It's not easy to figure out how to fix your car. Don't derail yourself from the very beginning, and instead learn what you can do by continuing to read the advice in this article. You will be educated by what you learn and how easy it is to learn.

Be prepared for any emergency by equipping your car with a well stocked emergency kit. This kit should have the tools to change your tires in the case of an accident. Consider having blankets, batteries and a flashlight for unexpected nighttime break downs.

Be aware of all of the costs prior to handing your keys over to the mechanic. If a certain cost confuses you, don't hesitate to clear this up with the mechanic before allowing him or her to make repairs to your vehicle. This will give you a good idea of what you will be paying.

Ask for the charge total before giving mechanics your keys. You want to make sure that you understand each and every charge, and if you do not then you need to clarify and ask questions before any work is done. You don't want to be shocked by a huge bill to pay.

Examine your headlights if they appear dim; they may simply need a good clean. Residue can diminish their light output. Use a quality glass cleaner to keep your lights clean.

Make sure you replace old parts with OEM parts. This means that they've come directly from the manufacturer. Generic parts may cost less, but you cannot really tell if they are the best quality. It might be a great deal, but if you have to continue to replace the part, it is not going to be a good deal in the long run.

Major repairs should always be accompanied by more than just one estimate. If you don't, you might be paying for more work than you actually need. Try to find shops that are experts in fixing your specific type of car. These types of shops will give you the best bang for your buck.

Check and make sure that your mechanic is familiar with working on your type of car. There are certain specifics which he needs to know before doing a