If you don’t know anything about basic car care and maintenance you can end up unnecessarily wasting a lot of money on repair costs. In addition to becoming educated about the car model you have, you can learn other things. Keep reading if you wish to save money and time the next time you get an automobile repaired.

You want to be sure that the mechanic working on your vehicle is A.S.E certified. The basis of this certification is that your mechanic has over two years of experience and they have passed appropriate testing. This type of mechanic is the best choice for your vehicle.

When you take your car to the shop, ask plenty of questions about your vehicle. What will they do to fix it? What is the problem? Preventing issues can save you a lot of money.

Always carry a good emergency kit in the trunk of your car. This kit should include specific tools for charging your battery, changing your tire, etc. It is also wise to include a flashlight, some fresh batteries and a blanket in case your vehicle breaks down in cold weather or at night.

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 they have before, then they are likely going to be able to also fix your car easily enough.

Ask for the charge total before giving mechanics your keys. If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you do. You don’t want to be surprised with a higher charge than you were expecting.

To keep rust from becoming an issue, wash and wax your car regularly. All cars eventually get rusted, but the process can be delayed considerably by washing off any chemicals or salt immediately. Using a wax will protect the paint job significantly.

Use the Internet to search for local auto body shop reviews. These reviews can give you a good idea of the satisfaction that the customers had. The knowledge can be very helpful when it comes time to make a final decision on which place to go to with your car.

Inquire as to whether the mechanic has had previous experience working on your specific vehicle model before. If they have worked on the same type vehicle you have, they will know which areas to check first on your car.

OEM parts should be asked for. These parts are the same original parts designed by the manufacturer. It’s cheaper to get the generic parts, but the quality may not be the same. Though you may think you are getting a deal with generic parts, in the long run, you will end up paying double than you would have if you had gotten OEM parts.

Look out for obvious “red flags” when dealing with a new auto repair company. If they tend to talk in circles or ignore your questions, then they might not be all that you want them to be. It is important that you trust the person that is repairing your vehicle, and if you don’t, then go somewhere else.

Read as much of your auto manual as you can, marking anything that is important. During auto repair visits, your mechanic will probably need to gather some information from you, about your vehicle. Also, reading the manual may help you realize that the repair you need, can be done easily by you.

Compare more than 3 estimates so that you can get the best deal on your repair. Most shops are honest, but some are not. Search for an auto repair shop that specializes in repairing the make of vehicle you have. These places probably have a better understanding of what you’re going to need done to your vehicle.

Wiper Blades

Prior to paying for any repairs you’ve had done, you should go on a drive to figure out if it was really fixed. If you don’t do this, you may not have the appropriate problem repaired.

Your wiper blades need TLC. If you notice your windshield wipers are not working properly, get new ones. Wiper blades should be replaced a minimum of once per year. If your area receives a lot of rain, then you may need to replace your blades more regularly.

Consider finding someone who repairs cars in their own garage. You can usually find lower prices if you go through mechanics that are not affiliated with a franchise. This can save you a lot of money and help out someone who may need it, instead of giving it to a big shop.

If your headlights are not shining as brightly, check to see if they are clean. Debris from streets can get into your lights, decreasing the light they give. Use a quality glass cleaning product and improve the situation dramatically.

Avoid fluffy, silly keychains, or find a way to separate your auto key from that bunch of keys on the chain! You don’t want to put all that extra weight on the car’s ignition. If your keys stick, take off some of the charms!

Always remember when you need to have the oil changed in your car. Oil changes are important so your car can run smoothly. Neglecting this part of your car can reduce the lifespan of your car.

You don’t necessarily have to visit the dealer in order to get your auto repairs done. There are independent mechanics all over the place. Find a mechanic who is certified and reliable.

There is no real benefit to getting repairs done at the dealer. Great mechanics abound in local garages. If you find one you like, you should hire him.

Remember that DIY auto repair may be quite dangerous. You need someone assisting you so that there is an emergency plan in place. Buy quality tools that are durable and reliable. You’ll especially need good equipment for changing tires. Make sure that the jack in your car can securely hold up the vehicle so you are safe while using it. Approved jack stands, working in conjunction with a high quality hydraulic floor jack, are the best tools for tire changes.

Keep in mind that it’s not always safe to do some auto repairs. Be sure someone is watching you repair the vehicle just in case something bad happens. It’s worth your money to spend more on a higher quality tool. You will need these in case you ever have a flat tire. Keep in mind that you need a jack that can easily support the weight of your car. Hydraulic floor jacks with a stand should definitely be considered for purchase.

As mentioned earlier, learning some basic repairs for your car has many long-term benefits. You can fix problems on your own or choose the right mechanic. So keep these tips handy, and next time, you will be able to repair your car yourself.