If you’re like most, you probably have a lot to learn about auto repair. You need to understand what it takes to repair your car when necessary. The following article will show you some great advice to help you with this.

Be prepared for any emergency by equipping your car with a well stocked emergency kit. You can make your own; include things that you will have to have to put on a spare, add gas or charge the battery. You may also want to add some batteries, a flashlight and a few blankets in the event that you break down at night.

Ask your mechanic is he is familiar with working on your car. If they have, you should feel better about their ability to solve your problem.

In order to prevent rust to your car, wash it on a regular basis. All cars will eventually rust out, but you can delay the process considerably by making sure any salt or chemicals are washed off as soon as possible. Protect your paint with regular waxing.

Get referrals to find a great auto mechanic. You can ask anyone you trust, from your hairdresser to your family. You can inquire about price, work quality and overall satisfaction. Those close to you will be able to give you an honest retelling of their experiences with certain mechanics.

Go through your automobile’s manual and make sure to mark important pages. When you visit a car shop, mechanics will need to know particular information about your car. What you think may be an issue, may not be at all according to the manual.

Research any auto repair service station online. These reviews can give you a good idea of the satisfaction that the customers had. Use these reviews to eliminate unreliable mechanics and make a list of mechanic you want to contact to get a quote.

Buy OEM parts. These are original components from the manufacturer. Generic parts may cost less, but you cannot really tell if they are the best quality. A great deal can cost you tons down the road.

Basic Tools

You should have basic tools in your car at all times. Your car probably came with what you need to change a tire. If the necessary lug wrench and jack are missing, replace them. Basic tools such as screw drivers, wrenches, socket wrenches, torque wrench and other basic tools are also handy to have. Avoid purchasing cheap tools. Get good, sturdy tools that won’t break when you need them the most.

Learn to change your taillights and headlights. In some vehicles, this repair is easier than in others. But, if you can do it yourself, you will save money. Speak with friends and family for pointers or instructions.

Educate yourself about questions to ask your mechanic before you go to the shop. They’re classified as rebuilt, re-manufactured, and reconditioned, salvage, and new. New parts are just that: new. “Re-manufactered, rebuilt and reconditioned” are parts that are restored to a good working condition. Salvage means that they are used and they have not been altered.

Even minor problems should be checked by a mechanic. A seemingly small problem may grow into a major one if don’t pay attention to it.

Warranties are extremely important when it comes to auto repairs, particularly if you’ve purchased expensive parts. Talk to your repairman about the warranty parts come with. Ask for the duration of the warranty and have them print you out a copy of the contract/

Transmission Fluid

Don’t let anyone sell auto parts to you claiming that they’ll last a lifetime. A lot of the time they just say this so that they’re able to make more off of you. For instance, certain cars have transmission fluid that is claimed to last a lifetime. Transmission fluid needs to be changed every 80K miles or so.

You can replace your oil or top up your windshield fluid on your own. It’s only a myth that it takes a professional to get a maintenance job done. Make sure you know what to do, then dive right in.

Take a couple of hours before saying yes to repairs from a mechanic. Call several other places to get quotes on the same work the original mechanic says you need. If you can get a cheaper price, simply pay the mechanic for the work they’ve done and go somewhere else.

Pay attention to any unusual sounds coming from your vehicle. These sounds can tell you a lot about the problems that your car is having. If your mechanic is aware of the sound your car is making, he may be able to instantly diagnose it.

You should have more knowledge now with the information from this article. You should now feel more confident in finding a good mechanic or tackling the problem yourself. You deserve a reliable vehicle that runs smoothly.