Sitting idly by when your car needs repair is never a good idea. A car is an investment, and you need to maintain its value by inspecting it regularly and paying for repairs as needed. This article can help you the next time vehicle problems arise.

Check your coolant levels frequently. To do this, you need to allow your car to run several minutes, and then turn off the engine. You are now ready to open up your hood. Never open your radiator if your vehicle is running. 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.

You don’t always need a mechanic when your car is having problems. Quite a few automotive issues can be done yourself. If you wish to take a shot at it yourself, get online and see if you’re able to figure out what’s going on. If the job is a simple one, you might save a bit of money if you make repairs on your own.

Do not hire a mechanic until you are sure they have experience with this particular make and model. If they have before, then they are likely going to be able to also fix your car easily enough.

Wash your car often so you can prevent rust. All cars will rust up eventually, but you may delay it considerably by ensuring all chemicals and salts are washed off quickly. Find a wax that offers an extra layer of protection.

Referrals are your best best when searching for a trustworthy mechanic. Get recommendations from family and friends. You can inquire about price, work quality and overall satisfaction. Your friends are much more likely to be honest with you about how they felt about a particular shop.

Before taking your vehicle to an auto repair shop, check out their online reviews. This gives you an idea regarding the public’s view of the particular service and lets you know who and where you should avoid. It will allow you to find a shop that has everything you’re looking for.

Take the mechanic for a drive before getting your car repaired. A lot of people do not do this; therefore, they wind up with the same issues that existed before taking their car to the shop.

Have a DIY kit for auto repair in your car at all times. For instance, if anything dealing with tire changes came with the car, have this in your car. If the necessary lug wrench and jack are missing, replace them. You should have a Phillips and flat head screwdriver and several types of wrenches. Don’t get cheap tools. Buy quality ones that you are sure won’t fail when you really need them.

Pay attention to your wiper blades. If you notice your windshield wipers are not working properly, get new ones. Get new wipers blades yearly or on a more regular basis if there is often rain or snow where you live.

Before taking your car in, ask friends for referrals. Their thoughts can make the whole search a lot simpler. You should still always do some research on the person they tell you about. You should at least check out the mechanic’s reputation online.

Now you should have a better idea about how to care for your vehicle. This advice should help you feel confident about any auto repair decisions instead of feeling confused. Keep these tips in mind when you see a potential problem occurring.