You probably think of your vehicle as one of the best things in your life because you need to to go places. You might not have the innate knowledge how to maintenance your car. Look through this article to learn how to perform maintenance on your car.

Prior to handing over your keys, be sure you have a good idea of the repair cost. If you don’t understand something, talk to the mechanic first. You probably don’t want to incur extra charges after the car has been repaired.

You don’t have to get a mechanic in for simple repairs then you need to know how to maintenance your car. There are a few things that you can fix easily yourself. Check online to find out what might be wrong with your car. If the job is not complicated, make the repairs yourself to save money.

Keep on hand all of your car’s documentation. Keep these documents in a solid folder inside your glove compartment. Repair professionals may want to see these records for repair purposes. The records can help them figure out the problem.

Before taking your vehicle to an auto repair shop, check out their online reviews. You will get a great idea of how the shop operates this way. Use this information to choose a good shop.

Ask for parts that are classified as OEM parts. These are original components from the manufacturer. It may be cheaper to take generic parts, but there’s no knowing the true quality of those parts over the many years to come. What is a cheap option now could be an expensive option later.

Don’t leave valuables in your car while you’re having it repaired. To get the job done, mechanics may have to remove your things and if something should end up missing, they cannot be held responsible. Clear out your trunk, too.

Are your headlights clean? Residue can diminish their light output. Wash them with glass cleaner and you should be able to see better.

Your repair person should be upfront and honest with you. When they don’t listen to what you say or talk to you in circles, they’re probably a scammer. Run, don’t walk, to another mechanic.

Make sure your mechanic knows how to work on your make of vehicle. Different cars require different skill sets. If you don’t think he has, go to the dealer.

It’s a great idea to consult with your friends and acquaintances when you’re in the market for a new garage or service center. Your relatives or friends may be able to tell you what they recommend so you can locate service more easily. After they give you the recommendations, be sure to research them. At least look for reviews online.

Look on your dashboard for any hazard lights that go on. Your dashboard lights warn you of potential problems. Yes, there are sometimes false positives, but it is risky to ignore these warning lights. If you do so, a problem can get worse and become more costly to fix.

You might want to get all problems checked out no matter how small you think it is. Little problems can turn into major issues if they are ignored. Nipping these problems quickly can save you expensive repairs down the road.

You should always care for your car. Simple maintenance can help you avoid the mechanic and save you money. Use this information the next time your vehicle is acting funny.