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Since you use your car to travel, it's more than likely important to you. Perhaps you're not sure if you know enough about cars, but are willing to learn. Look through this article to learn how to perform maintenance on your car.

Get a good battery charger to keep in your vehicle. Having a car battery die is a common problem, so keeping a battery charger in your car can help you and others in this situation. Learn to locate the points where you should connect the battery charger on your car.

When you arrive at a repair shop, don't be afraid to ask questions. You should ask things specific to the problem that has arisen and how you can take preventive action going forward. Preventing issues can save you a lot of money.

Be aware of all of the costs prior to handing your keys over to the mechanic. If something is not clear, clarify it with the service adviser or mechanic before starting any repair on the car. Don't end up surprised by extra fees.

Referrals are your best best when searching for a trustworthy mechanic. Talk to your friends and family and ask if they have any recommendations. This allows you to ask about the price, quality of work and satisfaction. You can find out about the experience with a mechanic and if they can be trusted or not.

Be careful that your mechanic does not attempt to perform unneeded repairs. A reputable mechanic will let you know when they see something else wrong with your vehicle and they'll give you options as to how to proceed. Never give your repeat business to a auto technician who preforms unnecessary repairs.

If your headlights look dimmer than they used to, be sure they're clean. Dirt and grease buildup can significantly dull your headlights. Clean your car's headlights and taillights with a glass cleaner.

If your car needs major repairs, get multiple quotes for the necessary repair. The shop you've gone to may be trying to rip you off. Find a shop that has a reputation for deal with your make of car. Shops like these understand your car through and through.

Prior to picking an auto repair shop, speak with people you know regarding their experiences with shops. Friends and family can help with recommendations. After they give you the recommendations, be sure to research them. At the minimum, take a look online to see what others are saying about the shop as well.

You should not have a lot of heavy items on your keychain. You don't want to put all that extra weight on the car's ignition. Heavy keys become sticky keys which leads to tumbler replacement.

It can be dangerous to repair vehicles on your own. Have someone assist you and make sure they are ready to react to emergencies. Buy some good quality tools that will last. When it comes to the tools you use to change a tire, this is vital. The jack needs to be reliable so you are safe when you go under the car. Buy an adequate hydraulic floor jack that has approved jack stands.

You need to learn more about different car parts before taking your vehicle to a repair shop. Learn the difference between rebuilt parts, salvage parts, and new parts. Parts that are new are recently created to fit manufacturer specifications. Rebuilt or reconditioned parts are basically ones that have been restored and now are working well. Salvage parts are used.

When you have a problem with your car that seems to be a minor issue, more times than not, it's a wise choice to get it checked out by a professional. A small problem could be a symptom of a larger issue.

Unfortunately, some repair shops aren't honest. They will take off your tires, only to put others on that aren't as good. They feel they can get money from your ignorance. Prior to entering, mark your tires with chalk. When you pick up the vehicle, make sure that the chalk is still present, otherwise you have been scammed.

Car care is priority one. Learning about the simplest of repairs can help you save money. Take these tips to heart, and pull this article back out whenever you need to.