Since you use your car to travel, it’s more than likely important to you. You might be uneducated about cars, but are looking to learn more about them. Go over this article for some useful auto repair tips.

If you have issues with your car, you can fix it yourself. Some repairs are easy to make. You can research the problem online in order to find out more about it. If the repair is not difficult, you can fix it yourself and save a lot of money.

Do not hire a mechanic until you are sure they have experience with this particular make and model. If they have experience with your type of car, they are more likely able to correctly diagnose and fix the problems your vehicle is having.

See if you can find reviews about the body shop of your choice on the Internet. This can tell you about the public views of their skills in customer service and how well they can solve a problem. You can find a place you feel comfortable enough with to fix your car.

Be wary of mechanics that try and make unnecessary repairs to your car. A trustworthy mechanic should inform you about parts that are becoming worn and will need replacement in the near future, but no parts should be replaced without first getting your approval. Never bring your car to someone who doesn’t do the right kinds of repairs.

Make sure the mechanic can work on your particular car. Basic components are usually the same, but there are big differences in different types of cars. If you’re not sure, it may be worth it to pay extra at the dealer.

Your car should always have a spare tire and jack. Most vehicles come with them, but you want to check anyway. You never want to be without them, as you could end up having to pay for an expensive tow. It’s cheaper and easier to do it by yourself.

Put together a small tool kit for your car and keep it in your trunk. The basic tools you will need include the tire changing equipment which should have come with your car. Get a lug wrench and jack if you do not have one yet. You should also have good quality Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers, socket wrenches and a ratchet set, a torque wrench and an adjustable wrench. Don’t get cheap tools. Invest in quality tools that don’t break in the middle of a critical repair.

Ask about labor rates and prices before giving the keys to a shop. Ask questions until you are sure you have clear answers. It is crucial that you understand exactly how you will be billed for repairs. Are the repair times established? Minor repairs can be considered jobs that require a full day of work to some manufacturers.

Look at all lights that flash on the dashboard and learn what they mean. Paying attention to these warnings is always in your best interest. Ignoring those for a long time can worsen issues later.

Change your oil at least once every couple of months to stay safe. Look at your car’s manual to see when the manufacturer recommends oil changes. Your car will not last as long as it should when the oil is not regularly changed, so be sure you have some kind of reminder.

Do not forget that fixing your car yourself comes with some dangers. You need someone assisting you so that there is an emergency plan in place. It’s worth your money to spend more on a higher quality tool. This is very important for the tools you need to change a tire. A good quality jack is very important, particularly since you will be under the vehicle. This is why you should get a high quality hydraulic jack with stands.

If you are on a budget and need auto repairs, consider looking into services offered by local vocational institutions. You will pay a very low rate to have students fix your car while being supervised by a licensed mechanic.

There is nothing routine about flushing your engine. It’s a costly process which is unnecessary unless you’re abusing your car.

If you want to be sure to have an advocate on your side when you need your car serviced, consider joining the American Automobile Association or AAA. They will send out a tow truck if you break down and can help you find a reputable mechanic. Also, they often have discounts that can save you money.

Once you have paid a mechanic for replacing a part of your vehicle, ask him or her if you can keep the old part. If the mechanic is unwilling to do this, it may mean they aren’t going to do the work but charge you anyway. This is not acceptable, and you should tell him so.

Put all of your important auto repair receipts in your car – plastic accordion files work well for this. Divide them by repair, preventative care and maintenance or a chronology system. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a detailed records of your cars maintenance history which will be helpful for future repairs. This can be priceless.

You should not trust a mechanic who does not want to give you a detailed quote in writing. If he does not do the work correctly, you will have a hard time recovering any damages, because you will have no proof of the work that he was contracted to do.

Since your car is so important, taking care of it is crucial. Even knowing how to do simple maintenance may save you tons of money instead of going to a mechanic. Use this information the next time your vehicle is acting funny.