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If you're reading this, you most likely have car issues. This article will give you some great tips for preforming your own auto repairs. Many people aren't naturally suited to be mechanics, so take steps to learn teh skills you need. Keep reading to find out what you need to know.

Keep a good battery charger in your car. This is a common cause of breakdowns, and carrying a charger helps other drivers as well as yourself. Familiarize yourself with how the charger hooks up to your battery.

You should always have an emergency kit available in your vehicle. Your kit should include jumper cables, tire changing tools and maybe some extra gas. It is also wise to include a flashlight, some fresh batteries and a blanket in case your vehicle breaks down in cold weather or at night.

You need to know about all costs before handing your keys over. If you are unclear about certain things, clarification is needed before repairs are started. You surely do not want unpleasant surprises when you go to get the car.

You should keep your car's records in a handy location. You may want to have them in the glove compartment, so you can get to them easily if you need an emergency repair. Auto repair professionals likely will want to see those records. They aid in speeding up the diagnosing process.

Keep a record of every car repair. If you have more problems later, other mechanics can decipher why. Not having any repair history on the vehicle can lead to more problems for the mechanic.

pull a part Put together a small tool kit for your car and keep it in your trunk. Make sure you have something to change a tire. You will need to get a lug wrench and a jack if you don't already have them. You may ask want to get a variety of screwdrivers, ratchets, socket wrenches and the like. Always purchase quality tools. Get good, reliable tools that are not easy to break.

You should have basic tools in your car at all times. You need basic tools like a tire changing kit, and you also need other equipment. Be sure to purchase a lug wrench and a car jack if you haven't got one. You should also have good quality Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers, socket wrenches and a ratchet set, a torque wrench and an adjustable wrench. Cheap tools are not worth your money. Purchase solid tools that are resistant to breakage.

Find out how much a mechanic charges for the repair, including labor, before you hand over your keys. Read all of the small print on any contract you sign, and ask for answers to any questions you may have. You must be able to tell how the repairs are being billed to you. Are the repair times established? Some minor repairs could even be an all day job.

Check with your mechanic to see of they have experience working with the make of your vehicle. There are many similarities between vehicles but some issues are specific to certain makes and models. It may be worth the extra cost to have a specialized dealer fix a major problem with your car.

It is possible to repair taillights and headlights that have burned out. It's easy in some vehicles, and it's a lot cheaper than having someone else do it. Ask whether someone you know can show you how to fix it.

Don't have too many keychains or other items on your key fob. The ignition can't support too much weight. Particularly, if you notice that the key is hard to extract from the ignition, you need to make a change!

Car ownership means great responsibility. Sadly, people don't understand how to keep their car in great shape. The strategies you just read will help you figure out what you need to do to protect your car.