Automobile repairs are an inevitability. They can be extremely difficult to deal with. By taking the time to educate yourself on proper auto maintenance you can learn to perform your own minor car repairs and save a good chunk of money. This article is loaded with useful automotive repair tips and advice.

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Do not take your car to the first mechanic you find. You need to do some research to find a reliable mechanic with fair prices. Ask your friends and family about the mechanics they have been to in the past and check the Internet to find reviews written by other customers.

Wash your car often so you can prevent rust. Your car will rust out but you can easily delay this process by washing off salt and chemicals. Utilize quality waxes to keep the paint looking new.

If you notice your windshield wipers are not removing all the water from your windshield when it rain, you may need to replace the blades. This is a simple fix anyone can do. Measure the blades and purchase new ones from an auto supply store. Remove the old ones and snap the new ones in place.

Try to find out what is causing the a problem with your vehicle before taking it to the shop. This will save you a great deal of money and protect you against fraud. If you bring your car to a shop, you are sure to pay a hefty fee.

Make sure any mechanic you hire knows about your particular vehicle. Different cars require different skill sets. If you cannot be sure, just take the car to a dealership.

Replace your light bulbs on your own. In some vehicles, this repair is easier than in others. But, if you can do it yourself, you will save money. If you know anyone who is comfortable with cars, ask if they can show you how it’s done.

If you are planning a DIY auto repair, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete it. Start early in the day with all of the tools, parts and fluids that you will need close at hand. Remember that, no matter how well you plan, something unexpected will come up and consume your time. Avoid running out of daylight by getting an early start that will allow you to cope with the unexpected.

Some unscrupulous auto shop will replace your tires with older ones and sell your tires. Do not let the auto shop you go to trick you. Prior to taking the car in, mark your tires with a bit of chalk. After the repair is complete, check to see that the chalk is still on your tires.

Remember that where you live can have an impact on when you need to take your vehicle in for service. For example, if you only travel a short distance to work, your exhaust system may have issues as a result. If you live somewhere very hot, in contrast, you may need to look closely at your engine oil. A “one size fits all” service schedule doesn’t work for everyone.

Prior to allowing an auto repair shop to fix your car, get a written estimate of how much everything will cost. While the actual total may vary, this will give you some idea of what to expect. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. It is important to be knowledgeable when it comes to what is happening with your car.

When you take your car to an auto repair shop, try to have a good description of the problem. Just telling the mechanic the car is screwed up won’t help him or her to solve the problem. Provide details. You should know how long the problem has existed and when it occurs. Note whether or not dashboard warning lights are illuminated. Describe any sounds, smells or vibrations that accompany the problem.

As mentioned in the opening paragraph of this article, automobile repairs are an annoying inevitability. At some point or another you will need to deal with car problems. By using the tips and advice contained in this article you can fix minor car problems yourself and avoid overspending on costly service fees.