see if your local garage is flushing the transmission at each schedule maintenance visit; if they are, you're wasting money.

• The Warranty- Have you been told that in order to keep your warranty valid, you have to have maintenance performed at a certain garage? While not doing any maintenance on car parts can void a warranty, you aren't limited to a certain shop. You can even do the work yourself. You just have to keep receipts and records showing that the work is being done. This will protect you if any questions over your warranty arise.

Keeping your car maintained and running smoothly is important, especially for the safety of your family. Do it right by knowing which myths to ignore and which to embrace as the truth.