It can seem difficult learning about auto repair, but it will get easier. Teaching yourself about cars can really be useful in the future. Continue reading to learn more about dealing with those auto repairs yourself, as opposed to using a mechanic.

Verify that any prospective mechanic has earned an A.S.E. certification. This certification guarantees that the mechanic has been tested and has more than two years of experience. That way, you can have the best mechanics working on your car.

Keep an eye on your radiator levels. Let the car run a couple minutes, shut your engine and open up your hood. Never open the radiator on a running car. 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.

See if the prospective mechanic has experience with your type of car. If they say that they have, this should be a good indicator that they have some idea of what needs to be done to get your car back into shape.

You don’t want rust to attack your car so take the time to wash it on a regular basis. All cars are going to rust, so make sure that you wash your vehicle at least once a month. Use a good wax to protect your paint job as much as possible.

Always keep a record of any maintenance done to your car. If the car has other issues later, it can help the tech see its past records. These records will make identifying issues much easier to diagnose and will save you time and money.

Look for online reviews of different local auto shops. The Internet is a great resource to find out how people really feel about a certain garage. After gathering information, you can select the right shop for you.

Do not leave any items in your vehicle if you are taking it to be repaired. Some of these items may need to be removed so the mechanic can do his work, and the shop is not responsible if anything is lost. Also, be sure to remove everything from the trunk.

Regularly clean your headlights to keep them shining bright. Headlights often accumulate grime and other debris during normal use. Wash them with glass cleaner and you should be able to see better.

Pay attention to any red flags involving your auto repair technician. If they tend to talk in circles or ignore your questions, then they might not be all that you want them to be. You want to be able to trust the person doing your repairs, so go elsewhere.

Don’t try to diagnose complicated issues. You are not the expert, and you must remember this. What you may see as a simple fix can really be very complicated, especially if you own one of the newer vehicles equipped with a computer. You can tell them your opinion, but leave the diagnosing of problems to the experts. Let them know about any sounds you heard or what problems you have been having, but let them be the ones to diagnose the issue.

When you know what you’re doing, auto repairs aren’t so scary. You are self-reliant, and you’re going to save yourself some money. These tips will help you if you need to fix your car.