If you lack fundamental auto repair knowledge, your car may begin to drain your wallet. Besides familiarizing yourself with the particular model that you own, there are other tricks you can learn. Keep reading to save money and time later.

Know what the repair is going to cost you before handing over your keys. If you aren’t sure about anything, ask for clarification. You don’t want to get the car back, only to be shocked at how much the repairs cost you.

Ask your mechanic is he is familiar with working on your car. If yes, then you can trust them with your car.

It is a good idea to use referrals to find a decent mechanic. Talk to anyone you know and get recommendations from them. They will be able to give you a heads up about satisfaction, quality and price. These people will be able to inform you of their experience with the mechanic.

Look out for obvious “red flags” when dealing with a new auto repair company. If a mechanic is not giving you straight answers or cannot explain repairs in details, you should keep looking. Make sure that you trust the person that you are working with.

See if you can predetermine your vehicle’s issue prior to attending at the mechanics. You will not be duped, and you can save tons of money when you find out the problem yourself. Mechanics sometimes will cost you an arm and a leg for unnecessary repairs.

Put together an auto repair kit and keep it in your trunk. For instance, if anything dealing with tire changes came with the car, have this in your car. A lug wrench and a jack are essential. You should probably get a few screwdrivers with various shapes as well as different wrenches like for this kit. Never buy really cheap tools. Get high quality tools that will be able to withstand the test of time.

You do not always have to have your dealer repair your car. You should be able to find reliable mechanics in your area, either by going to a repair shop or an independent garage. Whoever makes you feel most comfortable is the person who should be doing the car repairs.

Doing repairs on your own can be hazardous. Always have somebody nearby to help you just in case of an emergency. Get high-quality tools that will not break while you’re working. This is very true for things such as tire changing tools. Make sure that the jack in your car can securely hold up the vehicle so you are safe while using it. Err on the side of caution with a hydraulic floor jack, specifically one that has safety-tested and approved stands.

OEM is the Manufacturer’s Original Equipment. You need to know this when replacing parts. Talking about OEM parts makes you look knowledgeable. There will be far less danger of receiving used parts.

As mentioned earlier, learning some basic repairs for your car has many long-term benefits. Besides being able to teach others and rely on yourself when you have car trouble, you can save lots of money. Keep these tips in mind; you may even be able to do minor repairs on your own.