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The most important goal when you car needs repair is to have the repair done fast. When you have no car, you may be stranded. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on car repairs. Carry on reading to discover certain things you can do yourself.

Regularly check out your radiator. You need to allow your car to run for a couple of minutes, shut down the engine and then open up the hood. Never, ever open the radiator while the car is still on. With a dipstick, check your radiator fluid. Before adding more coolant remember to mix it with water.

You need to buy a good battery charger and have it in your vehicle at all times. The problem of a low or dead battery is very common, and if you keep a charger in your car you can assist other drivers with the problem. Learn how to find the points where the battery charger connects.

You need to know about all costs before handing your keys over. If something is unclear, have the mechanic or service counter rep clarify it for you before any work is done on the car. You don’t want to be surprised with a higher charge than you were expecting.

Talk with your technician to determine if they have worked on your car before. If they have done so, this should inform you that they know what your car needs to work properly.

Get referrals to find a great auto mechanic. Ask the people you know and trust who they take their vehicles to. These people will be able to provide you with the price, quality, and overall satisfaction of the mechanic. People can tell you what type of experience they had and whether the mechanic was honest or not.

Wash your car often so you can prevent rust. Rust will happen, but you can slow things down by keeping the car clean. Make sure to wax your car so as to protect the paint.

Beware mechanics who charge you for repairs which are unnecessary. A mechanic that is good will notify you of parts that show signs of deterioration and will soon need replacement, but they shouldn’t replace it without having your approval. Don’t return to mechanics that do unnecessary repairs.

Get to know your owner’s manual, or take the time to note important information. When you have to get repairs done on your car, you are going to need to be knowledgeable about your car’s information. What you think may be an issue, may not be at all according to the manual.

Are your headlights clean? Sometimes the road’s greasy residue can get on a light and reduce the output of light. Wash them with a good glass cleaner and see as well as you should.

Make sure that you always keep a spare tire and jack in your vehicle. A lot of newer vehicles are already equipped with these things. The cost of a tow for a flat isn’t worth it! Changing that tire yourself can save you the cost of towing.

Keep a record of any vehicle repairs. If you have problems later, it may help the mechanic to see these notes. Without records, you might have to pay higher costs due to taking longer to find the problem.

There are many “backyard” mechanics out there that preform excellent auto repairs. You want to make sure the person is qualified, of course, but home mechanics can save you money on labor costs. This may result in substantial savings, and you can also provide such mechanics with much-needed work.

Do your friends or family have any recommendations for good repairers? Their thoughts can make the whole search a lot simpler. But make sure that you still do your research on anyone they mention. Online reviews can give you a quick overview of anyone that you have in mind.

Before making your payment to the mechanic when picking up your car, take it out for a spin first to check that everything is working. People often don’t do this, realizing afterward that the problem still persists.

A dealer isn’t your only option for auto repair. There are many technicians that may be closer in proximity to your house. If you have found a reliable mechanic, don’t hesitate to use them.

Be sure the mechanic you choose is properly certified. Look for the NIAE seal of approval. This means that the mechanic is knowledgeable and reliable.

Have you noticed that your headlights aren’t shining very brightly? If so, ensure you are cleaning them regularly. The roads you drive on sometimes contain greasy residues, which can get on your lights. Therefore, this will reduce the brightness of your lights. Wash them with glass cleaner and you should be able to see better.

Brake Fluid

Bleed your brakes before you take your car on a test drive. Take the time to pump brake fluid too. Examine closely to see if any leaking has occurred. You don’t want to run low on your brake fluid. You should then be ready to take your car for a spin down less-busy roads. Drive slowly at first so that you can ensure your repairs have been performed correctly.

Watch out for blatant signs that your mechanic is not to be trusted. When they don’t listen to what you say or talk to you in circles, they’re probably a scammer. It’s best to feel that you trust your repair person, so don’t hesitate to move on.

Look to AAA for reliable auto repairs. They will send out a tow truck if you break down and can help you find a reputable mechanic. Many times, AAA have set discounts to decrease your costs.

Ask your mechanic if he can wait a few hours for you to think about getting your car fixed after getting a diagnosis and a quote. Call competitors and other mechanics to see how much you’d pay if you went to them instead. If you can get a cheaper price, simply pay the mechanic for the work they’ve done and go somewhere else.

Assemble an auto repair kit and put it inside of your trunk. The basic tools you will need include the tire changing equipment which should have come with your car. Get a lug wrench and jack if you do not have one yet. Also, you need Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, a ratchet set, and various types of wrenches. Avoid purchasing cheap tools. Invest in quality tools that will not break as you perform repairs on your vehicle.

What sort of sounds is your car making? These sounds can tell you a lot about the problems that your car is having. Being able to describe the sounds and problem to your mechanic can save you much on labor costs.

Ask several questions at the mechanics. Don’t make your questions just about price, but everything related to your repairs. What is the estimated time frame for repairs? What kind of work is being done? How much will the parts cost? Ask whatever else pops into your head. This will help the mechanic see that you are a concerned customer, and most mechanics are happy to educate you about your car.

Try looking for someone who fixes cars on their own property. These types of mechanics are sometimes not licensed or insured, but charge much less and can do really great work. This is a good way of saving money while investing in your local community.

If your car is being stored, jack it up and fill the gas tank. Do not set the parking brake, and be sure that your car’s storage environment is dry and not prone dampness that encourages rust formation.

Never fill your windshield wiper container with water. Even though water can clean the windshield, the windshield washer system is designed to receive washer fluid and using some water could damage it. Examine the reservoir often and add more fluid when necessary. Just don’t use water to fill it.

Repairing your car yourself could be hazardous. Always have someone close at hand to help you in case of emergency. Buy tools that are of a good quality so they’re not going to break when you use them. This is especially true of your tire changing equipment. A good quality jack is very important, particularly since you will be under the vehicle. That’s why it’s smart to use a good hydraulic floor jack with approved jack stands.

Ask questions. When you want to get your car fixed, you should know everything involved. The auto repair company should be able to answer every question you have.

As this article has told you, you don’t have to do a lot to fix your car if you don’t have the money to. A lot of the time your problems can be solved when you’re at home. Implement what you’ve learned to help get your car on the road again.

Take multiple pictures of your car before taking it to a new shop. This will give you proof, if your vehicle happens to become damaged while in their care. Fight against this kind of scam by thoroughly documenting the condition of your car beforehand.