Sometimes, it can be tough to find out what is wrong with your car. Get on the right track from the start and read this article for some helpful tips. What you find out may be surprising.

It is important for your car to have an emergency kit. Be sure the kit has tools for charging the battery, adding gas to the tank, and changing tires. Bring a blanket and flashlights too, in case you are stranded.

When taking your vehicle to a shop, ask any questions you may have about it. Make sure that you are specific with your questions when you pose them. When you understand what’s going on and put preventative measures in place, you will save a lot of money.

Check your coolant levels frequently. Warm up your car a little, shut if back off and pop the hood. Never open the radiator while the car is on. Use a dipstick to check the radiator’s fluid level, and remember to always mix water in with your coolant if need be. Some coolants come premixed.

Know your auto manual very well, or at least dog ear important pages. If you have to get an auto repair, the mechanics will need to know specifics from the manual that are unique to your car. By knowing the manual, you may actually find you can fix some issues yourself.

Make sure your mechanic knows how to work on your make of vehicle. Basic components are usually the same, but things like hood space vary by brand. If you don’t know, pay extra to get the dealer to repair it.

Make sure that you always keep a spare tire and jack in your vehicle. A majority of cars come equipped with them. Being stuck with a flat tire is not something anyone hopes for. Paying for someone to help is expensive. It is cheaper and easier when you do it on your own.

Compare more than 3 estimates so that you can get the best deal on your repair. Most mechanical shops are trustworthy, but others may try to slip in little extras which quickly add up. Seek out shops that are reputable and are good with your vehicle’s make and model. There’s a good chance that these shops will know how to repair your car.

Speak with people you know to see how they deal with repairing their vehicles. You may have less of a search to do if they can give you the name of someone great. For any recommendation, research them. Check online reviews at the very least.

Inspect your manual so that you know what each dashboard light represents. They’re there to assist you, so take advantage of them. Ignoring those for a long time can worsen issues later.

Implement the tips you’ve just learned the next time you need to fix your car. Don’t stress out about the situation. Simply use what you have learned. Take charge of repairing your car, with a little advance knowledge and forethought you can get the best deal for the situation.