Auto repair may seem very complicated, especially if you don’t know where to begin. Luckily, this piece is full of useful ideas to help you begin. Launch yourself on a learning curve about car repair. Save on future repair costs because of what you learn here.

You want to be sure that the mechanic working on your vehicle is A.S.E certified. This indicates passage of written testing and experience of no less than two years. This ensures that you have a capable person working on your car.

Battery Charger

Keeping a battery charger in your car is a good safety investment. Having a dead battery can leave you stranded in some pretty terrible places. It is important to not only have the battery charger but to know how it works as well in case you are alone.

Regularly check out your radiator. Run your car, turn it off then pop the hood. You should never open the radiator of a car that is running. Look to see what the fluid level is (use a dipstick), and remember that coolant needs to have a bit of water added prior to entering your radiator.

You do not have to call a mechanic every time you are having car trouble. There are a lot of things you can do easily. If you are game, consider doing some online research to diagnose the issue. Simple repairs that do not require special tools can be done by yourself, and can save you money.

Make sure all repair records are kept close. You may want to store them in the glove compartment for easy access. The auto shop will definitely want to see any records. They can find problems much quicker that way.

Try to get OEM parts for your car. These parts are the same original parts designed by the manufacturer. Although generic parts are more affordable, OEM parts are better quality and will last longer. Generic parts could end up costing you more in the long run.

When getting auto repairs, take all items out of your car. The mechanic may find that these things get in the way and they may get misplaced to where they cannot be located later. Also, remove everything from the trunk.

Watch out for blatant signs that your mechanic is not to be trusted. If they avoid your questions or give you the run around, they may not be reliable. You should feel like you can trust them, so don’t fear seeing someone else.

Bad News

Make sure you have both a spare tire and a jack in your trunk. Most vehicles come with them, but you want to check anyway. Stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire is bad news. Stuck without a jack and spare tire is bad news and a big bill. It’s far more convenient and less costly to take care of it yourself.

When you need a major repair done, get numerous estimates. Although most auto shops are reliable, you don’t want to pay too much. Seek out good shops that that are reputable and familiar with your type of vehicle. These shops are better equipped to handle your car repairs.

Avoid attaching your car keys to a heavy key chain or detach your keys every time you drive. The weight of your keychain can cause problems for your ignition. If your key starts sticking, you need to change the tumblers and eliminate the troll buddy that’s weighing down your keychain!

When you get gas, always check tire pressure. Look over your tires to be sure nothing has become embedded in them. If you notice any problems with your tires, have them checked by a professional. Driving on the highway with corrupt tires can be very dangerous.

It’s wise to get car issues checked out, even when you think they’re minor. Sometimes when there are small issues with your vehicle, ignoring them will only lead to the problem becoming much larger as time goes on.

Learn what warning signs appear when your car needs work. Learning this and the other tips here will help you get familiar with basic auto repair. Keep this advice in mind when your car doesn’t do what you want it to do.