Using instinct to guide you through auto repairs is rarely a good approach. It’s important to become educated about car repairs. Knowing more about auto repairs will also help you feel more comfortable when dealing with auto shops. However, these tips can help you have a smoother experience.

A breakdown can happen at any time, so it is important to have an emergency kit somewhere in your car. Your kit should include jumper cables, tire changing tools and maybe some extra gas. Blankets, matches, a flashlight, extra batteries, cans of food and some water help, too.

Check the radiator regularly. Allow your car to run for just a few minutes, then shut off the engine, and open up the hood. Never open the radiator on a running car. 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.

Asking around for recommendations is a great opportunity to locate a mechanic you can trust. Ask the people you know for their recommendations. You can learn about the quality of work, the pricing and if they were satisfied with the service. People will let you know what kind of things they had to deal with and if the person was honest.

Every time you have your car fixed, regardless of the reason, you should take note of it. If you have problems with your vehicle later on, you will find it helpful to have some records for the next technician to look at. If you don’t have these records, you could pay lots more money and it can be harder to figure out where the issues is.

Try to get OEM parts for your car. OEM parts means that part was produced by the manufacturer specifically for your make and model of vehicle. While generic parts may be cheaper, you’ll never know how good the quality is. Although you save money in the short term with generic parts, its not really a deal if they have to be replaced again in a few years.

Do not leave any items in your vehicle if you are taking it to be repaired. If your belongings are in the way of your mechanic’s repairs, they may be moved to the side, possibly even lost. Also, be sure to remove everything from the trunk.

If you think your headlines are not as bright as usual, inspect them for cleanliness. Sometimes the road can create a greasy residue on the headlight. You will be able to see well when using a reliable glass cleaner.

Major repairs should always be accompanied by more than just one estimate. While you can usually trust an auto repair shop, you don’t want to be paying too much money for the repairs needed. If possible, find a mechanic who is specialized in the make and model you have or in the kind of problems you are encountering. These mechanics will most likely be more experienced in fixing your kind of car.

You may be able to replace the lights on your car yourself. It’s easier to do in some cars, but it’s more cost effective than hiring a mechanic. If you are not confident, ask a friend or family member if they can help you.

With these tips, you will have a much higher chance of a smooth experience the next time your vehicle breaks down. Getting a vehicle repaired is rarely an exciting thing, but it can be easier on you if you put the previous information into practice. Take the advice in this article and apply it next time your car starts making “that noise again.”