If your car has issues, you can feel lost with how to proceed. If you are not knowledgeable in the topic of auto repair, then you need to educate yourself on it. Luckily, the article below has helpful tips so that you can start right away.

Do not assume you have been ripped-off by your mechanic because of the high price of your bill. Some parts are very expensive to replace, including engines, transmission systems or dashboard computers. You should ask your mechanic about the cost of the parts he had to put in your car.

Every time you have your car fixed, regardless of the reason, you should take note of it. This will help the technician when you get future repairs on your car. You might end up paying more if you don’t have them, because it will be more difficult to diagnose the issue.

The Automotive Service Excellence logo is a sign that you have found a good mechanic. Mechanics have to successfully pass an exam and maintain an excellent record to receive this logo. Not all good mechanics get this certification but you should still try finding a mechanic who is ASE certified.

Invest in a spare tire and a jack, and keep them in your vehicle. A majority of cars come equipped with them. You never want to be without them, as you could end up having to pay for an expensive tow. Changing that tire yourself can save you the cost of towing.

Always have a repair kit located in your car; you can put one together yourself. You need to include a complete tire changing kit. Buy a jack if your car does not already have one equipped. Also, it is wise to have screwdrivers, a ratchet set, Phillips head screwdrivers and wrenches. Don’t waste your money by purchasing cheap tools. Solid and sturdy tools are ideal so you don’t have to worry about them malfunctioning.

Save some money by using your local auto parts store’s diagnostic equiptment. Many are more than happy to let their customers use it because you may then purchase parts at their store. You benefit because you may have a small problem you can fix or you can just tell your mechanic what you want done.

Changing a car battery is quick and easy. It usually involves unfastening a clip on top of the battery and using a wrench to loosen and remove the connectors. (Naturally, you should do this with your engine off!) Brush the connectors clean with a wire brush. Lift out the old battery and put the new battery in its place. Fasten the connectors securely and refasten the clasp. You should be good to go!

Stick with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components. If your car needs parts, choose OEM parts over generic ones. For optimum performance, you should have the OEM parts that are up to the manufacturer’s standards. While generic parts are cheaper, they’re generally a lower quality than the original ones. This means that you may pay more later for replacements.

Avoid rebuilt parts if possible. These parts are usually more affordable than new ones but you have no way of knowing how reliable the repairs are. Rebuilt parts have usually been into an accident or stopped working at some point and were salvaged and rebuilt. It is best to invest in newer part that have never been damaged in the past.

Many auto repair shops will tell you that you need your fuel injectors replaced when you do not. This is a way to get some more money from you. The proper time to replace them is after every 35,000 miles of driving. If anyone tells you that it needs to be done sooner, look for someone else to do your auto repairs.

Understand the billing process at the auto repair shop you go to. In many cases, you could get a bill for labor based on how long the manufacturer thinks it will take to repair your car. Be clear about how it works at whatever shop you take your car to.

If a part on your car has to be replaced, get an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part. If you want your car to run at the highest possible level, it is important not to just put any old generic part in your vehicle. While OEM parts cost more, they are worth it in the end.

Not many people look at their car’s manual. You should review this manual and learn how to use it so you can locate useful information quickly. After reading this manual, you can perform a lot of repairs yourself.

The panic and confusion that follows a car breaking down is something that many dread. If you do not fully understand auto repairs, you could have difficulties knowing how to get your car repaired right. Hopefully, you’ve gained the knowledge that you needed by reading this article.