Do you wish you knew more about fixing your own car problems? It is really not as hard as you would imagine to do simple auto repairs yourself. You can save a ton of money and lengthen your car’s life. Use the tips below to help you do your own car repairs.

Keep an eye on your radiator levels. Let the car run briefly, shut the engine, then open the hood. Never open the radiator while the 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.

Make sure all repair records are kept close. Keep these records in the glove compartment in the event that you need to make an emergency stop at your mechanic’s shop. The auto shop will definitely want to see any records. This will help them assess the problem quicker and more precisely.

Look for online reviews about your chosen body shop. This can inform you of how the general public views their customer service skills as well as how well they do when it comes to solving the problem. The information will help locate a local repair shop that you are comfortable with trusting with such an important job.

Be wary of unscrupulous mechanics who make unnecessary repairs to your vehicle. A good mechanic will never perform work without getting your full approval. Don’t trust a mechanic who has done repairs without asking.

Ask your mechanic if he has had experience working on your type of car. Basic components are usually the same, but there are big differences in different types of cars. The safe route is to pay a little more to have a dealer’s specialized techs work on the car.

Wiper Blades

You don’t want to neglect the wiper blades on your vehicle. If you notice your wiper blades leaving streaks on your windshield, or they chatter, then it is time to obtain new blades. Wiper blades should be replaced a minimum of once per year. If your area receives a lot of rain, then you may need to replace your blades more regularly.

Know what all the lights stand for on your dashboard and be aware of when they go off. They’re there to assist you, so take advantage of them. Do not ignore them, as this can put your safety in danger.

Remember you don’t need to use a mechanic for car problems. There are many technicians that may be closer in proximity to your house. If you feel a good comfort level with someone, you should hire them.

Although you can easily handle minor issues with your vehicle, you should not attempt to fix major issues. You’re still new to this! The problem may seem simple, but you might find out it’s more complex. Allow the diagnosis to be made by a professional, when possible. Supply them with all the necessary information, and let them handle the final diagnosis.

You should always get a good warranty when investing in new expensive parts. Ask the mechanic about warranties on these parts. Learn the length of time of the warranties, and ask your mechanic to print out a copy of the contract for you to look over it.

Don’t be scared of repairing your vehicle yourself. While the sights under a car’s hood may seem foreign to you, a bit of education is all you need in order to do your own repairs. Use this article and tips as a reference. You can knowledgeably find your way through an auto repair process if you keep them in mind.