If you depend on a vehicle to get you around, you really need to know a few things about repairing an automobile. That said, many people don’t know the basics. To help you out, here are a list of tips to deal with the challenges of auto repair. Read on to ensure that fixing your car is much easier next time.

Keep an eye on your radiator levels. Run your car for a bit, turn off the engine and then open the hood. Never open the radiator while the car is on. Use a dipstick to check the fluid level in your radiator and mix some coolant with water if you need to add more fluid.

Don’t get stuck with a mechanic who will make repairs on your vehicle that are not necessary. All reputable mechanics will notify you before doing any repairs and will inform you of any parts that could require repairs in the immediate future. If a mechanic performed a repair you did not authorize, you should not take your vehicle to them twice.

Verify that a prospective mechanic is familiar with your specific car. Cars vary greatly by make and model so it is important that your mechanic is familiar with your make and model of car. If you are unsure, pay the extra to have a dealer do the repairs.

You may want to get your car repaired by a person who does work out of their own garage. You want to make sure the person is qualified, of course, but home mechanics can save you money on labor costs. 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.

Get rid of any unnecessary key-chains that are attached to your car keys. The ignition is not suited to that weight, even when you think it isn’t much. When the key begins to stick in position, you have to replace all of the tumblers or endure more serious damage.

Find out how much a mechanic charges for the repair, including labor, before you hand over your keys. A few shops hide their rates, so make sure to read the fine print and ask questions whenever necessary. Make sure that you know exactly how you are going to be billed. Some mechanics bill you for estimated labor times established by the manufacturers they work with. Minor repairs can be considered jobs that require a full day of work to some manufacturers.

Don’t put off checking a problem with your car, even if you are pretty sure it is minor. A small problem can become a big one if it is left unchecked.

Keeping your car in proper running order is a necessary chore of life for most people. Not everyone knows how to find a good mechanic or do their own repairs. Take these ideas and apply them next time you need to repair you car. You should be able to save yourself time and money in the future. Good luck.