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Are you interested in repairing your vehicle yourself? It can be nerve-wracking to attempt your own repairs, but after you know how, it’s really very liberating. Not only will you save money, but you can also help your vehicle last longer. The following article will advise you on how to fix your own car and will also provide tips on having it fixed by a professional.

Invest in a quality battery charger and always keep it in your car. Dead batteries are a common occurrence and you’d be able to aid other drivers who have broken down. Locate the points the battery charger should be connected to so you can easily jump start your own vehicle.

Check your radiator often. Run your engine for several minutes, and then turn it off and pop your hood. Refrain from opening the radiator when your car is on. Use a dipstick to check the amount of fluid in the radiator. You should also make sure to mix coolant fluid with water before you pour it into your radiator.

Ensure your car has an emergency kit. Assemble a kit that has tools for changing tires, charging the battery and putting more gas in the car. Bring a blanket and flashlights too, in case you are stranded.

Keep your car clean to prevent rust. All cars will rust up eventually, but you may delay it considerably by ensuring all chemicals and salts are washed off quickly. Find a wax that offers an extra layer of protection.

You might not need a mechanic to fix your car problem. There are several things that can be fixed quite easily. It’s possible to find the information you need online. If the job is a simple one, you might save a bit of money if you make repairs on your own.

Every time your car is repaired, make sure you keep records of the event. Should your vehicle encounter other problems down the line, it will helpful for the auto technician to see past records. If you lack such records, you may end up paying more money for diagnostic work.

Request OEM parts. These parts are directly from the manufacturer of your vehicle. Generic parts can be cheaper but OEM parts will last longer and usually come with a better warranty. Though you may think you are getting a deal with generic parts, in the long run, you will end up paying double than you would have if you had gotten OEM parts.

Keep your car clean to prevent rust. Cars eventually rust, but you can put off the process by washing off chemicals or salt quickly. Wax is also important.

When taking your car to the mechanic for repairs, never leave valuables in the car. The technicians may have to move out these things to fix your car, and they cannot be held liable if anything goes missing. Take everything out of the trunk as well.

Make sure you have both a spare tire and a jack in your trunk. Newer cars almost always have them. You’re not going to want to be paying money for being rescued by a tow truck after finding yourself stuck. It’s far more convenient and less costly to take care of it yourself.

Test out your car before paying for its repairs. If you don’t, you may find that you paid for nothing.

When you have a burnt out light on your car, it can save you some money if you’re able to repair it yourself. 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.

Try looking for someone who fixes cars on their own property. For basic repairs they can charge far less and you both can be happy. You’ll be able to save quite a bit of money and will help them a little bit because you won’t be dealing with a big place.

Look out for obvious “red flags” when dealing with a new auto repair company. If they talk to you in circles or they don’t pay attention to your questions, you may not be dealing with the best person. It is important that you trust the person that is repairing your vehicle, and if you don’t, then go somewhere else.

Get rid of any unnecessary key-chains that are attached to your car keys. This can help you drive safer and more secure. When the key begins to stick in position, you have to replace all of the tumblers or endure more serious damage.

Make sure that you clean your car in the winter as well. While it may seem pointless, winter is the most damaging time for your car. Exposure to the elements can cause rust and abrasion. Just be sure that you’re drying your car off before you start to drive around so that ice doesn’t form.

Attempt to self-diagnose ahead of going to a garage. Identifying the problem yourself can save you some money, and it can prevent you from being taken by a dishonest mechanic. As you have probably heard, there are mechanics out there that will be dishonest so they can charge you more money.

It can be very dangerous to fix your own car. Don’t ever do repairs alone. Buy some good quality tools that will last. This definitely applies to tire changing equipment. Keep in mind that the jack must hold the car up securely, particularly if you’re under it. Therefore, it is vital to purchase a hydraulic jack with strong stands.

If you are on a budget and need auto repairs, consider looking into services offered by local vocational institutions. You pay a greatly reduced rate for the repairs in return for allowing students to work on your car while under the supervision of a licensed mechanic.

Check and make sure that your mechanic is familiar with working on your type of car. While most vehicles are made in similar ways, a lot of the time things are fairly different under the hood. If you aren’t sure, take your car to get serviced at the dealer.

No matter what a mechanic tells you, be aware that flushing your engine is an exceptional procedure. It is definitely not part of your car’s ordinary, routine maintenance. It’s a costly process which is unnecessary unless you’re abusing your car.

There are no auto parts that will work forever, so don’t believe any claims to the contrary. This is a lie in an attempt to take 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.

Before taking your car in, ask friends for referrals. They can help point you in the right direction if so. But, it is important to still do your research on the recommendations they give you. At least look for online reviews of those recommendations.

If your car is new, contact the dealer who sold it to you if you find a serious safety concern. There may be something wrong with the car model that will necessitate a recall. Usually, manufacturers will repair your car.

Take some time before you make your decision on your auto repair. This way you can call other dealerships and garages to verify that you are receiving the best price. If you find a cheaper price, pay the repair shop for their labor and take your vehicle elsewhere.

Make sure that you remind yourself of how often your oil needs to be changed. You can put yourself in danger if you do not get your oil changed regularly. If you don’t change it, your car could stop working much earlier than expected.

Don’t be intimidated at the thought of doing auto repair yourself. When you start to know which parts do what, you’ll work your way up to being a master. Look back at this article and it’s tips for future reference. Fixing your car is possible if you use these tips.