Your car is important to you, and you need to take care of it. Perhaps you are not very knowledgeable in the automotive field. If this is true, then you have found a great article on how you can do some simple car maintenance.

Check the radiator regularly. To do this, you need to allow your car to run several minutes, and then turn off the engine. You are now ready to open up your hood. Never open the radiator while the car is on. Check radiator fluid by using a dipstick and remember to dilute coolant with water prior to adding it.

Do not give your keys to your mechanic before knowing more about the cost of the repairs. If you are unclear about certain things, clarification is needed before repairs are started. You do not want to be surprised with added charges when you are handed the final bill.

You don’t always have to take your car to the shop when there is an issue. Some repairs are easy to make. If you are game, consider doing some online research to diagnose the issue. If it is a basic issue, attending to the repair yourself could save a considerable amount of money.

Make sure to study your owners manual. When you show up to a mechanic’s shop, you are going to have to explain some information about your car. The manual could also help you figure out a simple solution to a problem that you are having.

Unnecessary Repairs

Be wary of mechanics that try and make unnecessary repairs to your 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. Never take your vehicle to a mechanic that preforms unnecessary repairs.

Before dropping your car off for repairs, remove any valuables. Some of these items may need to be removed so the mechanic can do his work, and the shop is not responsible if anything is lost. Empty both the trunk and glove compartment.

Pay attention to any red flags involving your auto repair technician. If they give you the runaround or ignore any questions, you may not want them. It is important that you establish trust with the person who is going to fix your vehicle.

Pay attention to the condition of your car’s wiper blades. You may need new blades if they are streaking or making noises. You need to replace the wipers on your car about every year or even more often if there is a lot of rain where you live.

Take all the fluffy and fun key chains off, or remove the car key. The ignition on your car is not devised to hold all the weight, even when you don’t consider it heavy. 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.

Do not forget that fixing your car yourself comes with some dangers. Should something happen, be sure someone else is around. Invest in high quality tools that won’t break on you. This is very important for the tools that you use to change your tires. The jack has to hold the car up without any trouble while you are working on the underside of the car. Hydraulic floor jacks with a stand should definitely be considered for purchase.

Not many people bother reading their owner’s manual. Review this manual to learn how it’s to be used so that you can find helpful information quickly. This little book holds a lot of information about your vehicle.

Often people will take a vehicle in for service, only to find out when they pick it up that there are more problems. They do this to make you think you’re getting a deal. Let them know you will get back with them so that you can try to locate a better deal.

As you can now see, it’s important that you take care of your vehicle. Knowing just the simplest of things can save you quite a bit of money. Implement what you have just read the next time you need your car repaired.