If you don’t put in the effort of basic maintenance, your car could cost you a lot of money! In addition to becoming educated about the car model you have, you can learn other things. You could save both money and time moving forward by doing so.

Know what the repair is going to cost you before handing over your keys. If you need clarification, ask the service advisor for additional information before repairs commence. You don’t want to be surprised with a higher charge than you were expecting.

Referrals are a great method for finding a great auto mechanic. Talk to your friends and family and ask if they have any recommendations. This will let you figure out what kind of price you’re dealing with and if you’ll be satisfied with the work that is done. You can learn first-hand experiences about the honesty and skill of the mechanic.

Always have a repair kit located in your car; you can put one together yourself. Your car probably came with what you need to change a tire. A car jack and a lug wrench are essential tools to have. Also, it is wise to have screwdrivers, a ratchet set, Phillips head screwdrivers and wrenches. Don’t waste your money on bad quality tools. Buy quality ones that you are sure won’t fail when you really need them.

Think about using a mechanic who works from home. You can usually find lower prices if you go through mechanics that are not affiliated with a franchise. The costs will always be much lower.

Just because it is winter does not mean you shouldn’t wash your car. Winter is when your car becomes most damaged. All that salt and sand is a sure recipe for abrasion and rust. Prevent ice from forming on your car: dry it thoroughly after washing.

Whenever you put gas in your vehicle, take a minute to measure your tire pressure. Inspect your tires at this time, looking for anything that has become embedded. If you notice problems, resolve them immediately. It is very dangerous driving on bad tires.

Don’t try to diagnose and fix complex automotive issues. Keep in mind that you are not a professional. It may be a problem that’s harder to fix than you think. Let your mechanic do the diagnosing. Let them know what the problem is and the noises you hear, but allow them to diagnose the final issue.

Watch out for the type of shop that will take off your good tires and put old ones on. This is done so they can profit from your ignorance. Therefore, always put a little chalk on them so you can identify your tires. If the chalk isn’t there, you’ve been taken advantage of.

If your money is really tight and you really need vehicle repairs, try talking to an auto repair department at a local vocation school. This will save you money and can give you just as good a job on your car.

Original Equipment Manufacturer is the meaning of OEM. This can be helpful if parts are being replaced on your car. Your mechanic will consider you as a knowledgeable customer if you ask for OEM parts. They’ll rarely try to scam you as a result.

Find out more about AAA to ensure your repairs are on the up and up. 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.

Knowing how to make basic repairs on your automobile can have many benefits. Not only can you prevent having to rely on others whenever car problems arise, you can also save a lot of money and teach others. Don’t forget these tips and use them when your car needs it.