Auto repair can be an overwhelming subject if you are new to it. Luckily, this advice can give you a head start. Launch yourself on a learning curve about car repair. Save on future repair costs because of what you learn here.

Be prepared for any emergency by equipping your car with a well stocked emergency kit. You can make your own; include things that you will have to have to put on a spare, add gas or charge the battery. Blankets may be added, some batteries and a flashlight for if you have a trouble with your car at night.

Check the radiator regularly. Let the car run a while, shut off the engine and then pop the hood. You never want to open up the radiator if your car is still running. Use a dipstick to gauge how much radiator fluid you have, keeping in mind that most types need to be diluted with water.

You do not have to call a mechanic every time you are having car trouble. Some of the work can be done on your own, as there are problems that are relatively easy to repair. If you want to take a chance, you can go online and do some research to pinpoint what the problem is. If the repair is not difficult, you can fix it yourself and save a lot of money.

Asking around for recommendations is a great opportunity to locate a mechanic you can trust. Ask around for recommendations. You can learn a lot about the overall quality of a person’s work, the price, and the level of customer satisfaction. Your friends are much more likely to be honest with you about how they felt about a particular shop.

Record each repair that you have done on your car. If the car has other issues later, it can help the tech see its past records. The records can help the mechanic determine the problem.

Do not pay an auto mechanic until you have test driven your car to be sure they did their job. If you don’t do this, it’s possible that the problem isn’t even fixed.

Request OEM parts. These are original parts direct from the manufacturer. Generic may be cheaper, but you don’t know the quality of these parts as time goes on. A great deal can cost you tons down the road.

Leave nothing in your car when you take it to the shop. The mechanic may need to remove these items in order to do their job, and they are not responsible if you find out later that something is missing. You should also remove all the items from your trunk.

Speak with friends about auto shop recommendations before you pick a shop. Personal recommendations are usually honest and forthright. Still do your homework on whoever they mention. Checking out online customer reviews for a given garage is a must, and it doesn’t take long at all.

It is important to find out about warning signs with your old car, so you do not have to keep going to a mechanic. You can learn about simple auto repair by remembering the tips provided in this article. Make use of these tips if your car develops a problem.