Your car may be a crucial investment since you need it to get to work and back, among other places. You might not have the innate knowledge to work on your own automobile. If this applies to you, this article will teach you auto repair basics.

Before you let the mechanic work on your car, make sure that you have all of the prices down. Ask about any additional fees that may come up during the repair and any charges that you may not be aware of. This will ensure that you are not surprised when the bill comes for your car repair.

You do not have to contact a mechanic every time your car has problems. You can easily learn to perform small repairs yourself. If you want to take a chance, you can go online and do some research to pinpoint what the problem is. If the job is not complicated, make the repairs yourself to save money.

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.

When you top off your motor oil, avoid spilling oil on your engine by wadding up a couple of paper towels around the oil receptacle on the crank-case. This will absorb drips and spills. Be sure to dispose of your empty oil container and the paper towels responsibly when finished adding oil.

Keep a record of every car repair. Should your vehicle encounter other problems down the line, it will helpful for the auto technician to see past records. No records means a blank slate to go on.

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.

If your vehicle seems to be leaking fluids, start by replacing the gaskets and seals. The most common area for leaks is where different parts join together. You may not need an expensive repair if the leak stems from one of these easily replaceable areas. If the leak continues after replacement, you may have a more extensive leak.

Beware mechanics who charge you for repairs which are unnecessary. They should contact you before doing any extra work. If a mechanic does unnecessary repairs, find someone else who is more trustworthy.

Always keep some tail light tape around. You could get pulled over and get a ticket for a broken tail light. You should remove the light from your vehicle, replace the light-bulb if you need to and wrap the whole light in tape. This is a temporary fix but it is better than driving with a broken light.

Unless it is required by your car’s warranty, don’t feel obligated to use the repair shop at the dealership. There are many reputable independent auto repair shops and they are often cheaper. Ask your friends and family members for a recommendation if you are unsure which shops in your area are trustworthy.

If you are repairing your vehicle at home you must be sure to put everything that you take off of the vehicle in one safe place. One of the biggest problems that people run into is they lose a part from their car and can not put everything back together. Do not let this happen to you.

You should always pay attention to the way your car smells. An unpleasant smell is usually caused by a leak or an electrical short. It is best not to drive your car and find a mechanic who can come inspect it to determine what is causing the strong smell.

When looking for a reputable automotive repair facility, only consider certified repair shops. Certifications, such as the seal for Automotive Service Excellence, are an indication that the shop has demonstrated a basic level of competence in the field of automobile repair. While such certifications are never an absolute guarantee of good service, the odds are much higher when the establishment is certified.

Ask if you can go for a short test drive with a mechanic after getting your car fixed. Do not pay for the repairs until you are sure the issue is fixed. If you still hear the noise that caused you to bring the car to the mechanic in the first place, do not hesitate to ask for a refund.

After you pay the mechanic to replace older parts with newer ones, have them return the older parts to you. When the mechanic says no, it’s likely that he never actually replaced the part. Be wary if this occurs, and make sure to press the issue.

When looking for a repair shop or a garage, pay attention to the documents on the walls. Certified mechanics usually have the original copy of their certification framed on the wall. You should look for certifications issued by your state or by the ASE as well as proofs of insurance.

The condition a repair shop is in tells you a lot about the service you can expect from them. If everything is out of place and messy, that is the way the job may get done. Try to do business with a shop that is neat and clean and full of modern equipment.

When you take a trip to the car wash, don’t forget to clean the inside of your vehicle as well as the outside. Take a second to run the vacuum and sponge across the interior: spilled drinks can corrode the interior over time and other debris does long-term damage as well.

As you can now see, it’s important that you take care of your vehicle. Even if you only learn to do a few easy maintenance tasks, you can save a lot compared to what a mechanic would charge you. Use these tips for the next time your vehicle starts acting weird or you start worrying about it.