Do you wish you knew more about fixing your own car problems? It is really not as hard as you would imagine to do simple auto repairs yourself. By doing minor repairs yourself, you can save money and extend your car’s life. The following article will advise you on how to fix your own car and will also provide tips on having it fixed by a professional.

Ensure the mechanic you use has an ASE certification before allowing them to operate on your vehicle. This means the technician has completed a test and has more than two years of experience. This will ensure that you have the cream of the crop working on your vehicle.

Check for A.S.E. certification before you choose a mechanic. This certification means that the technician has passed a written test and has over 2 years of experience under his or her belt. This tells you that the mechanic is qualified to work on your car.

Referrals are one of the best ways to find a reputable auto mechanic. Ask the people you know for their recommendations. You can inquire about price, work quality and overall satisfaction. They can let you know if they had a good experience and whether or not the mechanic was trustworthy and honest.

Always be prepared for a flat tire by having a spare tire, jack and tire iron in your vehicle at all times. Many cars will come with these straight off of the dealership’s floor. You never want to be without them, as you could end up having to pay for an expensive tow. Changing that tire yourself can save you the cost of towing.

Do not underestimate the importance of having an emergency kit in your car. Your kit should include jumper cables, tire changing tools and maybe some extra gas. Do not forget blankets and a good flashlight with some batteries.

Assemble a DIY auto repair tool kit to keep in the trunk of your car. You’re going to need to have some tire changing tools in this kit at the very least. A good lug wrench and jack are key. A few good screwdrivers, wrenches and a socket wrench can also come in handy for any unexpected road-side issues. Avoid purchasing cheap tools. Buy quality ones that you are sure won’t fail when you really need them.

Car Repair

If you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop, arm yourself with information and ask questions. You should ask things specific to the problem that has arisen and how you can take preventive action going forward. One of the best ways to save on car maintenance is to prevent problems in the first place. A little money spent for prevention can save thousands in the future.

Before you decide on an auto shop, ask your friends to talk about their car repair experiences. People you know can give you some recommendations, making your search simpler. For any recommendation, research them. Use the web as a resource to find information about car repair shops.

Avoid fluffy, silly keychains, or find a way to separate your auto key from that bunch of keys on the chain! The ignition is not suited to that weight, even when you think it isn’t much. If your key begins sticking, the tumblers need replacing.

Regularly check out your radiator. You need to allow your car to run for a couple of minutes, shut down the engine and then open up the hood. You never want to open up the radiator if your car is still running. Use a dipstick to check the fluid level in your radiator and mix some coolant with water if you need to add more fluid.

Learn to recognize the different warning lights on your dashboard. Use them to your advantage, they’re put there to guide you. If you simply overlook them for months on end, there is a chance your vehicle might sustain irreparable damage.

Auto Repairs

Every time your car is repaired, no matter why it is, keep a record of the repair. If further issues develop later, the mechanic may want to see the historical documentation of what has already been done. No records means a blank slate to go on.

Don’t be scared of doing DIY auto repairs. While the parts of your car may look confusing, you can start getting to know them better so that you can make the repairs. Look back at this article and it’s tips for future reference. Auto repairs will become more accessible once you know more on this topic.