When you have car problems, you should get your car fixed quickly. You can’t get to where you need to go is you car is not running properly. Do not assume you will have to spend a fortune to get your vehicle fixed. You can perform many simple repairs yourself, as well as find a way to save money on auto repair shops whenever they are necessary.

Buy a good battery charger to keep in the car. Dead batteries are a common problem for many drivers. Additionally, having a charger with you will allow you to aid other motorists in similar need. Make sure you learn the points on your car where the battery charger should be connected.

Regularly check your radiator. Let the car run a while, shut off the engine and then pop the hood. Never open the radiator on a running car. Use your dipstick to check fluid levels and mix water with coolant ahead of pouring it in.

Clean you car on a regular basis so it doesn’t become rusty. Cars eventually rust, but you can put off the process by washing off chemicals or salt quickly. Make sure you regularly wax your car so that you protect the paint.

Make sure to study your owners manual. When you’re trying to get something repaired on your vehicle, you’ll be able to get more assistance if they’re able to read information quickly about your car. The manual may give you information to help you easily fix a problem.

Never leave any valuables in your car when it is getting repaired. 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. Remove all content from the trunk, too.

If you’re having serious repairs done on your vehicle, make sure to get multiple estimates. Although shops are generally trustworthy, you may end up paying for extra repairs you don’t need. Look for mechanics that know the ins and outs of your car. These shops are better equipped to handle your car repairs.

Your wiper blades need TLC. If the wipers are streaking, you may need a replacement. You should replace them yearly, but you may need to do it twice a year if you are located in a rainy area.

Look at all lights that flash on the dashboard and learn what they mean. Your dashboard lights warn you of potential problems. If you keep ignoring them it’ll make the problem worse.

It is just as important to get your car washed in winter as it is in summer. Your car may get dirty again quickly, but all that buildup is terrible for your car. Roads filled with sand and salt can really do some corrosive damage to your car. Just make sure you dry the car thoroughly before heading back out onto the roads to prevent icing.

Repairing your car yourself could be hazardous. Never work on your own vehicle without having someone close by. You never know when an emergency may occur. Buy only the highest quality tools that will last and not break under pressure. You will need these in case you ever have a flat tire. The jack you buy needs to support your vehicle well. This is why you should get a high quality hydraulic jack with stands.

Paying for expensive parts means you must get a warranty with them. When you are getting car repairs, ask about warranties on parts. Learn the length of time of the warranties, and ask your mechanic to print out a copy of the contract for you to look over it.

Be sure a mechanic is properly certified. Look for the NIAE seal of approval. You will get better service if you go to a mechanic who has been approved by this organization.

If someone claims the parts they sell last a lifetime, run away. This is often simply a sneaky way for unscrupulous parts dealers to get more money out of you. Some vehicles come with a “lifetime” fluid for your transmission. It is true that this fluid does not need as much maintenance as other fluids in your vehicle, but you will still have to replace it after 80,000 miles.

It’s not uncommon to drop off you car for one repair and then be told that there are more repairs needed. They do this to make you think you are getting a great deal. Don’t make any hasty decisions; call around and find out if there aren’t better deals to be had.

Learn to do some of the easy auto repair tasks on your own to save a trip to the shop. You can do these routine maintenance jobs yourself. Mechanics aren’t required. Learn how to do the job online, which has many resources to teach you, then jump right in.

When you have work done on your car, have the mechanic give you the old parts when they are finished. If he refuses, it may be because the part was never replaced. This should be seen as a red flag and the person needs to be called out about it.

It should now be apparent to you that you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to have your car repaired. You can easily solve minor problems by yourself. Make the most of this information so that you are not off the road for long.