If you own a vehicle, then you probably are aware of how frustrating an automobile problem is. However, if you learn a little about repairs and maintenance, you could find some relief in your wallet in the future. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you can’t go wrong. You’ll be well positioned to use the tips if you ever have to deal with a car breaking down.

You need to buy a good battery charger and have it in your vehicle at all times. This is a common cause of breakdowns, and carrying a charger helps other drivers as well as yourself. Learn to locate the points where you should connect the battery charger on your car.

Check your radiator often. Warm up your car a little, shut if back off and pop the hood. Never open the radiator on a running car. Use a dipstick to gauge how much radiator fluid you have, keeping in mind that most types need to be diluted with water.

Wash your car often so you can prevent rust. Cars are all destined to rust, but the process can be slowed by keeping salt and chemicals away from the paint whenever you can. Wax your car to keep paint in good condition, too.

A record of maintenance and repairs should be in your car. Put these records in the glove compartment in your car for easy access. The mechanics who work on your car might need to go through these records. This will help them assess the problem quicker and more precisely.

Beware mechanics who charge you for repairs which are unnecessary. They should contact you before doing any extra work. Don’t return to mechanics that do unnecessary repairs.

Try to get OEM parts for your car. These are original parts direct from the manufacturer. Although using generic parts may provide some short-term savings, it’s impossible to know whether or not they’ll hold up as well as OEM parts. A great deal can cost you tons down the road.

Before having repairs, see if you can diagnose the problem. This may save you a ton of money in the long run by preventing you from being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous mechanic. As you probably have heard in the past, some people that fix vehicles are lying so they’re able to get paid more.

Find a technician knowledgeable in your kind of car. Though there are lots of universal concepts, a large SUV requires different knowledge than a compact car does. If you are not confident in a local mechanic, pay a little more to get an authorized dealer to work on the car.

You may not be a mechanic, but your trunk should always have a spare tire and a jack at the very least. A majority of cars come equipped with them. You will have to spend a lot to get your car towed if you cannot change the tire right away. You can save money and have an easier time doing it on your own.

Get together a kit for car repairs that you can keep in your vehicle. You need basic tools like a tire changing kit, and you also need other equipment. You need to get yourself a lug nut wrench and a jack, as well. Your tool kit should contain these items: socket wrenches, ratcheting tools, a wrench for torque and one that is adjustable, and both a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver as well. You should not have cheap tools. Invest in quality tools that don’t break in the middle of a critical repair.

No one enjoys dealing with mechanical issues when it comes to cars. They can be expensive too. Keep reading for some tips on getting your car fixed with minimal damage to your wallet and stress level.