When it comes to fixing cars, you may feel like you are totally clueless. You can fix this problem! Continue reading to find out how you can get a better grasp of what to do when making repairs to your car.

Invest in high-quality battery chargers and keep them inside your car. Dead batteries are a common occurrence and you’d be able to aid other drivers who have broken down. Before you drive again, figure out how to use it properly.

You should always have an emergency kit available in your vehicle. This kit should contain a number of items, including tools, flares, a gas container and an emergency battery charger. Should your car break down in the dark, it is helpful to have extra batteries, a flashlight, and some blankets.

If you are considering working with a new auto repair shop, ask the mechanic if they are experienced in working with your specific vehicle. If the mechanic says they have, then they are likely aware of just what repairs need to performed in order to have your car operating well again.

You must wash your car to keep the rust away. All cars eventually succumb to rust, however you can delay this process by washing all salt and chemicals from your car immediately. Use a decent wax for protecting paint jobs as much as you can.

When you arrive at a repair shop, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure that you are specific with your questions when you pose them. One of the best ways to save on car maintenance is to prevent problems in the first place. A little money spent for prevention can save thousands in the future.

Keep track of all the repairs and maintenance you do on your vehicle. Store them inside the glove compartment just in case you have to see a mechanic all of a sudden. The auto repair professionals will want to look at those records. They can find problems much quicker that way.

Unnecessary Repairs

Ask the technician at the repair shop you are considering if they have done work on the same make and model of vehicle before. If the mechanic says they have, then they are likely aware of just what repairs need to performed in order to have your car operating well again.

Be wary of mechanics that try and make unnecessary repairs to your car. Make sure that you give your approval first before a repair is done. If a mechanic does unnecessary repairs, find someone else who is more trustworthy.

If you plan to take your car to the shop, do not leave anything inside the car. The mechanic might need to move these things so they can do the job, and they won’t assume responsibility if anything comes up missing. Remove everything from your trunk too.

Check online for reviews of local mechanics. These reviews can give you a good idea of the satisfaction that the customers had. This will help you to weed out garages that could leave you with concerns over quality and workmanship.

Look out for obvious “red flags” when dealing with a new auto repair company. If you are being talked to in circles and your questions aren’t answered, then you will want to go elsewhere. Make sure that you trust the person that you are working with.

See if any of your friends or family members have had a positive experience at a particular auto shop. Your family and friends may have a few recommendations for you that will make your search much easier. Don’t rely entirely on what your friends tell you, though; do your own research. Use the web as a resource to find information about car repair shops.

Make sure you replace old parts with OEM parts. These are original components from the manufacturer. It’s cheaper to get the generic parts, but the quality may not be the same. Generic parts could end up costing you more in the long run.

Don’t put off washing your vehicle during the winter time. Winter can be the most damaging season to a car’s bodywork. Sand and salt is something that can cause rust and abrasions. Dry the car right after washing, and make sure you do it thoroughly.

You do not always have to have your dealer repair your car. There are many technicians that may be closer in proximity to your house. Consider using one if they appear to be good.

Think about using a mechanic who fixes cars in his own garage. As long as they have experience they can do the same work but they often charge far less for the labor. You can save tons of money and provide an independent worker by providing them with business.

Take pictures of your car prior to having it serviced. Some disreputable garages will strip your car in order to up their bottom line. It is better to document what your vehicle looks like just in case this horrible thing happens to you.

Some shops steal your tires and use old tires to replace them! This is done so they can profit from your ignorance. Prior to taking the car in, mark your tires with a bit of chalk. If you find the chalk is missing later on, question the shop about what happened.

Find technicians to do your auto repair tasks instead of your dealer. There are many shops where skilled auto technicians reside. Consider using one if they appear to be good.

If you’re not able to get your vehicle fixed because you’re tight on funds, see if you can get in contact with someone at a vocational school. You can pay much less for service since students are still learning how to repair cars.

Don’t allow people to sell auto parts to you that say they’re going to last forever. This is often just a scheme for the business to take as much money as possible from vulnerable consumers. There are some cars that carry a “lifetime guarantee” for their transmission fluid: this is a perfect example. Although this type of fluid doesn’t require changing very often, it should still be changed about every 80,000 miles. Therefore, the lifetime claim is false.

Think about snapping some photos of your car prior to taking it to the auto body shop. Though most shops won’t strip a car, others do it to make more money. To keep from having this horrible experience, make sure you document all area of your vehicle by taking clear and dated pictures.

Few people even open their car’s instruction manual. You need to learn the manual so that you can find information right away. The manual has information related to keeping the vehicle maintained, as well as on how to make small repairs.

Now, you know how to deal with car repairs successfully. You don’t have to be taken advantage of by a mechanic ever again. Keep reading for tips on what to do when your car is in need of repair.

Take the time to learn about car part classifications before seeing a mechanic. There are several different classifications that determine the quality of the part. New means that the parts were made to meet the standard manufacturer specifications by an independent retailer or the dealer themselves. Used parts that have been made good as new are classified as reconditioned. They may also carry a tag as “rebuilt,” or even “re-manufactured.” Salvage means that they are used and they have not been altered.