Every driver should have some basic understanding of auto repair. However, a great number of people do not even know the basics of auto repair. This article contains several great tips you can use to keep your car running perfectly.

Battery Charger

Bring a battery charger with you in your trunk. Dead batteries are a common problem, and you should always have a charger or cables on you at all times. Learn to locate the points where you should connect the battery charger on your car.

Ask the technician at the repair shop you are considering if they have done work on the same make and model of vehicle before. If they say that they have, this should be a good indicator that they have some idea of what needs to be done to get your car back into shape.

Referrals will lead you to a great mechanic. You can ask anyone you trust, from your hairdresser to your family. You can learn about the quality of work, the pricing and if they were satisfied with the service. You can use their experiences to determine whether a mechanic is honest or not.

You should keep your car’s records in a handy location. You may want to have them in the glove compartment, so you can get to them easily if you need an emergency repair. Professional mechanics will ask to review the records. They help them figure out what’s wrong quickly.

Keep a record of any vehicle repairs. If you have more problems later, other mechanics can decipher why. If you don’t have these kinds of records it could cost you more because you won’t be able to locate the problems quickly.

Look out for any mechanics that add unnecessary repairs. All reputable mechanics will notify you before doing any repairs and will inform you of any parts that could require repairs in the immediate future. Don’t go back to mechanics who made unneeded repairs.

Consider using OEM parts. These are original parts direct from the manufacturer. It’s cheaper to get the generic parts, but the quality may not be the same. You may save in the short term, but additional failures could end up costing you big time.

Put together a small tool kit for your car and keep it in your trunk. Basic tools that should be included are tire changing tools. You will need to get a lug wrench and a jack if you don’t already have them. You need both types of screw drivers, a ratchet set, torque wrench, and socket wrenches. Never skimp when buying tools. You want tools that are reliable and up to the task at hand.

When your headlights or taillights burn out, you can save a lot of money on repairs if you do it yourself. It is simple to do on some cars and can save you a lot of money. Ask whether someone you know can show you how to fix it.

A mechanic who has his own shop is worth considering. When they are certified and have experience, they may be worth hiring. You could save a lot of money this way.

Your financial responsibilities are only just beginning when you purchase a car. Unfortunately, some people do not know how to find affordable auto repair or make their own repairs. Take a second to read over all of the concepts discussed above and you will have what is required to maintain a running vehicle for years to come.