When your car breaks down, your first priority should be to get it up and running again. You can’t get to where you need to go is you car is not running properly. Do not assume you will have to spend a fortune to get your vehicle fixed. There are a lot of basic repairs you can do yourself.

Don’t take an emergency car kit for granted. This kit should consist of tire changing tools, jumper cables, and an empty container that is appropriate for re-fueling your gas tank. Should your car break down in the dark, it is helpful to have extra batteries, a flashlight, and some blankets.

When you visit a mechanic, make sure to ask lots of questions. Focus particularly on the issue that you have; make sure to inquire about what you can do to prevent similar problems in the future. If you prevent issues from happening, you can save money on repairs.

You don’t have to get a mechanic in for simple repairs. Quite a few automotive issues can be done yourself. If you’re feeling lucky, look online to figure out the problem. If the repair isn’t too difficult, you might be able to save money by doing it yourself.

Test out your car before paying for its repairs. If you do not do this, you may have the same issue when you get home.

Beware of mechanics who do unneeded repairs on the car. Work should never be performed without your permission, but a good mechanic may point out upcoming repairs that are necessary. If a mechanic performed a repair you did not authorize, you should not take your vehicle to them twice.

Make sure you are receiving OEM parts. These parts are issued by the manufacturer of your vehicle. Generic parts might be cheaper, but they may not be good enough quality. A cheap, generic part is less of a bargain if it only lasts half as long as an OEM part would.

Look for warning signs that repair mechanics may give off. If your mechanic talks in confusing terms or tells you not to worry about the details, then it may be time to find one who you have confidence in.` You want to be able to trust the person doing your repairs, so go elsewhere.

Repairs like burned out taillights or headlights can be fixed on your own. It’s easier to do in some cars, but it’s more cost effective than hiring a mechanic. Ask your friends and relatives if they can help with this small repair.

Wiper Blades

Your wiper blades should never be forgotten about. If your windshield wipers are no longer keeping the rain off your windshield, or if they make noise or leave streaks, it is time to replace them. Wiper blades need to be replaced once every year or possibly more often depending on the where you live.

Ensure that your oil is changed with regularity. Your oil must be changed regularly for you car to run properly. Not having regular oil changes can end up damaging your car and effecting the overall performance.

A daring do-it-yourself approach isn’t always the best idea. Have a person close by to help if an emergency occurs. Purchase quality tools you know will last. When it comes to the tools you use to change a tire, this is vital. Make sure that the jack in your car can securely hold up the vehicle so you are safe while using it. This is the reason why you should use a reliable hydraulic floor jack equipped with the right jack stands.

Don’t put off checking a problem with your car, even if you are pretty sure it is minor. An issue that might seem minor could end up turning into a nightmare down the road.

Original Equipment Manufacturer is usually referred to using the acronym OEM. This is good to know when you are dealing with mechanical issues and parts. When you tell your mechanic that OEM parts are what you want, you sound like you have some knowledge. This will lower your chances of getting someone that places used components in your vehicle.

If you notice a dangerous defect on a new vehicle, get in touch with its manufacturer. There could be a recall issue for that car or they’ll consider issuing one if you’re not the only one to complain about it. As a general rule, they will take care of the car repairs.

If you’re concerned about your mechanic, look at AAA. The AAA membership will prove to be invaluable if you break down on the side of the road. They will tow your car to a nearby mechanic. Many auto shops offer discounts to AAA members, so it’s well worth the membership.

Save money by learning how to refill your vehicle’s windshield wiper cleanser. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, consider learning how to change the oil. It’s a falsehood that only mechanics are qualified to perform routine maintenance. Make sure you understand what has to be done, and then get ready to get down and dirty.

If a mechanic gives you a quote that exceeds two hundred dollars, ask for a written estimate. If you have written proof, you can easily file complaints if necessary. A written quote can also help keep you from any additional charges.

The more you know about your car, the easier it will be to understand problems that occur. If you do not know much about cars, consider taking an auto repair class. While spending money on a good class might seem counteractive, you should consider how much this can save you in the future when dealing with repairs. You’ll be able to notice issues before they develop into serious ones, and that will extend the life of your car.

As you can probably tell, you do not need to take your car in to an auto shop and pay a lot of money to get it fixed. There are lots of instances where you can solve the problem yourself. Use the info you’ve learned from this article the next time your car starts giving you problems.