If you’re reading this, you are probably having car issues right now. This article is here to help you solve these problems. It is important to do some research before doing any repairs on your car or hiring a mechanic to fix your vehicle. Read this article for some great auto repair advice you can use.

It is important for your car to have an emergency kit. This kit should have the tools to change your tires in the case of an accident. Consider having blankets, batteries and a flashlight for unexpected nighttime break downs.

Be prepared for any emergency by equipping your car with a well stocked emergency kit. This kit should include specific tools for charging your battery, changing your tire, etc. A few blankets, flashlights and spare batteries are also great to have.

Every time your car is repaired, regardless of how minor the problem was, make sure you keep a record. This will help the technician when you get future repairs on your car. No records means a blank slate to go on.

Buy OEM parts. This means that you are getting manufacturer made parts and not replicas. While generic parts may be cheaper, you’ll never know how good the quality is. They may initially be a deal, but the generic parts may make you pay more in the long run.

Read as much of your auto manual as you can, marking anything that is important. When you show up to a mechanic’s shop, you are going to have to explain some information about your car. Sometimes you may find things that you can easily fix yourself and do not require a trip to the dealership.

Before bringing your car to a mechanic, attempt to figure out by yourself what’s wrong. A bit of money can be saved in this way, and you may stay away from fraudulent people. Unreliable mechanics might lie about the issue so they can charge you for additional repairs.

Keep a tool kit for doing auto repairs in your trunk. Basic tools that should be included are tire changing tools. Get a lug wrench and jack if you do not have one yet. In addition, include a few different screwdrivers and wrenches. Never buy cheap tools. Solid and sturdy tools are ideal so you don’t have to worry about them malfunctioning.

Keep on hand all of your car’s documentation. The glove compartment is a good place to keep these records. Professional mechanics are going to ask for those records. This will help to diagnose any problems.

Take all those fun and fluffy keychains off, or make it possible to remove your car key from the bunch. The ignition isn’t designed to hold tons of weight. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t appear heavy to you. If your key begins sticking, the tumblers need replacing.

Oil Changes

Always keep records each time your car is repaired. If your car ends up with more problems later on, your mechanic will appreciate having access to your past records. 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.

Be certain to understand when your oil needs changing. Look at your car’s manual to see when the manufacturer recommends oil changes. Failing to get routine oil changes will shorten you car’s life, so set reminders if necessary.

Competent repairs can be done elsewhere than at the dealership. You can find a good technician anywhere by following good guidelines. Consider using one if they appear to be good.

Use the Internet to find reviews on an auto repair shop. This can inform you of how the general public views their customer service skills as well as how well they do when it comes to solving the problem. This information can then be used to get with a shop that makes you comfortable.

Before taking your car to a repair shop, take pictures of the areas that need to be fixed. Most shops would not strip your car, but there are those who do this to make extra money. It is in your best interest to have documentation of your vehicle’s condition, just in case.

Be sure your mechanic has proper certification. Research to learn if they have been approved by the NIAE. This will tell you that the technician has been properly trained and will do a great job on your car.

Make sure you are receiving OEM parts. These parts are the genuine article, produced by your car’s original manufacturer. It can cost a lot less to use parts that are generic, but you won’t get the most out of these things after a while. They may initially be a deal, but the generic parts may make you pay more in the long run.

Transmission Fluid

You should not purchase a part from someone who claims the part will last you a lifetime. This is often just for you to have to pay them more cash. For instance, some vehicles come with a claim of “lifetime” transmission fluid. It is not something that will be changed often, but the transmission fluid is not guaranteed for a “lifetime.” In reality, you should change it around once every 80,000 miles.

If you need major repair work done, make sure to solicit multiple price quotes. Most mechanical shops are trustworthy, but others may try to slip in little extras which quickly add up. Shop around for shops with a good reputation and experience in your vehicle’s make. Your car is more likely to be repaired properly at these shops.

When you find a mechanic you like, stick with them for all of your auto repairs. Find one shop that you like and stick with them. If you go to several different shops, you are likely to get several different diagnosis. They might also charge you more for the work done.

If you are worried about no one being there when you need auto repairs, sign up for AAA. This can be a big help if you need to get a tow or work with an auto repair shop. They may even offer you discounts due to your AAA membership.

Remove fluffy, fun key chains or have it so that your car key can be removed from the bunch. Though it may not seem to be all that heavy, your car’s ignition cannot handle that much weight pulling down on the key. If you have a key that’s sticking, then you are going to have to replace your tumblers and then get rid of your fun keychains.

Save money by learning how to refill your vehicle’s windshield wiper cleanser. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, consider learning how to change the oil. You don’t have to pay a mechanic to do routine maintenance. You should learn how to do the work, then roll up your sleeves and get dirty.

After having a mechanic replace a car part, ask him to return the old one to you. If he does not want to do that, it may be because the part wasn’t actually replaced. This should be seen as a red flag and the person needs to be called out about it.

Monitor your dashboard lights regularly. They were put there for your assistance, so use them for that. If you keep ignoring them it’ll make the problem worse.

When you have a good experience with a mechanic, go there from then on. Build a good relationship with a mechanic to ensure you get good work. They may also offer discounts to their loyal customers.

After a mechanic has performed the repairs, ask for any old parts that have been removed. This will prove that the repairs were actually done. For some repairs, this is not necessary, like an exhaust system. It is easy to tell whether or not a new exhaust has been installed.

Find technicians to do your auto repair tasks instead of your dealer. There are many technicians that may be closer in proximity to your house. You need to use a mechanic that you feel completely comfortable with.

Do not attempt auto repairs yourself unless you have full confidence in your abilities. By tweaking and tinkering, it’s possible you might void any manufacturer or dealer warranty. This will make you financially responsible for everything that happens to it in the future.

Hopefully, this article has enlightened you on how to deal with any car problems you may encounter. You may not be an expert, but you can probably take care of small repairs now. If you have larger issues, you should know the way to locate a good mechanic.

Before you take your car in to the shop, learn about the standard classifications for auto parts. There are a few different kinds of parts. New items have recently been made by the manufacturer. Parts that are listed as “re-manufactured, rebuilt and reconditioned” means that the parts are used but restored to original condition. However, salvage is simply another word for a used part.