Do you wish you knew more about fixing your own car problems? Auto repair may seem hard, but if you give it a try, it can be extremely rewarding. You will save yourself money and extend the life of the vehicle. See how possible it is to do car repairs on your own by reading the tips below.

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. Do not open the radiator if the car is running. 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.

It is important for your car to have an emergency kit. This kit should include specific tools for charging your battery, changing your tire, etc. For night time breakdowns, make sure to include warm blankets and a flashlight with extra batteries.

Make sure all repair records are kept close. These should be kept in the glove compartment of your vehicle for easy access out on the road. The mechanics who work on your car will need to see your maintenance records before working on your car. They help them figure out what’s wrong quickly.

Check out reviews about body shops online. This can tell you about the public views of their skills in customer service and how well they can solve a problem. This information is useful as you search for the right shop for your needs.

Before making your payment to the mechanic when picking up your car, take it out for a spin first to check that everything is working. If you don’t do this, you may still have an issue after you get it home.

Remove valuable things from your car prior to taking it in to get fixed. They will likely be taken out and may be lost. Remove all items from the trunk too.

If you think your headlines are not as bright as usual, inspect them for cleanliness. The roads you drive on sometimes contain greasy residues, which can get on your lights. Therefore, this will reduce the brightness of your lights. Keep them cleaned by using a great glass cleaner so you’re able to see better.

Prior to bringing your car to a shop for a repairs, try to find out what the issue is. If you know what the problem is, you can save money and also easily identify any repair shop that is trying to scam you. As you have likely heard, some mechanics will lie about the problem in order to make more money.

If you have something major that needs to be done by someone at a shop, you have to be sure you get more than just a single price. The shop you’ve gone to may be trying to rip you off. Find shops that specialize in the job that your car needs. Shops like these understand your car through and through.

Replace your light bulbs on your own. Hiring a professional to install new lights costs a lot of money. If you know anyone who is comfortable with cars, ask if they can show you how it’s done.

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. There is nothing worse than being stranded far from home and having to get an expensive tow. It’s far more convenient and less costly to take care of it yourself.

Know when your oil needs changing. It is essential to have your oil changed so that your engine runs properly and and works at its peak performance. If your oil is not changed on a regular basis, your car may not last as long as it could.

You do not necessarily have to go through your dealership if repairs are needed. There are many shops where skilled auto technicians reside. Find someone who you are comfortable with and stick with them.

Remove fluffy, fun key chains or have it so that your car key can be removed from the bunch. The ignition in your car isn’t designed to take a bunch of weight even if your car keys don’t feel that heavy. If you notice the key sticking, then you must get rid of all the extra stuff attached to your keys.

Keep in mind that any DIY auto repairs can be dangerous. Be sure someone is watching you repair the vehicle just in case something bad happens. Spend a little more on tools of high quality that will not fall apart. This is the case especially when you are investing in equipment to change your tires. Remember that your jack needs to hold your car up very securely, especially if you are going to be underneath the car. Therefore a quality hydraulic floor jack combined with sturdy jack stands will keep you safe.

Don’t be intimidated at the thought of doing auto repair yourself. It may seem difficult at first, but once you learn more about it, it’s not that hard. Look back at this article and it’s tips for future reference. By applying the tips, you can make sure your car is repaired properly.

A dealer is not your only option when car repairs are necessary. Great mechanics abound in local garages. If you find one you like, you should hire him.