When you don’t know how to maintain your car, it will cost you money. You should learn about the specificities of the model you own, as well as other things. Keep reading to save money and time on auto repairs.

Be prepared for any emergency by equipping your car with a well stocked emergency kit. You ought to assemble a kit consisting of tire change tools, battery charger and a gas can. Blankets may be added, some batteries and a flashlight for if you have a trouble with your car at night.

You don’t have to get a mechanic in for simple repairs. Many things are able to be fixed easily. If you would like to try it, you can research on the problem online. If the job is a simple one, you might save a bit of money if you make repairs on your own.

To prevent your car from getting rusty, wash it consistently. All cars eventually get rusted, but the process can be delayed considerably by washing off any chemicals or salt immediately. Use a good wax to protect your paint job as much as possible.

Look at the reviews of local auto shops online. The Internet is a great resource to find out how people really feel about a certain garage. This will help you choose the best shop.

Remember that getting OEM parts is important. These parts are directly from the manufacturer of your vehicle. While generic could be a cheaper option, you don’t know how they will perform in the future. You may save in the short term, but additional failures could end up costing you big time.

Don’t leave anything of value in your car when it’s being repaired. The mechanic might have to remove certain items, and they won’t be liable if it goes missing. Remove all items from the trunk too.

Ask if your intended mechanic is experienced with the make and model of your car. Different cars require different skill sets. Do not hesitate to take your vehicle to a dealership to have experienced mechanics work on it.

Wiper blades are a very important component to your car. You need new windshield wipers if the ones you have are making noises and leaving streaks on the glass. In general, new wipers should be put on your car about every twelve months.

Before going with a particular shop, get auto repair feedback from your friends. Your loved ones may give you some recommendations to simplify your search. Still, you should do some research on the shops they recommend. Online reviews can give you a quick overview of anyone that you have in mind.

Before taking your car to a repair shop, take pictures of the areas that need to be fixed. Some shops strip vehicles and resell the newer parts. It is in your best interest to have documentation of your vehicle’s condition, just in case.

Bring your car to the auto repair shop immediately if you sense a problem, no matter how small. Often times, ignoring small issues lead directly to more serious ones.

As discussed above, learning a few things about auto repair can help you fix small problems yourself and save a lot of money. You can be a lot more self-sufficient using this knowledge, and this could help your wallet out too! Do not forget the advice here so you can fix your car yourself.