Smith 
The most important goal when you car needs repair is to have the repair done fast. Being stranded without a functioning car can make your life very difficult. However, it’s not usually necessary to pay a bunch of money when you need repairs. You can do many simple repairs yourself.
An emergency kit is a crucial item to have handy in your car. This kit will include the necessary tools for successfully charging a battery, changing a tire and adding gas to your tank. Blankets, matches, a flashlight, extra batteries, cans of food and some water help, too.
Before paying your mechanic for any work done, make sure to take it for a short test drive first, to make sure everything is working as it should. Many people don’t do this, and the car ends up with the same issues that were supposed to be repaired.
Keep your eye out for mechanics that do not measure up. Someone who gives vague answers to direct questions, or ignores them altogether, may not have the necessary knowledge to give you quality service. You should feel like you can trust them, so don’t fear seeing someone else.
Inspect your vehicle to figure out what is wrong before taking it to an auto shop. This may save you a ton of money in the long run by preventing you from being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous mechanic. As you probably have heard in the past, some people that fix vehicles are lying so they’re able to get paid more.
Keep an eye on the lights located on the dash, and make sure you are aware of what they all mean. These lights give you a good indication of when your vehicle needs some maintenance. If you ignore them, you could end up with expensive problems down the road.
Your car still needs to be washed during the winter, even though the weather makes it more difficult. While you may not see the need, winter is by far the harshest season for cars. Sand and salt on the roads can cause rust and corrosion. Best be sure to dry your car before driving so that you won’t let any ice form on your car.
Before going to a mechanic, educate yourself on the standard classifications of car parts. The classification of parts include new, rebuild and reconditioned, and salvage. New parts are the ones that you want to have installed on your vehicles. Used parts that have been made good as new are classified as reconditioned. They may also carry a tag as “rebuilt,” or even “re-manufactured.” Salvaged parts are those that have some wear and tear to them.
Even if you think your vehicle just has a minor issue, it pays to get it looked at just the same. Sometimes when there are small issues with your vehicle, ignoring them will only lead to the problem becoming much larger as time goes on.
Never attempt to diagnose complicated car problems on your own. You’re still new to this! What can seem like it’s simple to fix may be a lot harder, especially if the vehicle is newer. Let the auto repair shop diagnose the problem. Supply them with all the necessary information, and let them handle the final diagnosis.
It is important to get a warranty on your car when it gets repaired. This is even more important if the parts put in are pricy. When you are getting car repairs, ask about warranties on parts. Inquire as to how long it is for and get a printed copy.
If you’re not able to get your vehicle fixed because you’re tight on funds, see if you can get in contact with someone at a vocational school. Students can do car repairs under the guidance of their licensed mechanic/instructor, and you can save a lot money having your car fixed there.
It is common for folks to seek repairs for one issue, only to be told that their car has additional problems. Some shops use this tactic to try and get you to spend more money. Don’t make any hasty decisions; call around and find out if there aren’t better deals to be had.
If you discover a serious problem on your new car, be sure to contact the manufacturer. This may be something that is affecting everyone with the vehicle. Manufacturers will often fix the car in these cases.
While going to a dealer costs more, on average they are going to do a better job. The dealer’s technicians specialize in the model and make of your car. It’s easy for them to diagnose and repair any problems your car may have. There are many training programs that they have to pass to become certified.
When your car gives you trouble, you don’t necessarily have to take it to an expensive mechanic. You may be able to fix your car yourself. Make the most of this information so that you are not off the road for long.