Whenever your vehicle breaks down, your only concern should be getting it running again. Having a non-functioning car makes life quite difficult. That said, you can keep costs to a minimum. You can handle many auto repairs by yourself.

To keep rust from becoming an issue, wash and wax your car regularly. Cars are all destined to rust, but the process can be slowed by keeping salt and chemicals away from the paint whenever you can. Waxing your car helps protect the paint.

Asking around for recommendations is a great opportunity to locate a mechanic you can trust. Talk to your relatives, friends and co-workers to get some recommendations. You can learn about the quality of work, the pricing and if they were satisfied with the service. Those close to you will be able to give you an honest retelling of their experiences with certain mechanics.

Use the Internet to find reviews on an auto repair shop. This can inform you of how the general public views their customer service skills as well as how well they do when it comes to solving the problem. This information can then be used to get with a shop that makes you comfortable.

Be careful that your mechanic does not attempt to perform unneeded repairs. Good mechanics will inform you if parts need replacing or will need replacing in the near future; however, they should not actually take the extra step and replace parts without your knowledge and approval. Don’t return to mechanics that do unnecessary repairs.

If you plan to take your car to the shop, do not leave anything inside the car. If something is missing, it will be your fault if you do not take it out. Clear out your trunk, too.

Ensure that your mechanic is familiar with your vehicle’s make. There can be a lot of differences between vehicles, even though the base components are similar. If you cannot be sure, just take the car to a dealership.

A spare tire and a jack are valuable items to have in case of an emergency. They are included with most new vehicles. You do not want to stuck in the middle of nowhere and have to pay a ton of money for a tow. It’s cheaper and easier to do it by yourself.

Make a DIY kit to store in the trunk to help you in times of need. You should definitely have the tools necessary to change a tire, if you need to. A car jack and a lug wrench are essential tools to have. You should have a Phillips and flat head screwdriver and several types of wrenches. Avoid cheap tools. If you buy high quality tools, they will not break when you really need them.

Learn to change your taillights and headlights. It is easier on some vehicles than others, however no matter what type of vehicle you have it will be cheaper than hiring a mechanic for the job. Ask someone you trust if he can teach you how to fix these problems.

Now, you know that you don’t always need mechanics and their high costs to fix many basic auto repair issues. You may be able to fix your car yourself. Use the tips you have just read to get back on the road right away.