If you don’t know anything about basic car care and maintenance you can end up unnecessarily wasting a lot of money on repair costs. There is more you can do besides being familiar with the make and model of your car. Continue reading so that you can save yourself both time and money.

Always ask lots of questions at the shop where you are getting your car repaired. You should ask things specific to the problem that has arisen and how you can take preventive action going forward. Preventing vehicle issues is a great way of saving money annually.

Keep good records for your car’s history. A good place to keep these records in the glove box, so you can produce them on demand when talking to a mechanic. The auto mechanic will need to refer to these records. Good documentation can help diagnose problems a lot faster.

Keep a record when your car is fixed or maintained. If further issues develop later, the mechanic may want to see the historical documentation of what has already been done. Not having any repair history on the vehicle can lead to more problems for the mechanic.

When getting auto repairs, take all items out of your car. They will likely be taken out and may be lost. Empty both the trunk and glove compartment.

Watch out for blatant signs that your mechanic is not to be trusted. If you’re receiving double-talk when you ask them a question, they are probably not the mechanic for you. Only choose someone you trust.

Has your mechanic worked on your model of vehicle before? Cars vary greatly by make and model so it is important that your mechanic is familiar with your make and model of car. Do not hesitate to take your vehicle to a dealership to have experienced mechanics work on it.

Wiper Blades

Your wiper blades need TLC. You need new windshield wipers if the ones you have are making noises and leaving streaks on the glass. Wiper blades should be replaced at a minimum of once per year, or more than that if you reside in a particularly wet climate.

Ask about labor rates and prices before giving the keys to a shop. Some shops have these costs in conspicuous places, so you need to carefully read and ask any questions you have if something doesn’t make sense. You will need to know what to expect on the final bill. Some service shops have estimated times for repair, establish by the manufacturers. Even a minor job might take all day.

Make sure that you remind yourself of how often your oil needs to be changed. You can put yourself in danger if you do not get your oil changed regularly. If your oil is not changed on a regular basis, your car may not last as long as it could.

As mentioned earlier, there are many benefits to learning about the basics of auto repair. You can teach others repair techniques and perform repairs on your own car to save money. Keep these tips in mind; you may even be able to do minor repairs on your own.