Having a vehicle of your own gives you a vast amount of freedom and control. You can go wherever you want, at any time you want. This does mean that it could break down at bad times and leave you stranded. These following tips can get your car back on the road again.

You might not need a mechanic to fix your car problem. Many things can be easily fixed. You can take your chances by going on the Internet to find some information to see if you can locate the problem. If the repair is not difficult, you can fix it yourself and save a lot of money.

Get referrals to find a great auto mechanic. Ask co-workers, friends and family for recommendations. They will be able to give you a heads up about satisfaction, quality and price. These people will be able to inform you of their experience with the mechanic.

Keep good records for your car’s history. Keep these records in the glove compartment in the event that you need to make an emergency stop at your mechanic’s shop. Auto service experts may need to refer to them. They aid in speeding up the diagnosing process.

Get OEM components. OEM parts are parts that are made by the manufacturer. Generic parts may be cheaper, but the quality may not be the same as OEM parts. You may save in the short term, but additional failures could end up costing you big time.

Do not leave any items in your vehicle if you are taking it to be repaired. The technicians may have to move out these things to fix your car, and they cannot be held liable if anything goes missing. The same is true of your trunk or the bed of your truck.

Watch out for blatant signs that your mechanic is not to be trusted. If they talk to you in circles or they don’t pay attention to your questions, you may not be dealing with the best person. Find a mechanic who seems trustworthy and knows how to answer all your questions.

Keep a DIY tool kit in your trunk. You should have basic tools such as equipment to change a tire, fix a flat, add oil and a gallon of water. If the necessary lug wrench and jack are missing, replace them. You should also include a screwdriver set, a ratchet set, an adjustable wrench and a torque wrench. Cheap tools are not worth your money. Get high quality tools that will be able to withstand the test of time.

Get multiple estimates if you’re in need of major service. Although most auto shops are reliable, you don’t want to pay too much. Find shops that specialize in the job that your car needs. These repair shops are better equipped to understand and repair any problem your car has.

Replacing your own taillights and headlights is an easy way to save money. It’s easier to do in some cars, but it’s more cost effective than hiring a mechanic. If you are not confident, ask a friend or family member if they can help you.

You do not need to spend a fortune to get your car fixed if it breaks down. A lot of the time you will be able to fix a problem by yourself. Utilize the tips that have been given you so that you can have a running vehicle.