When your car next needs repairs, would you like to do them yourself? Nowadays, the smallest of problems causes car owners to run to their mechanic. The following article can help when you are dealing with auto repair. This will allow you to save money, and give you a feeling of accomplishment.

Battery Charger

Monitor your radiator. Keep your car running then shut the engine for several minutes before opening the hood. Don’t open your radiator cap if your car is on. Check radiator fluid by using a dipstick and remember to dilute coolant with water prior to adding it.

Consider keeping a high quality battery charger in your car. This will be very useful in case your battery dies or if you run into someone who needs help with their battery. It is important to not only have the battery charger but to know how it works as well in case you are alone.

You do not have to contact a mechanic every time your car has problems. There are a few things that you can fix easily yourself. If you want to take a chance, you can go online and do some research to pinpoint what the problem is. If it is not a very difficult job, you can save some money by doing the repairs yourself.

Always know how much your repairs will cost before handing your car over to a service department. If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you do. Don’t find yourself stuck with extra charges later.

The best way to find a good auto mechanic is getting referrals. Talk to anyone you know and get recommendations from them. This allows you to ask about the price, quality of work and satisfaction. People will tell you about the mechanic’s honesty and if their experience was a good one.

Make sure all repair records are kept close. Store them inside the glove compartment just in case you have to see a mechanic all of a sudden. The records will be vital to your mechanic. This can make the process go more smoothly.

Inquire as to whether the mechanic has had previous experience working on your specific vehicle model before. If they have experience with your type of car, they are more likely able to correctly diagnose and fix the problems your vehicle is having.

Buy OEM parts. These are original parts direct from the manufacturer. Generic parts might be cheaper, but they may not be good enough quality. What is a cheap option now could be an expensive option later.

Take all valuable items out of your vehicle before taking it in for repairs. Your personal items can get in the mechanics way, and they may have to move them. Remove all items from your trunk too.

Familiarize yourself with your car’s manual. When you show up to a mechanic’s shop, you are going to have to explain some information about your car. Also, reading the manual may help you realize that the repair you need, can be done easily by you.

Watch out for obvious warning signs that a repair person is not up to snuff. If you’re receiving double-talk when you ask them a question, they are probably not the mechanic for you. Find a mechanic who seems trustworthy and knows how to answer all your questions.

Learn about your car so you can determine the problem in advance and save money. This will save you a ton of money, and it can prevent you from becoming a fraud victim. It’s an unfortunate fact that there are dishonest mechanics who will tell you your car has issues when it doesn’t.

Prior to paying for any repairs you’ve had done, you should go on a drive to figure out if it was really fixed. If you don’t, you may find that you paid for nothing.

You should always keep a jack and a spare tire with you at all times. Newer cars almost always have them. You would hate to be stuck out in the road and be forced to spend money on a tow. You can save money and have an easier time doing it on your own.

Having AAA on your side when it comes to auto repairs can be extremely beneficial. If you need towing or car repairs, this can be a lifesaver. You can even get discounts for repair costs from AAA.

Beware of mechanics who do unneeded repairs on the car. A trustworthy mechanic should inform you about parts that are becoming worn and will need replacement in the near future, but no parts should be replaced without first getting your approval. If a mechanic tries to charge you for unneeded repairs, find another mechanic.

It is possible to put oil in your car and refill windshield wiper fluid yourself. It’s only a myth that it takes a professional to get a maintenance job done. Know what you are doing first, but then do not hesitate to get your hands greasy.

When you get a diagnosis, take some time before you decide to get the repairs done. Look around first and compare prices. If you find someone that can repair your car for less, pay the first mechanic for the diagnosis only and have your car repaired elsewhere.

Keep a tool kit for doing auto repairs in your trunk. For instance, if anything dealing with tire changes came with the car, have this in your car. You will need to get a lug wrench and a jack if you don’t already have them. Also, it is wise to have screwdrivers, a ratchet set, Phillips head screwdrivers and wrenches. Don’t buy low-quality tools. Get good, sturdy tools that won’t break when you need them the most.

The dealer’s mechanics are expensive but worth it. Service technicians at dealerships tend to specialize in your make and model. They can pinpoint the problem quickly and are trained to fix problems common to your model. Regular training sessions are also part of their job.

Keep track of all your vehicle repair and maintenance receipts in an accordion folder in your car. Have them divided by the kind of repairs done or put them in chronological order, with the newest receipts first. However you sort them, you’ll have your car’s history on hand should you need it when out on the road. This is important to have when you get your auto repair done to save money.

When you need a major repair done, get numerous estimates. If you don’t, you might be paying for more work than you actually need. Check out other options which are trustworthy. You will get much better results if you go to a reliable auto shop.

Should your repair quote run more than a couple of hundred dollars, get an estimate in writing. Having written proof can be helpful if you decide to file a complaint against the mechanic. It also ensures that no extra fees can be added later.

Auto repairs aren’t child’s play. However, with a bit of knowledge and a little effort, you can safely fix most of the common car problems that you will have to deal with. Use this advice the next time you’re experiencing car trouble.

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. You should still do your research however. Read online reviews, and check with the Better Business Bureau as well.