If you own a car, you are already aware of how often a car can cause problems. If you take the time to learn a little more, you can save a lot of money and unneeded stress. Make good use of the tips you just read if you need to get your vehicle fixed. Being knowledgeable is definitely an advantage when dealing with repair shops or performing repairs yourself.

Be sure that you have an A.S.E. certified mechanic before they are allowed to work on your vehicle. This certification confirms the the mechanic has a lot of experience working on cars. This means a top professional is doing your repairs.

Be prepared for any emergency by equipping your car with a well stocked emergency kit. You can make your own; include things that you will have to have to put on a spare, add gas or charge the battery. Consider having blankets, batteries and a flashlight for unexpected nighttime break downs.

Check the radiator regularly. Simply run the engine a few minutes and then cut the engine and lift the hood. Never, ever open the radiator while the car is still on. Check the fluid in your radiator and always mix water with the coolant before adding it.

Don’t sign anything until you know the total cost of repairs. If you aren’t sure about anything, ask for clarification. You don’t want to be surprised with a higher charge than you were expecting.

Don’t sign anything until you know the total cost of repairs. If you don’t understand something, talk to the mechanic first. You don’t want to be surprised with a higher charge than you were expecting.

See if you can find reviews about the body shop of your choice on the Internet. This will give you an idea of how the public likes their customer service, and how well they are at fixing problems. After gathering information, you can select the right shop for you.

Remember that getting OEM parts is important. These are original manufacturer parts. While generic could be a cheaper option, you don’t know how they will perform in the future. Although you save money in the short term with generic parts, its not really a deal if they have to be replaced again in a few years.

In order to prevent rust to your car, wash it on a regular basis. While cars are going to rust eventually, you can definitely slow this down by ensuring all chemicals are cleaned off your car as quickly as possible. Protect your paint with regular waxing.

Ask your mechanic if he’s worked on a vehicle similar to yours. Cars vary greatly by make and model so it is important that your mechanic is familiar with your make and model of car. If you are unsure, pay the extra to have a dealer do the repairs.

Replacing the bulbs on your taillights or headlights yourself can save you both time and money. Doing so is easier in some cars than others, but it is still cheaper than paying a mechanic to make the replacement. Ask someone you trust if he can teach you how to fix these problems.

Have records for your car on hand. Keeping them in the glove compartment is smart. The auto shop will definitely want to see any records. They can diagnose issues quicker.

The labor rate should be posted in your repair shop. If it is not, ask. Also ask the price of a repair, including parts. Read all of the small print on any contract you sign, and ask for answers to any questions you may have. You need to understand how and why you are being billed for your car repairs. Some service shops have estimated times for repair, establish by the manufacturers. While some things are considered minor repairs, the job may actually take all day.

Car issues can ruin your day. Many owners end up spending a fortune to keep their vehicle running. By educating yourself on car repair basics and utilizing the automotive repair tips and advice outlined in this article you can keep your car running in tip-top shape and avoid spending thousands of dollars on professional auto mechanics.

Consider using OEM parts. These are the manufacturer’s original parts. Generic parts can be cheaper but OEM parts will last longer and usually come with a better warranty. 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.