It is time for you to get serious about car repair so that you’re not getting into situations that you don’t want to be in. Perhaps you want to learn more of what you can do personally or know how to better find a good auto repair shop. Whatever the case may be, it’s time to get started.

Consider keeping a high quality battery charger in your car. This is a common cause of breakdowns, and carrying a charger helps other drivers as well as yourself. Learn how to connect your car to the batter charger.

Never underestimate the value of keeping an emergency car kit handy. You should put together a kit that includes the tools you need to change a tire, charge your battery and put more gas in your tank. Consider having blankets, batteries and a flashlight for unexpected nighttime break downs.

Be sure to read your owner’s manual to find out what kinds of fluids (oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, steering fluid) your car needs and to learn how to check and top these off yourself. Keep a few bottles of each fluid in the trunk of your car in case of emergencies.

When you are in need of an auto repair, shop around to make sure that you get the best deal. Go to at least three different repair shops to get a quote. If anyone charges something that is unrealistically low or high, you should seek someone else to do the job.

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.

Ask a technician if they are A.S.E. certified before you agree to have them work on your vehicle. If they have this certification, it means they have passed a written test and have worked in the industry for at least 2 years. You will know that you are getting someone skilled by choosing someone with this.

Take action if you believe a garage or dealership ripped you off. Notify one of the manager and give them a chance to issue a refund. If you are still not satisfied, contact your local Better Business Bureau to file a complaint. Your city or state consumer affair office is also a good resource.

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.

Replacing a burnt-out headlight or taillight is much cheaper when you do it by yourself. It is simpler to do in certain vehicles, but it is much less expensive than hiring someone else to do it. Ask someone you know if they can instruct you on how to do it.

Never forget about your wiper blades. If you notice your wiper blades leaving streaks on your windshield, or they chatter, then it is time to obtain new blades. You should replace wiper blades at least once a year or more often if you live in an area where rain is commonplace or if you notice your wiper blades are worn out.

Whenever you fill your gas tank, check the pressure of your tires. Make sure there are no objects embedded in your tires at the same time. It is important to get your tires fixed right away if there is something wrong. You don’t want to have to drive around with bad tires.

Prior to leaving your car for a diagnosis, ask the repair shop about any fees associated with it. The auto repair shop absolutely has the right to charge a diagnosis fee, in fact it’s pretty standard. Though, if it seems out of line with other prices in your area, you may want to go to another shop.

Remember that where you live can have an impact on when you need to take your vehicle in for service. For example, if you only travel a short distance to work, your exhaust system may have issues as a result. If you live somewhere very hot, in contrast, you may need to look closely at your engine oil. A “one size fits all” service schedule doesn’t work for everyone.

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.

Pay close attention to your car while you are parked at a service station while traveling. There are many people that will do damage to your car then claim they can help you fix it for a fee. If you are traveling with someone, make sure that one of you stays in the car at all times.

For things that aren’t too difficult to repair, like putting fluids in your car, you should be afraid to take care of these things. There is no need for an auto mechanic to do simple maintenance jobs. Find out how to perform a repair and get down to it.

Do you feel like you know more of what to do now when you’re facing a problem with your vehicle. Do not panic! Instead, focus on finding the right solution based on the tips that have been presented to you in this article. You will find out that you will be successful.