If you’re reading this, you are probably having car issues right now. Luckily, this piece is meant to help. The majority of people are not born with lots of mechanical and auto repair skills, and therefore it is important to learn everything possible about the subject. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about auto repairs.

Wash your car regularly to prevent rust from becoming a problem. Your car will rust out but you can easily delay this process by washing off salt and chemicals. Wax your car often to protect the paint, as often as you can.

Look for online reviews about your chosen body shop. This can give you a good indication of how satisfied customers are with their work. Use these reviews to eliminate unreliable mechanics and make a list of mechanic you want to contact to get a quote.

Just because the days are colder doesn’t mean you should avoid washing your vehicle. Winter is actually the season when your car’s exterior gets the most damage. Exposure to the elements can cause rust and abrasion. Pick a warmer day and dry the car completely before heading back onto the road.

Before going to a mechanic, educate yourself on the standard classifications of car parts. There are a few different kinds of parts. New parts are exactly as they sound. They are brand new and created to the specifications of the manufacturer. If you are offered parts that are reconditioned or rebuilt, this means that they have been re-manufactured so that they are like new. Salvage parts just means used parts without any type of alterations.

Warranties are very important when you get your car fixed, especially if you invest in expensive parts. Ask the mechanic about any warranties on parts they ordered for you. Ask for the duration of the warranty and have them print you out a copy of the contract/

Don’t believe a mechanic who tries to tell you that you need to get your engine flushed as a part of a routine maintenance. Flushing your engine is generally unnecessary unless you’ve subjected it to great abuse, (like a long time between oil changes) and it’s simply too expensive to purchase unless your car really needs it.

If a mechanic claims that the car parts they provide will last forever, then do not buy them. Most of the time this is just a way for them to get their hands on more of your money. For example, some cars come with “lifetime” transmission fluid. You will need to change your fluid as it is not an unlimited resource.

Have you heard of the term OEM? Well, OEM is a term used to describe car components that come from the original manufacturer. Ask for OEM parts if you need some new parts for your vehicle. You sound better educated on repairs if you ask your mechanic to use OEM parts. There will be far less danger of receiving used parts.

The dealer’s mechanics are expensive but worth it. They really specialize in your make of car. In addition, they will better know what can go wrong and thus fix it quicker. They also undergo regular training programs.

Ask for your old parts back when they’re replaced. If he does not want to do that, it may be because the part wasn’t actually replaced. Be wary if this occurs, and make sure to press the issue.

Use an accordion file folder to contain all auto service receipts and keep this folder in your car. With that type of file, you can organize your files by time or specific types of repairs. This way you will have all the details to hand if they are required for other mechanics down the line. When you sell you car, it can come in handy as well.

If you don’t have basic knowledge about the car, you can’t recognize if something is going wrong. If you feel you are lacking in this department, think about signing up for a car repair class. You may not want to go that far, or spend the money a class will cost, but it is a good idea to have an excellent foundation in mechanical knowledge. It is knowledge that lasts a lifetime. It will be easier for you to catch problems before they get out of hand.

Set dollar limits on how much work can be done to a car without permission. Do not allow the repair shop to do anything they want when you drop it off to be serviced. Have a limit and stick to it.

If a mechanic hesitates about giving you a written estimate, do not use him. If he doesn’t make the repairs properly, you may not be able to receive compensation, since you don’t have proof of a contract in writing.

Do not place water inside of your car’s windshield cleaning compartment. The windshield wiper system is designed to use the special fluid suited to the purpose. In addition to the threat of freezing, using water can damage the components of the system. Check that compartment frequently and refill it when you need. Do not ignore the compartment when it seems like it is empty.

Newer cars feature lots of sensors and warning indicators to let you know about issues. However, don’t solely rely on them. Sometimes these sensors break too, so check on your car manually once in a while.

With any luck, this piece has prepared you well to deal with vehicle problems that might arise. Even though you won’t automatically become an expert on auto repair, you should be knowledgeable on how to deal with minor issues. If you encounter bigger difficulties, you can find a good mechanic to help you out.