Learning about auto repair can seem like a daunting endeavor if you do not know where to start. The tips you will find here should help you. Keep reading to discover some auto repairs that you can do yourself to save money.

Only choose an A.S.E. certified mechanic. This certification means that the technician has passed a written test and has over 2 years of experience under his or her belt. This type of mechanic is the best choice for your vehicle.

Always have a good battery charger in your car. Dead batteries are a common problem, and you should always have a charger or cables on you at all times. Familiarize yourself with how the charger hooks up to your battery.

Ensure your car has an emergency kit. This kit should have the tools to change your tires in the case of an accident. Also, add a flashlight, some batteries, and some blankets in case there is a nighttime breakdown.

When you are at the auto shop, ask a lot of questions concerning your car. Ask about any problems you are having, and find out if there’s anything you can do to keep your care healthy. Preventing vehicle issues is a great way of saving money annually.

Know your auto manual very well, or at least dog ear important pages. You need to know the basics about your car prior to visiting with a mechanic. You might even find some easy solutions for the issues you have been encountering.

Each time you get your vehicle repaired, no matter what the reason, be sure you have a record of it. Having detailed records will be useful if you need to perform more repairs on your vehicle. If you don’t have these records, you could pay lots more money and it can be harder to figure out where the issues is.

Beware mechanics who charge you for repairs which are unnecessary. Good mechanics will inform you of parts wearing down that need replaced soon, but they won’t replace them without getting your approval first. A mechanic who has performed this practice should never be patronized again.

Make sure your mechanic knows how to work on your make of vehicle. While basic components may be the same, there are differences between cars due to the amount of space beneath the hood. If you’re unsure about your chosen mechanic’s ability, consider having a dealer repair your vehicle.

If you need major repair work done, make sure to solicit multiple price quotes. Most shops are honest, but some are not. Try to find shops that are experts in fixing your specific type of car. You’ll get a better repair on your car because these shops will know exactly what your car needs.

Your car key should not have tons of fluffy keychains on it. Your car’s ignition is simply not designed to hold all that weight, even if it may not seem that heavy to you. Particularly, if you notice that the key is hard to extract from the ignition, you need to make a change!

Your car still needs to be washed during the winter, even though the weather makes it more difficult. Though it might seem futile, the winter months can cause lots of damage. Salt and sand lead to rust and abrasions. Be sure to dry your car prior to driving your car so icing does not occur.

OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. Remember this when you need a part replaced on your car. You sound better educated on repairs if you ask your mechanic to use OEM parts. This tells the mechanic that you know what you’re talking about and don’t want used parts.

Instead of going to the mechanic constantly because your car is old with many issues, learn about the warning signs that parts may be damaged. This article should aid you when it comes to basic car repair. Be vigilant when it comes to minor problems before they become major ones.