A female mechanic has explained three mistakes drivers make before taking their car to a garage so you can get your repairs done faster and cheaper.
The tech shared her knowledge on a TikTok, prompting viewers to collectively praise her simple tips.
Lauren Izzo’s (@lauren_izzo) TikTok clip begins with her saying, “If you want them [mechanics] by day [diagnose] a check engine light, don’t get the codes cleared by O’Reilly or AutoZone.”
He added that don’t disconnect your car’s battery, as doing so will also clear your vehicle’s computer codes.
Auto technicians use code reading tools to analyze error messages stored by a car’s computer.
Unless you are properly trained to use a code reader, you are likely to misdiagnose and overlook vehicle-specific problems.
READ MORE ABOUT FEMALE MECHANICS
Lauren then recommended that her viewers routinely check their car’s oil level.
Low oil levels can cause the fluid to turn to sludge, wreaking havoc on your engine.
Neglecting oil changes for too long can lead to the need for a new engine.
Replacing an engine costs $4,000 to $10,000 on average, JD Power reports.
Finally, Lauren stressed the importance of checking your car’s dashboard gauges.
Lauren noted that your gauges would probably be fine “99.9 percent of the time,” but added that you’ll want to check your coolant level if anything is suspicious.
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is the liquid that plays the most important role in keeping the engine at an optimal temperature.
You must remove the coolant from your car after a certain period, as the liquid becomes contaminated and less effective over time.
If the fluid is new, you may have a coolant leak.
Coolant leaks usually occur through a hole in a car’s radiator and can be repaired by a technician.
