Your car is a huge investment you have to care for. Perhaps you’re not sure if you know enough about cars, but are willing to learn. If you want to learn more, read on for some tips on auto repair!

Check your coolant levels frequently. Run your engine for several minutes, and then turn it off and pop your hood. Never open the radiator on a running car. With a dipstick, check your radiator fluid. Before adding more coolant remember to mix it with water.

Do not give your keys to your mechanic before knowing more about the cost of the repairs. If a certain cost confuses you, don’t hesitate to clear this up with the mechanic before allowing him or her to make repairs to your vehicle. This will give you a good idea of what you will be paying.

In order to prevent rust to your car, wash it on a regular basis. Rust is an inevitability, but you can stave it off for a good while. Waxing your car helps protect the paint.

Asking around for recommendations is a great opportunity to locate a mechanic you can trust. Talk to your relatives, friends and co-workers to get some recommendations. You can gain information about prices and level of quality. Those close to you will be able to give you an honest retelling of their experiences with certain mechanics.

Avoid mechanics who charge you for repairs that are not really needed. A good mechanic should let you know if they noticed parts that are starting to get worn down and will need to be replaced soon but they should not replace the part without your approval. Never take your vehicle to a mechanic that preforms unnecessary repairs.

Before dropping your car off for repairs, remove any valuables. If your belongings are in the way of your mechanic’s repairs, they may be moved to the side, possibly even lost. You should also remove all the items from your trunk.

Sometimes you can find a good mechanic who works in their home garage. As long as he knows what he is doing, he can charge less for the same work. This savings in labor costs can add up to hundreds. It also supports a small independent business.

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. But make sure that you still do your research on anyone they mention. You should at least check out the mechanic’s reputation online.

Checking your tire pressure can help save you money and wear and tear on tires. Inspect your tires at this time, looking for anything that has become embedded. In the event that you detect a problem, you can have it repaired before you have a blowout. Do not take a chance by driving on damaged tires.

Check that your mechanic has all of the needed certifications. Look for the seal of approval from the National Institute for Automotive Excellence. This will tell you that the technician has been properly trained and will do a great job on your car.

As said in the beginning of this article, taking care of your car is very important. Just by learning some basic auto repair tricks, you can save lots of money. Use these tips for the next time your vehicle starts acting weird or you start worrying about it.