It’s not easy to figure out how to fix your car. Don’t get of track from the start, rather, learn everything there is to know about auto repair by reading the article below. You will be educated by what you learn and how easy it is to learn.

Be sure that you have an A.S.E. certified mechanic before they are allowed to work on your vehicle. This certification means that the technician has passed a written test and has over 2 years of experience under his or her belt. You will then know that you are dealing with a trained professional.

You absolutely need a good emergency kit inside your vehicle. This kit should consist of tire changing tools, jumper cables, and an empty container that is appropriate for re-fueling your gas tank. Also, add a flashlight, some batteries, and some blankets in case there is a nighttime breakdown.

Prior to paying for any repairs you’ve had done, you should go on a drive to figure out if it was really fixed. A lot of people forget to test drive their vehicle and pay for repairs that did not really fix their problem.

If your headlights look dimmer than they used to, be sure they’re clean. Dirt from driving can build up on your headlights and block some light. Wash them with glass cleaner and you should be able to see better.

Your car key should not have tons of fluffy keychains on it. Your car’s ignition is simply not designed to hold all that weight, even if it may not seem that heavy to you. If the key starts to stick, its time to replace the tumblers and say goodbye to your troll buddy!

Know what the lights on the dashboard mean. These lights give you a good indication of when your vehicle needs some maintenance. Problems will worsen if you simply ignore them.

Change your oil at least once every couple of months to stay safe. It is essential to have your oil changed so that your engine runs properly and and works at its peak performance. If you don’t change it, your car could stop working much earlier than expected.

If you need collision repair, it is smart to take photos before you give your car to the body shop. Sometimes shady mechanics supplement their income by stripping a car of its more expensive parts. It is in your best interest to have documentation of your vehicle’s condition, just in case.

Even if your car only seems to have a small issue going on, you should definitely have it looked at. A seemingly small problem may grow into a major one if don’t pay attention to it.

Check that your mechanic has all of the needed certifications. The NIAE seal of approval is a good sign. This will tell you if they are properly trained and will provide you with quality service.

Take your time and use what you have learned here when you deal with auto repairs in the future. Never let a lack of information scare you or cause you to spend unnecessary amounts of money. Take the initiative to learn more about your car, the common mechanical issues and who the reputable dealers are.