Smith 
It can be costly, time-consuming and stressful to deal with auto repairs if you don’t know a lot about the subject. On top of getting familiar with your specific model, you also need to learn other tricks. Read these tips to save time and money.
One of the most important qualifications to look for in a mechanic is the ASE certification. This means the technician has completed a test and has more than two years of experience. This also means that you have an experience, knowledgeable repair person working on your car.
You need to buy a good battery charger and have it in your vehicle at all times. Having a dead battery can leave you stranded in some pretty terrible places. Be sure you know how to correctly connect the charger clamps to your battery and the battery you are charging.
There are certain repairs that you can do yourself. Some repairs are easy to make. If you wish to take a shot at it yourself, get online and see if you’re able to figure out what’s going on. Simple repairs that do not require special tools can be done by yourself, and can save you money.
Wash your car often so you can prevent rust. All cars will rust up eventually, but you may delay it considerably by ensuring all chemicals and salts are washed off quickly. Waxing your car helps protect the paint.
Keep a record of every car repair. If you have problems with your vehicle later on, you will find it helpful to have some records for the next technician to look at. No records means a blank slate to go on.
Check online reviews for any mechanic you’re considering. This can inform you of how the general public views their customer service skills as well as how well they do when it comes to solving the problem. You can find a place you feel comfortable enough with to fix your car.
Be careful of mechanics who will do unnecessary work on your vehicle. A mechanic that is good will notify you of parts that show signs of deterioration and will soon need replacement, but they shouldn’t replace it without having your approval. Don’t trust a mechanic who has done repairs without asking.
If your headlights look dimmer than they used to, be sure they’re clean. Different substances from the road will accumulate on the glass of the headlights. This will block a portion of the light. Cleaning your lights with a glass cleaner will allow them to perform better.
Watch out for blatant signs that your mechanic is not to be trusted. If a mechanic is not giving you straight answers or cannot explain repairs in details, you should keep looking. It is important that you establish trust with the person who is going to fix your vehicle.
Put together an auto repair kit and keep it in your car. Your car came with equipment needed for changing a tire. Get a lug wrench and jack if you do not have one yet. Also, it is wise to have screwdrivers, a ratchet set, Phillips head screwdrivers and wrenches. You should not have cheap tools. Buy quality ones that you are sure won’t fail when you really need them.
Wiper Blades
Do not neglect 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. Wiper blades ought to be replaced yearly. If your area is rainy or blades become worn, they may need to be replaced more frequently.
Not many people invest the time in reading their car’s owner manual. It is important to read over the information in your manual and become acquainted with it. The manual has information related to keeping the vehicle maintained, as well as on how to make small repairs.
Bleed your brakes after fixing them. After this step, pump the fluid of the brake. Test for leaks to be sure the fluid won’t run out. Having done all this, you are ready to start your test drive on a road with minimal traffic. Go slow to make sure the repair is holding before you speed up.
If you want to be sure that someone is there for you if you need repairs, AAA may be able to help. This is a great service to have when you are stranded and need help. You can even get discounts for repair costs from AAA.
When you get a diagnosis of your vehicle’s problem, think about what you want to do before you commit to any repairs. Call other garages or dealerships and ask how much they would charge you for the kind of repairs the first mechanic is advocating. If you find someone that can repair your car for less, pay the first mechanic for the diagnosis only and have your car repaired elsewhere.
Listen to any sounds your vehicle makes. These sounds can tell you a lot about the problems that your car is having. Describing the sound can help your mechanic.
Do not add water to the car’s windshield washer reservoir. Water might work sufficiently to clean the windshield, but the car’s system is meant to handle only washer fluid. Check the reservoir regularly, about as often as you check the oil and fluid levels. Do not ignore the compartment when it seems like it is empty.
Spend time learning the ins and outs of your car and how it works. Don’t always rely on auto mechanics if issues occur, but only if you’ve learned about the issue yourself. This allows you to save a lot on the long term and even help your friends with their cars.
As this article has explained, you should achieve a lot of benefits if you put forth the effort to learn more about auto repair. Besides teaching your skills to others and fixing your car problems yourself, it is also a great way to save money. Keep these tips in mind; you may even be able to do minor repairs on your own.