Did you know there are many car repairs that you can perform yourself? Nowadays, the smallest of problems causes car owners to run to their mechanic. Let the following article serve as your vehicle’s repair guide. You will save cash and feel good about your abilities.

It is important for your car to have an emergency kit. This kit will include the necessary tools for successfully charging a battery, changing a tire and adding gas to your tank. A few blankets, flashlights and spare batteries are also great to have.

You don’t have to get a mechanic in for simple repairs. Many things are able to be fixed easily. You can take your chances by going on the Internet to find some information to see if you can locate the problem. If the job is not complicated, make the repairs yourself to save money.

To prevent your car from getting rusty, wash it consistently. Eventually cars rust, but it can be delayed by washing off chemicals and salt as soon as you can. Protect your paint with regular waxing.

There is no better way to find an auto mechanic than to get a referral. Ask the people you know and trust who they take their vehicles to. You can inquire about price, work quality and overall satisfaction. You’ll get a real feel for the experience and the honesty of the mechanic.

Make sure you know what is in your auto manual, and mark certain pages for reference. The auto repair shop people will ask you specific information about your car. The manual may give you information to help you easily fix a problem.

Keep all of your car records handy. One good place to keep them is in a folder in the trunk right above your spare tire. The auto mechanic can look at the records. This will help them assess the problem quicker and more precisely.

OEM parts should be asked for. These parts are directly from the manufacturer of your vehicle. While they often cost a little more, they typically work better for longer periods of time. It might be a great deal, but if you have to continue to replace the part, it is not going to be a good deal in the long run.

Make sure that you always keep a spare tire and jack in your vehicle. Most of the new cars of today have them in the trunk. You don’t want to end up stranded somewhere and get stuck paying a lot for a tow. It’s cheaper and easier to do it by yourself.

It is possible to repair taillights and headlights that have burned out. It’s easy in some vehicles, and it’s a lot cheaper than having someone else do it. Ask someone you know if they can instruct you on how to do it.

Wiper blades are a very important component to your car. Replace them when they’re not clearing the windshield well. Try to replace these blades once a year so that you can drive safely in the rain.

You do not necessarily have to go through your dealership if repairs are needed. There are several reputable technicians in auto shops and at dealerships. You need to use a mechanic that you feel completely comfortable with.

When having repairs on your car, it is important to keep warranties in mind, especially when purchasing costly components. If your mechanic orders parts for you, ask about warranties. Ask about the length of the warranty, and ask to be provided with a written copy of it.

If you need your car fixed, but are on a tight budget, you may want to contact your local vocation institution to see if they have an auto repair department. While you will get a discount, students can make the repairs as a licensed mechanic looks on.

If you’re concerned about your mechanic, look at AAA. The AAA is a lifesaver when you find yourself in need of towing or having to take your car to a mechanic. You can often find discounts on an annual AAA membership if you shop around.

For you to be able to identify issues with your vehicle, you need to be somewhat familiar with its various components. It may even be a good idea to take a car repair class at the local community college. While you may not wish to pay for a class, becoming educated on the basics of cars can save you lots of money later since you’ll know how cars work. That way, you can find problems before they get too bad, and that will help with the life of your car.

Pay attention to any sounds your car is making. When your car is making noise, there is generally something wrong. If you can describe the sound to your mechanic you can save yourself some money by making it easier for them to diagnose the problem.

If an auto body shop does good work for you, then you need to return there every time. A good relationship with a mechanic can be a great way to make sure the work done for you is excellent. They may also offer discounts to their loyal customers.

If you are getting a part replaced by a mechanic, you should ask for the old part back as well. This is a good way to ensure the repairs have indeed been performed. In certain cases, (like most work on your car’s exhaust) getting the old parts back isn’t actually a necessity. It’s simple to tell if they have installed the exhaust system.

You might feel intimidated when you first learn about auto repair. But, with a little know-how and elbow grease, you really can tackle some common issues. Remember what you’ve just learned, and get your car back on the road.