Your car is something that costs you quite a bit of money and time if you don’t know what it takes to care for it. Besides becoming familiar with your car’s model, you can learn other tricks. Read on to save yourself time and money in the future.

Make sure you often check the radiator. Run your car, turn it off then pop the hood. Never open the radiator cap if the engine is running. Check radiator fluid by using a dipstick and remember to dilute coolant with water prior to adding it.

Before giving your car keys to the service department, make sure you know what the cost for the repair will be. If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you do. You don’t want to be hit with unexpected charges after the repairs are done.

Keep your car clean to prevent rust. Although all cars rust at some point in time, it is possible to delay this from occurring by washing off salt and chemicals immediately. Wax the paint job to protect it.

Referrals are one of the best ways to find a reputable auto mechanic. Get recommendations from family and friends. You can learn a lot about the overall quality of a person’s work, the price, and the level of customer satisfaction. You can use their experiences to determine whether a mechanic is honest or not.

Be sure that you know whether or not you have a mechanic that can help you with your vehicle. Cars can differ significantly, even if the general mechanical principles are the same. A luxury SUV is quite different from a hybrid Prius, for example. If you’re not sure, go to the dealership for repair.

Keep a tool kit for doing auto repairs in your trunk. For instance, if anything dealing with tire changes came with the car, have this in your car. You need to purchase a lug wrench and a jack if you do not have them. A Philips head as well as flat head screwdriver should be helpful, plus socket and adjustable wrenches. Always purchase quality tools. Buy quality ones that you are sure won’t fail when you really need them.

It is possible to repair taillights and headlights that have burned out. This process is easier in specific vehicles and harder in others; however, doing this yourself is much more affordable than visiting a mechanic. Find out if anyone in your family can do it and could pass along their knowledge to you.

Try looking for someone who fixes cars on their own property. Provided the experience and skills are there, this may be a much less expensive option to chose from. The costs will always be much lower.

When you take your car in for repair, verify their hourly rate and total cost of repair before you hand over your keys. Read all of the small print on any contract you sign, and ask for answers to any questions you may have. You must know what you’re being billed. Auto repair shops may use the estimated repair time established by certain manufacturers. Some repairs that are deemed “minor” may be all day jobs according to the manufacturer.

Basic Repairs

Knowing how to make basic repairs on your automobile can have many benefits. Besides teaching others and relying on yourself when you’re having car issues, you can save tons of cash. Keep this advice in mind the next time you think you may be able to attend to a few basic repairs yourself.