Learning what you can about auto repair may seem like a lot of work, but it’s generally not too difficult if you put some time into it. Learning more about auto repairs can help you save a lot. Learn how to repair your car yourself and avoid trips to the repair shop.

Invest in a quality battery charger and always keep it in your car. Dead batteries are a common occurrence and you’d be able to aid other drivers who have broken down. Know where the cables should be connected and how. It is sometimes different for different cars.

Never underestimate the value of keeping an emergency car kit handy. This kit should have the tools to change your tires in the case of an accident. Blankets may be added, some batteries and a flashlight for if you have a trouble with your car at night.

Purchase motor oil on sale and in discount stores and keep two or three bottles in the trunk of your car. Check your oil every time you fill your gas tank. If you find that your oil level is low, you will save lots of money by having your own oil on hand rather than purchasing it at a gas station for inflated prices.

Don’t neglect your regular maintenance. These scheduled visits are not there just to get more money from you. They are designed to make sure maintenance is done on specific components before you end up stranded on the side of the road. While you might be able to skip one or two and be okay, the damage will shorten the life of your car.

Schedule yourself extra time for free checkups, especially if you are going in on a weekend. No matter how early you get in, there are only so many bays in the garage. That means that your car may have to wait for a few paying clients before it gets looked at.

Independent garages and mechanics are usually much cheaper than dealerships. You might get a discount at your dealership if you purchased your car recently but do not make a habit of going to your dealership if you find their prices too expensive. Find out about local independent garages with a good reputation instead.

Friends and family are a good source when you are looking to get some work done on your car. Ask around to see if anyone can suggest someone to you before you go on your search. Never go with the opinion of one person. Ask a few and see what other answers you get.

Keep your car’s owner manual handy. Knowing vital car information can really help when something unexpected occurs. If you know your car’s controls, you may even avoid a trip to a mechanic. If you do need a mechanic, you should have the make, model, and trim level available so that they can figure out things like your transmission configuration, size, etc. much quicker.

Before you pay for repairs, take the car out for a spin to make sure things are working as they should. If you don’t do this, you may still have an issue after you get it home.

Do not hover over the technician while they are trying to do work on your car. It is important that you spend time with them to explain what the problem is with your vehicle, but once you have done that, leave them alone so they can do their job without any interruptions.

Keep your eye out for mechanics that do not measure up. When they don’t listen to what you say or talk to you in circles, they’re probably a scammer. You need to trust a mechanic, and if you do not feel that trust, find another one.

If your car’s electrical system is behaving strangely, try cleaning the ground cables. Auto makers use the metal body of a vehicle to act as a “ground” for the electrical system. Over time the area where this cable connects to the frame can corrode, causing a stray electrical current that can wreak havoc on your system. This cable is usually connected on the firewall or fender, so simply disconnect it and use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean the contacts.

Make sure you know where your owner’s manual is and use it! If there is a problem with your car, you will be lost without it. Sometimes, an issue is simply a result of a lack of understanding. Pick it up, read through it, and see if you can figure out what is going on.

If you have a bit of basic knowledge, you should see that car repair is not so frightening as it may have once been. You can rely on yourself and save money instead of going to the mechanic! Use the tips you’ve just read whenever your car needs some repairs.