Learning about car repair and picking a good mechanic might seem like a lot of work. This article is the best place to begin. Keep reading for some great auto repair tips.

Regularly check out your radiator. Allow your car to run for a bit and then turn it off and pop open the hood. Never, ever open the radiator while the car is still on. Check your radiator fluid and remember to mix water with coolant before filling your radiator.

It is important that you fully understand what all the charges will be upfront, before handing the mechanic your car keys. If you do not understand something, have it cleared up with the mechanic before he or she makes the repairs. Don’t find yourself stuck with extra charges later.

Talk with your technician to determine if they have worked on your car before. This will give you a better idea of their experience and the skills that they bring to the table.

Tag the important pages in your vehicle manual. When you’re trying to get something repaired on your vehicle, you’ll be able to get more assistance if they’re able to read information quickly about your car. You may figure out, that when the manual is read that your issue is something you may be able to fix on your own.

Always keep a record of any maintenance done to your car. If you have problems with your vehicle later on, you will find it helpful to have some records for the next technician to look at. If you don’t have these records, you could pay lots more money and it can be harder to figure out where the issues is.

Beware of mechanics who do unneeded repairs on the car. Make sure that you give your approval first before a repair is done. Don’t go back to mechanics who made unneeded repairs.

Invest in a spare tire and a jack, and keep them in your vehicle. A lot of newer vehicles are already equipped with these things. There is nothing worse than being stranded far from home and having to get an expensive tow. You can save money and have an easier time doing it on your own.

Before going with a particular shop, get auto repair feedback from your friends. Your loved ones might have some good recommendations for you to check out. You should still always do some research on the person they tell you about. At the very least, look to online reviews to check out how others feel about the shop in question.

It pays to keep track of your regularly scheduled oil changes. In order for your vehicle to run as well as possible, you need to have the oil changed regularly. Neglecting this part of your car can reduce the lifespan of your car.

When you have a problem with your car that seems to be a minor issue, more times than not, it’s a wise choice to get it checked out by a professional. An issue that might seem minor could end up turning into a nightmare down the road.

It is important to get a warranty on your car when it gets repaired. This is even more important if the parts put in are pricy. When you are getting car repairs, ask about warranties on parts. Choose parts that are guaranteed for a few years and do not hesitate to ask for the printed warranty contract.

Instead of going to the mechanic constantly because your car is old with many issues, learn about the warning signs that parts may be damaged. Use what you learned here and you’ll be on your way to great auto repair. When your car starts giving you trouble, remember this article.