There are some things that are very easy to learn on your own when it comes to repairing your car. Whether you have issues with the tires, brakes or other common problems, you can fix it yourself! Read this article for ways on using auto repair to your advantage in the future.

Schedule yourself extra time for free checkups, especially if you are going in on a weekend. No matter how early you get in, there are only so many bays in the garage. That means that your car may have to wait for a few paying clients before it gets looked at.

Ask for referrals to find a great mechanic. Can you get a recommendation from a friend or someone that you work with? You can find out about a mechanics quality of work, their price, and overall satisfaction. People will let you know if their experiences were good or bad and how honest the auto repair shop was with them.

When you top off your motor oil, avoid spilling oil on your engine by wadding up a couple of paper towels around the oil receptacle on the crank-case. This will absorb drips and spills. Be sure to dispose of your empty oil container and the paper towels responsibly when finished adding oil.

OEM parts should be asked for. These parts are the same original parts designed by the manufacturer. Generic parts may be cheaper, but the quality may not be the same as OEM parts. It can appear like a deal right now and cost twice the amount later as OEM components to begin with.

Pay attention to any red flags involving your auto repair technician. If they ignore your questions or talk in circles, you’d be wise to not use their services. It is important that you establish trust with the person who is going to fix your vehicle.

Learn about your car so you can determine the problem in advance and save money. When you self-diagnose, you avoid fraud and save money. As you probably have heard in the past, some people that fix vehicles are lying so they’re able to get paid more.

Listen for any strange noises that your car may be making. These may be popping sounds, knocks, squeals, or something else. They are definitely symptoms of some sort of issue that needs auto repair. Keep a log of when you hear them, and note the type of driving you were doing when they occurred. It will help the auto shop diagnose the issue properly.

Always ask in advance how much labor costs at that particular shop. In fact, do not give them your keys until you have a clear understanding of what you will be charged. Many times, this information is not posted in an obvious place, so it is important to know what you are getting yourself into.

A car can be a huge investment. Besides needing it for transportation to work, school or other important destinations, it makes life easier and more convenient. Take care of your car the best you can! Remember the tips in this article so you can do auto repair yourself and save money.