If you’re like a lot of people,, you probably don’t know much about auto repair. You need to do everything you can to educate yourself, so the next time your car has issues you can fix them. The following article will show you some great advice to help you with this.

Make sure that you do not neglect the radiator in your car. Simply run the engine a few minutes and then cut the engine and lift the hood. Then check the coolant level, but while the car is not running. You do not want the coolant to get hot; it is dangerous. 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.

An emergency kit is a must for your car. This kit should consist of tire changing tools, jumper cables, and an empty container that is appropriate for re-fueling your gas tank. Add some blankets, a flashlight and some batteries in case your car breaks down at night.

Before you hand over your car to the shop, be sure you are clear about the repair costs. If something is not clear, clarify it with the service adviser or mechanic before starting any repair on the car. You don’t want to be shocked by a huge bill to pay.

Ask the tech if they’ve done work on your model and make of car before. This will give you a better idea of their experience and the skills that they bring to the table.

Regularly check your radiator. Keep your car running then shut the engine for several minutes before opening the hood. You should never open the radiator of a car that is running. Check radiator fluid by using a dipstick and remember to dilute coolant with water prior to adding it.

Keep car records handy. It’s a good idea to place them in the vehicle you drive just in case you’re in need of repairs while you’re out and about. The records will be vital to your mechanic. The records can help them determine what is wrong with your car.

Beware mechanics who charge you for repairs which are unnecessary. They should contact you before doing any extra work. Never take your vehicle to a mechanic that preforms unnecessary repairs.

Wash your car regularly to prevent rust from becoming a problem. Although all cars rust at some point in time, it is possible to delay this from occurring by washing off salt and chemicals immediately. Using a wax will protect the paint job significantly.

Try to get OEM parts for your car. This means that you are getting manufacturer made parts and not replicas. While generic could be a cheaper option, you don’t know how they will perform in the future. A great deal can cost you tons down the road.

You should always keep a jack and a spare tire with you at all times. Most of the new cars of today have them in the trunk. You’re not going to want to be paying money for being rescued by a tow truck after finding yourself stuck. It is simpler and cheaper to do the work yourself.

Check online reviews for any mechanic you’re considering. This is a good way of getting an idea on what other customers think of the mechanic’s skills and customer service. You can use the information to find a place you’ll feel comfortable spending your money at.

Make sure that you remind yourself of how often your oil needs to be changed. You should regularly get the oil changed to make sure your vehicle runs smoothly. Running old oil in the car could cause it to run badly so make sure you make the pertinent dates on your calendar.

Check the car’s tire pressure whenever you fill up the tank. Verify that there are no nails or debris sticking out. If you notice problems, resolve them immediately. You never want to drive on bad tires.

Before paying your mechanic for any work done, make sure to take it for a short test drive first, to make sure everything is working as it should. If you don’t, you may still experience the same problem with the car once you get it home.

Always bleed the brakes after working on them or preceding a test drive. Take the time to pump brake fluid too. Test it for leaks to ensure that no fluid can run out. If your car passes these tests, you can take it on a road that has minimal traffic. Start slow to ensure nothing is wrong.

You should be able to do small auto repairs on your own, like adding wiper fluid and oil. It’s a falsehood that only mechanics are qualified to perform routine maintenance. Make sure you understand what has to be done, and then get ready to get down and dirty.

Pay attention to your wiper blades. If you see that the wipers aren’t cleaning effectively, a new pair is in your future. Try to replace these blades once a year so that you can drive safely in the rain.

While going to a dealer costs more, on average they are going to do a better job. Service technicians at dealerships tend to specialize in your make and model. They are trained to quickly diagnose problems commonly found in the type of car you own. They also stay up to date with training.

Knowing about how your car runs can help you recognize any problems. If you know nothing about cars, think about taking a class. The money you spend on a class will be well worth it. It will be easier for you to catch problems before they get out of hand.

Speak with friends about auto shop recommendations before you pick a shop. Your loved ones may give you some recommendations to simplify your search. Research any recommendations you get. Use online resources to see feedback from others as well.

If you’re going to have to store your car away, you may be able to avoid having to repair it later by filling your tank and putting the vehicle on jack stands. Store it in a dry area so it doesn’t rust, and don’t set the parking brake.

When having their car repaired, some people ask for the worn or broken parts to be returned to them when the work is finished. This will prove that the repairs were actually done. In certain cases, (like most work on your car’s exhaust) getting the old parts back isn’t actually a necessity. It is easy to tell whether or not a new exhaust has been installed.

Take all those fun and fluffy keychains off, or make it possible to remove your car key from the bunch. You don’t want to put all that extra weight on the car’s ignition. If you have a key that’s sticking, then you are going to have to replace your tumblers and then get rid of your fun keychains.

Now that you’ve gone over the things presented here, you probably have enough knowledge to get auto repairs done. The next time you find your car behaving strangely, you should have the knowledge you need to either fix the problem yourself or find the right professional for the job. Keeping your vehicle in good shape is very important.