Nothing beats the freedom you have being a car owner. There are no boundaries on your travels. But, your car can also stop running at any time, meaning you could be stranded somewhere. Use these tips to get your car back on the road.

Never underestimate the value of keeping an emergency car kit handy. This kit should consist of tire changing tools, jumper cables, and an empty container that is appropriate for re-fueling your gas tank. A few blankets, flashlights and spare batteries are also great to have.

Read the manual for your car and make notes of important pages. When you show up to a mechanic’s shop, you are going to have to explain some information about your car. What you think may be an issue, may not be at all according to the manual.

If you’re having major service performed by an auto repair shop, always get more than one estimate for the job being done. While most mechanics can be trusted, you might wind up being charged more than is necessary. Shop around for shops with a good reputation and experience in your vehicle’s make. They may have an easier time understanding what needs to be done to your car.

Use your friends as referrals before you choose an auto repair shop. You may have less of a search to do if they can give you the name of someone great. You should still do your research however. Read online reviews, and check with the Better Business Bureau as well.

Take all the fluffy and fun key chains off, or remove the car key. The ignition in your car can’t withstand too much extra weight, even if that weight doesn’t seem excessive to you. Heavy keys become sticky keys which leads to tumbler replacement.

Monitor your dashboard lights regularly. They were put there for your assistance, so use them for that. If you ignore them, the problem can get worse.

Every time you get gas, you should also check the pressure of your tires. Verify that there are no nails or debris sticking out. If there appears to be a problem, have it checked out as soon as possible. You don’t want to drive around with damaged tires.

It is often best to get minor issues checked by a qualified professional if you are not sure how to fix them. Small issues can often turn into larger ones.

There are no auto parts that will work forever, so don’t believe any claims to the contrary. This is only a sales tactic that allows them to charge more. One example is that some vehicles say their transmission fluid will last a lifetime. While this does not need to be changed as often as typical fluid, you should still change it every 80,000 miles or so.

AAA is an excellent ally to have on your side when you’ve got auto repair issues. AAA is beneficial in times where you need a tow or have to face repair shops You can often find discounts on an annual AAA membership if you shop around.

Ask your mechanic if he can wait a few hours for you to think about getting your car fixed after getting a diagnosis and a quote. Contact other shops or dealerships and compare what they would charge for repairs suggested by the first mechanic. If there is a cheaper price elsewhere, then you need to go to that shop.

Getting your vehicle fixed does not necessarily mean you will have to spend a fortune on repairs. DIY fixes are often simple and cheap. The information you read in this article will help you to repair your car yourself.