Your car is probably one of your most important possessions, since you depend on it to get you to and from work (among other places). Maybe you wish to learn more about cars and their repair. Look through this article to learn how to perform maintenance on your car.

Verify that any prospective mechanic has earned an A.S.E. certification. This type of certification means two years experience and also a passed written test. That way, you can have the best mechanics working on your car.

Bring a battery charger with you in your trunk. Dead batteries are a very common problem for all car owners. Not only will you be able to charge up your battery, you can also help others whose battery has broken down. It is also important to understand how to properly connect the charger to the battery.

You should wash your car often to avoid rust. While cars are going to rust eventually, you can definitely slow this down by ensuring all chemicals are cleaned off your car as quickly as possible. A good wax can help you keep your paint job protected well.

Keep all of your car records handy. A good place to keep these records in the glove box, so you can produce them on demand when talking to a mechanic. The mechanics who work on your car might need to go through these records. They can find problems much quicker that way.

Do an online search of reviews about your local automotive repair shop. This is a good way of getting an idea on what other customers think of the mechanic’s skills and customer service. After gathering information, you can select the right shop for you.

Remember that getting OEM parts is important. These are original components from the manufacturer. Although using generic parts may provide some short-term savings, it’s impossible to know whether or not they’ll hold up as well as OEM parts. Although you save money in the short term with generic parts, its not really a deal if they have to be replaced again in a few years.

Fixing a headlight or a taillight by yourself is very easy. It’s easier to do in some cars, but it’s more cost effective than hiring a mechanic. Ask a friend if they can show you how it should be done.

Memorize each light and symbol on your dash instrument panel. When one lights up, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with. They were put there for your assistance, so use them for that. Whatever problem they are indicating will only get worse the longer you ignore it.

It’s wise to get car issues checked out, even when you think they’re minor. Little problems can turn into major issues if they are ignored. Nipping these problems quickly can save you expensive repairs down the road.

It is important to check your warranty when you are having your car repaired, especially if you need very expensive parts. Be sure and ask the mechanic what the warranty is on the parts that they have ordered. See how long they should last and request a contract, too.

Lots of shady shops are willing to take tires and put cheap ones on instead. They profit from your oblivion. Therefore, always put a little chalk on them so you can identify your tires. If you don’t have the chalk on your tires still when you pick the car up, then you know things aren’t right.

Transmission Fluid

Don’t trust any claims that a part will last you a lifetime. Most of the time this is just a way for them to get their hands on more of your money. Some cars may come with transmission fluid guaranteed for a “lifetime”. Transmission fluid needs to be changed every 80K miles or so.

Bleed your brakes after your work is done on them. After bleeding your breaks, make sure that you pump your brake fluid. Look for leaks and make sure the fluid will not run out. You should then be ready to take your car for a spin down less-busy roads. Start slow to ensure nothing is wrong.

Find out more about AAA to ensure your repairs are on the up and up. From getting a tow truck fast to dealing effectively with a garage, AAA can provide drivers with tons of assistance. You can even get discounts for repair costs from AAA.

Getting your car fixed at the dealer’s mechanic can cost more, but it if often the best choice. The mechanics at the dealership are experts in the type of vehicle you have. In addition, they will better know what can go wrong and thus fix it quicker. They also undergo regular training programs.

It is important not to neglect your car. Learning about the simplest of repairs can help you save money. Apply what you’ve just learned here, and you’ll be confident making repairs going forward.