Sorting out what you need to know about auto repairs can be confusing. 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 amazed at the knowledge that you will gain.

Keeping a battery charger in your car is a good safety investment. People commonly experience dead batteries, making battery chargers good for helping stranded drivers. Know where the cables should be connected and how. It is sometimes different for different cars.

Check your radiator often. Simply run the engine a few minutes and then cut the engine and lift the hood. Do not lift the radiator lid when the engine is running or if it is too hot. Use a dipstick to check the fluid levels, and always add the correct amount of water to your coolant before adding it to your tank.

In order to prevent rust to your car, wash it on a regular basis. Cars eventually rust, but you can put off the process by washing off chemicals or salt quickly. Wax your car often to protect the paint, as often as you can.

Before you pay the mechanic, test drive the car to be sure that it is actually fixed. Many people don’t do this, and the car ends up with the same issues that were supposed to be repaired.

There are certain repairs that you can do yourself. There are several things that can be fixed quite easily. You can research the problem online in order to find out more about it. If it is a simple fix, you can usually do it yourself.

Do you know the signs of a low quality mechanic? 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. Run, don’t walk, to another mechanic.

Assemble an auto repair kit and put it inside of your trunk. You will want to have the tools necessary to change a tire, and they likely came with the vehicle. Be sure to purchase a lug wrench and a car jack if you haven’t got one. A Philips head as well as flat head screwdriver should be helpful, plus socket and adjustable wrenches. Do not waste money by getting cheap tools. Solid and sturdy tools are ideal so you don’t have to worry about them malfunctioning.

Know your auto manual very well, or at least dog ear important pages. Your mechanic will need the manual for certain information. By knowing the manual, you may actually find you can fix some issues yourself.

You should not send your vehicle to a repair shop without getting quotes from different places. Most shops are reliable but some mechanics will find additional repairs to charge you more. Seek out good shops that that are reputable and familiar with your type of vehicle. Shops like these understand your car through and through.

Sometimes you can find a good mechanic who works in their home garage. You can usually find lower prices if you go through mechanics that are not affiliated with a franchise. You can save tons of money and provide an independent worker by providing them with business.

Avoid mechanics who charge you for repairs that are not really needed. A reputable mechanic will let you know when they see something else wrong with your vehicle and they’ll give you options as to how to proceed. Don’t go back to mechanics who made unneeded repairs.

Washing your car during the winter is important to keep road salt and sand from doing corrosive damage While it may seem pointless, winter is the most damaging time for your car. Salt and sand from frozen streets can cause rust spots and other flaws. Take care to dry your vehicle before driving it again. You wouldn’t want ice to form.

Know about car parts prior to visiting a mechanic. Parts can be classified as salvaged, rebuilt, reconditioned, and re-manufactured, and new. Insist on new parts for all your repairs. “Re-manufactered, rebuilt and reconditioned” are parts that are restored to a good working condition. “Salvage” means that the parts are used and lack alteration.

Look out for obvious “red flags” when dealing with a new auto repair company. Someone who gives vague answers to direct questions, or ignores them altogether, may not have the necessary knowledge to give you quality service. It’s best to feel that you trust your repair person, so don’t hesitate to move on.

Warranties are extremely important when it comes to auto repairs, particularly if you’ve purchased expensive parts. Ask the mechanic about your warranty in regards to parts they’re ordering for your car. Figure out what the warranty covers and if you can get a copy of it so that you can look over it.

Find out if the technician is certified. Look for the NIAE seal of approval. When they have this, you know they are trained properly and are going to give you good results.

Ask if your intended mechanic is experienced with the make and model of your car. Though some basic components are similar, the way different models utilize space varies. If you’re not sure, it may be worth it to pay extra at the dealer.

There are a few shady automotive repair shops who will replace your existing tires with old ones. This is done so they can profit from your ignorance. Mark your tires with chalk. If there is no chalk when your service is complete, you’ve been had.

You can easily do some preventative maintenance such as adding more oil or refilling the windishield wiper fluid compartment. There is no need for an auto mechanic to do simple maintenance jobs. Don’t be afraid to get dirty hands with your new found knowledge.

You should not send your vehicle to a repair shop without getting quotes from different places. While a lot of shops are trustworthy, there are some that will charge you for unneeded repairs. Take your time and find a shop you feel you can trust. Also, look for someone who has experience with your type of car. They may have an easier time understanding what needs to be done to your car.

The next time you need to fix your car, keep these tips in mind. Don’t let things completely bankrupt or overwhelm you due to not knowing enough about it. Be in charge of your car repairs, know what you options are and do your best to make a great deal.