Auto repair may seem very complicated, especially if you don’t know where to begin. This article is the best place to begin. Keep reading to discover some auto repairs that you can do yourself to save money.

Get a good battery charger to keep in your vehicle. People commonly experience dead batteries, making battery chargers good for helping stranded drivers. Make sure you learn the points on your car where the battery charger should be connected.

Take the time to read your car manual and know the basics of how your car works. When you have to get repairs done on your car, you are going to need to be knowledgeable about your car’s information. The manual may give you information to help you easily fix a problem.

Invest in a spare tire and a jack, and keep them in your vehicle. They are included with most new vehicles. You never want to be without them, as you could end up having to pay for an expensive tow. You can save a lot by doing it yourself.

Put together an auto repair kit and keep it in your car. You should definitely have the tools necessary to change a tire, if you need to. If the necessary lug wrench and jack are missing, replace them. You should probably get a few screwdrivers with various shapes as well as different wrenches like for this kit. Never buy really cheap tools. Solid and sturdy tools are ideal so you don’t have to worry about them malfunctioning.

See if any of your friends or family members have had a positive experience at a particular auto shop. The search process can be improved with recommendations from friend and loved ones. You should still do your research however. If you don’t have a lot of time, take a minute to look online.

Take off your keychains from your car keys to reduce the weight on your ignition. You don’t want to put all that extra weight on the car’s ignition. If your keys stick, take off some of the charms!

Always shop around and get a second opinion before paying for an expensive repair. Fees can be hidden and need to be detailed. Also find out how you are to be billed. Many car dealerships may charge by “book time” which is a set rate based on how long the repair should take to do. Some “minor” repairs can take all day according the the estimates of the manufacturer.

It pays to keep track of your regularly scheduled oil changes. This will ensure that your car is running at its optimum performance. When you skip an oil change, your car’s life is shortened.

Just because it is winter does not mean you shouldn’t wash your car. Your car may get dirty again quickly, but all that buildup is terrible for your car. Salt and sand from frozen streets can cause rust spots and other flaws. If you take the time to dry the vehicle well before hitting the road again, you can stop icing from occurring.

Avoid diagnosing your own car problems. Remember, you’re not a professional. Even problems that seem simple to fix may actually be complicated, particularly in newer model cars. Let an auto repair shop diagnose the problem. Just tell them the symptoms you are experiencing, including noises or the “feel” of the car, but then let them do their job.

Having an old car can mean trip after trip to the repair shop. Avoid this by becoming aware of potential problems. This knowledge can help you save money on costly repairs. Keep this advice in mind if your car gives you problems.