Your car may be your most valuable possession, because you need it to travel to every place you go to. You might not know enough about cars to feel comfortable servicing small repairs. This article can help you learn more, even enable you to do some maintenance tasks yourself.

One of the most important qualifications to look for in a mechanic is the ASE certification. Mechanics can obtain the ASE certification by taking a test and having more than two years of experience. This is a good way of finding a qualified mechanic who will care about doing a good job so they can keep their certification.

A breakdown can happen at any time, so it is important to have an emergency kit somewhere in your car. It should have tire changing tools, a battery charger and tools to top up your gas tank. In the event that your car were to break down in the middle of the night on a deserted road, bring blankets, batteries, and a flashlight.

Ask for the charge total before giving mechanics your keys. You want to make sure that you understand each and every charge, and if you do not then you need to clarify and ask questions before any work is done. Don’t find yourself stuck with extra charges later.

Ask for referrals to find a great mechanic. See if co-workers, friends, neighbors, or family members have any recommendations. Ask about the quality of the work, what it cost and what perks were offered. Avoid the mechanics who overcharged your friends or were not honest with them.

Familiarize yourself with your car’s manual. 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.

Keep track of all the repairs and maintenance you do on your vehicle. Keep these documents in a solid folder inside your glove compartment. Professional mechanics will ask to review the records. They will be able to find the problem easier and faster.

Keep a record of every car repair. When another issue crops up, this record will allow you to provide the history to the mechanic. These records will make identifying issues much easier to diagnose and will save you time and money.

You ought to always have a spare and a jack in the car. Typically, if you have recently purchased a car, you should have these items already. There is nothing worse than being stranded far from home and having to get an expensive tow. Changing that tire yourself can save you the cost of towing.

If you have to have a big repair done, get multiple estimates. The shop you’ve gone to may be trying to rip you off. Try and locate a shop that specializes in servicing your particular type of car. You will get much better results if you go to a reliable auto shop.

If your taillight or headlight burns out, you may save a ton repairing them yourself. Some vehicles have a simpler system than others, but you can save a lot by doing it yourself regardless of how complex your system is. Ask for help from friends and family.

Do not hand the keys over until you have talked both price and the rates for labor. Ask questions until you are sure you have clear answers. It is crucial that you understand exactly how you will be billed for repairs. They may be from a manual written by the car’s manufacturer. Some minor repairs could even be an all day job.

Since your car is so important, taking care of it is crucial. By learning the simplest maintenance, such as performing your own oil changes, you can save a lot of cash. Apply this advice when car issues hit, and you will be just fine.