As a car owner, you know that frustrating automobile problems are an all too common occurrence. However, if you learn a little about repairs and maintenance, you could find some relief in your wallet in the future. Use these tips to better your car’s longevity. They will be very valuable when your car has issues again.

Bring a battery charger with you in your trunk. Dead batteries are a common problem for many drivers. Additionally, having a charger with you will allow you to aid other motorists in similar need. It is also important to understand how to properly connect the charger to the battery.

Make sure to study your owners manual. You need to know the basics about your car prior to visiting with a mechanic. You may even find, when you read the manual, that what you think is an issue is easily fixed.

You should keep your car’s records in a handy location. You want these with you when you go to get repairs done; a great place to store them is the glove compartment. The auto mechanic can look at the records. They can diagnose issues quicker.

Whenever your car undergoes repairs, make sure you have the written record of what was done. Future problems can be easily solved when auto technicians have access to past records. If you do not have documentation, you may have duplicate services performed.

Make sure that you specifically request OEM parts. These are the manufacturer’s original parts. Generic are cheaper, but also less reliable. Generic parts could end up costing you more in the long run.

Always be prepared for a flat tire by having a spare tire, jack and tire iron in your vehicle at all times. Modern cars come equipped with them already. There is nothing worse than being stranded far from home and having to get an expensive tow. You can save a lot of money by performing tasks yourself.

If you need major repair work done, make sure to solicit multiple price quotes. Although shops are generally trustworthy, you may end up paying for extra repairs you don’t need. Seek out shops that are reputable and are good with your vehicle’s make and model. Such shops have a greater chance of knowing how to fix your car.

Put reminders on your calendar that tell you when to have your oil changed. Look at your car’s manual to see when the manufacturer recommends oil changes. Not getting an oil change will only shorten the life of your vehicle, so make sure that you set some type of reminder.

Checking your tire pressure can help save you money and wear and tear on tires. Inspect your tires and look for embedded rocks or small objects. If you see anything wrong with them, get the problem fixed right away. It is very dangerous driving on bad tires.

Before you drop off your car at a repair shop, take pictures of what the car looks like beforehand. A lot of shops aren’t going to strip things out of your vehicle, but some will if they are trying to make more money. To keep from having this horrible experience, make sure you document all area of your vehicle by taking clear and dated pictures.

Problems with your automobile can be very annoying, a source of great frustration. They can become expensive. When you understand the basics, you’ll find that fixing your car will be a piece of cake. Read below to get started.