If you’re dealing with car trouble, you might feel frustrated or confused. If so, you can change that. Read on for the information you need to know to take control of your auto repair situation.

Check your coolant levels frequently. Let the car run briefly, shut the engine, then open the hood. You should never open your radiator whenever your car is turned on. Check your radiator fluid and remember to mix water with coolant before filling your radiator.

Do not underestimate the importance of having an emergency kit in your car. You can make your own; include things that you will have to have to put on a spare, add gas or charge the battery. Blankets, matches, a flashlight, extra batteries, cans of food and some water help, too.

Regular washing of your car will help prevent it from rusting. 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. Make sure to wax your car so as to protect the paint.

Look up your local body shop’s reviews online. This can tell you about the public views of their skills in customer service and how well they can solve a problem. This will help you choose the best shop.

You should wash your car often to avoid rust. All cars are going to rust, so make sure that you wash your vehicle at least once a month. Protect your paint with good wax.

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. Do not take your care twice to a mechanic who performed some unnecessary repairs.

Quality Tools

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. Many people don’t take this crucial step and wind up plagued by the same issue that brought them to the shop in the first place.

Assemble repair tools and keep them in your car, so you are prepared at all times. Your tool kit should have equipment to change a tire and other necessary items. You will need to get a lug wrench and a jack if you don’t already have them. Your tool kit should contain these items: socket wrenches, ratcheting tools, a wrench for torque and one that is adjustable, and both a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver as well. Always purchase quality tools. Get high quality tools that will be able to withstand the test of time.

There are many “backyard” mechanics out there that preform excellent auto repairs. For basic repairs they can charge far less and you both can be happy. This may result in substantial savings, and you can also provide such mechanics with much-needed work.

Look out for any mechanics that add unnecessary repairs. Make sure that you give your approval first before a repair is done. If a mechanic did an unnecessary repair on your car, don’t take it there again.

Talk to your friends about their auto repair experiences before choosing a repair shop. With the benefit of advice from acquaintances and family members, you’ll be better informed about the different options open to you. For any recommendation, research them. At least try to find some online reviews on the shops that they recommend.

Corrosive Damage

See if you can predetermine your vehicle’s issue prior to attending at the mechanics. When you self-diagnose, you avoid fraud and save money. As you’ve probably heard, there are some mechanics that like to lie about issues to make some more money.

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. Roads filled with sand and salt can really do some corrosive damage to your car. Dry the car right after washing, and make sure you do it thoroughly.

Check tire pressure each time you fill your tank. Check the tires to ensure nothing has become lodged within them. If you see anything wrong with them, get the problem fixed right away. Do not take a chance by driving on damaged tires.

Think about locating a person that fixes vehicles and owns a garage. You can usually find lower prices if you go through mechanics that are not affiliated with a franchise. You can support small business and save hundreds on the cost of the repair.

When a problem is big, don’t self-diagnose it. Remember, you’re not a professional. Do not assume an issue can be fixed easily, unless you have previous experience with this type of issue. Let repair shops diagnose your vehicle. Tell them what you’ve observed, and then let them do their job.

Some auto shops have even been known to replace your tires with older models. This is done so they can profit from your ignorance. Mark your tires before you drop your car off. If there is no chalk when your service is complete, you’ve been had.

Speak with friends about auto shop recommendations before you pick a shop. Your loved ones might have some good recommendations for you to check out. But, it is important to still do your research on the recommendations they give you. At least look for reviews online.

If you encounter a serious problem that threatens your safety on a brand new car, contact the manufacturer. They may already have recalled the model, or may need reports like yours to do so in future. They’ll often fix the problem for free, too.

When you receive a list of the issues involved in your auto repair from your mechanic, ask for some time before deciding on having the work done. You can check with other mechanics, or do some research on the Internet to get a better idea of how much it should cost. If you can get the work done cheaper, bring your car elsewhere. Just be sure to pay the mechanic for the labor involved in the diagnosis.

A dealer isn’t your only option for auto repair. Good mechanics can be found elsewhere, not only at the dealer’s shop. If you are more comfortable with one of them, by all means use them.

Now you understand the basics of car repair. Keep your car running in tip-top shape, and avoid any dishonest mechanics. Learn all you can by reading the following article.