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Getting a vehicle repaired is one thing that a lot of people seem to be afraid of getting into. You need to learn more about auto repairs to make sure you are taking good care of your vehicle. Use the tips here to help you either fix the issue yourself, or to find an experienced mechanic who will not take you to the cleaners. my latest blog post

An emergency kit is a must for your car. You ought to assemble a kit consisting of tire change tools, battery charger and a gas can. For night time breakdowns, make sure to include warm blankets and a flashlight with extra batteries.

Be aware of all of the costs prior to handing your keys over to the mechanic. Should you need clarification about the repairs, speak with the service manager or your mechanic before work begins. This will give you a good idea of what you will be paying.

When choosing a mechanic, ask if they've worked on your model of car before. If they have, there is a good chance they will be able to repair your car.

Before you bring your car to a repair shop, try to determine what is wrong with your car. Being able to diagnose the problem, even if you can't fix it, can help you from being fleeced by an unscrupulous mechanic. As you have probably heard, there are mechanics out there that will be dishonest so they can charge you more money.

Asking around for recommendations is a great opportunity to locate a mechanic you can trust. Ask co-workers, friends and family for recommendations. Ask about the quality of the work, what it cost and what perks were offered. People will let you know how their experience went.

Never leave anything in your car when dropping it off for repairs. The mechanic may need to remove these items in order to do their job, and they are not responsible if you find out later that something is missing. The same is true of your trunk or the bed of your truck.

Cute keychains are fun, but they are not healthy for your car. The ignition cannot hold the weight of a big key chain. If your key begins sticking, the tumblers need replacing.

Assemble a DIY auto repair tool kit to keep in the trunk of your car. For instance, if anything dealing with tire changes came with the car, have this in your car. A good lug wrench and jack are key. You should probably get a few screwdrivers with various shapes as well as different wrenches like for this kit. You should not have cheap tools. Instead, you should obtain solid tools that don't break whenever you really need them.

If you're having major service performed by an auto repair shop, always get more than one estimate for the job being done. Most shops are honest, but some are not. Find a shop that specializes in your particular make of car. These types of shops will give you the best bang for your buck.

Monitor your dashboard lights regularly. Your dashboard lights warn you of potential problems. If you ignore them, the problem will only become worse than it is now.

Auto repairs are an annoying thing to deal with. They can also be very expensive too. Your car will be running smoothly and you can save money if you remember these tips.