Repairing your own car may seem overwhelming initially, but isn’t nearly as hard as you might imagine. The knowledge you gain now will continue to help you for years to come. The article below is a collection of auto repair tips and tricks just for you.

It is important for your car to have an emergency kit. Include a spare tire, a jack, a battery charger and a container full of gas. It is also wise to include a flashlight, some fresh batteries and a blanket in case your vehicle breaks down in cold weather or at night.

Check the radiator regularly. Let the car run a couple minutes, shut your engine and open up your 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.

You don’t always have to call a mechanic when your car is giving your problems. You can easily learn to perform small repairs yourself. You can research the problem online in order to find out more about it. If it is not a very difficult job, you can save some money by doing the repairs yourself.

If you are considering working with a new auto repair shop, ask the mechanic if they are experienced in working with your specific vehicle. If yes, then you can trust them with your car.

Keep track of all the repairs and maintenance you do on your vehicle. The glove compartment is a good place to keep these records. The auto repair professionals will want to look at those records. They can diagnose issues quicker.

Take the mechanic for a drive before getting your car repaired. People often don’t do this, realizing afterward that the problem still persists.

Make sure the mechanic you hire is properly qualified. Someone who gives vague answers to direct questions, or ignores them altogether, may not have the necessary knowledge to give you quality service. You want to be able to trust the person doing your repairs, so go elsewhere.

If you notice your vehicle’s headlights or taillights have blown out, then it is possible to repair these issues yourself rather than visiting a mechanic in order to save money. It’s easier to do in some cars, but it’s more cost effective than hiring a mechanic. See if you can get instructions from someone you trust.

Before going with a particular shop, get auto repair feedback from your friends. People you know can give you some recommendations, making your search simpler. That said, check up on who they refer as well. You should at least check out the mechanic’s reputation online.

Do not hand the keys over until you have talked both price and the rates for labor. Make sure you’re asking questions if you’re not sure about the shop’s rates. You have to figure out what you’re going to get billed with and how to pay. Shops also often give you estimated repair costs and times. You may find that a repair that is deemed minor may take all day.

Think about snapping some photos of your entire car prior to bringing it in for repairs somewhere. Most shops are reputable but there are always a few bad apples out there. It is in your best interest to have documentation of your vehicle’s condition, just in case.

Do not pay for services that you don’t need at an auto shop. It is quite expensive and usually only necessary for engines in very bad shape. There is a good chance they are just trying to “pad” your bill, unless your engine is in real trouble.

Always be wary of sellers claiming they have auto parts that will last a lifetime. Most of the time this is just a way for them to get their hands on more of your money. One example of this is transmission fluid. While this does not need to be changed as often as typical fluid, you should still change it every 80,000 miles or so.

Car trouble doesn’t need to be frightening or time-consuming like it used to be. You just need to educate yourself on the basics. You can rely on yourself and save money instead of going to the mechanic! These tips will help you if you need to fix your car.