It can be overwhelming to be in need of car repairs if you don’t know much about them. If you are uneducated on auto repairs, you should do your homework. This article will give you the basics on how to fix a car yourself as well as what you need to know about bringing it to a shop.

When you take your car to the shop, ask plenty of questions about your vehicle. Make sure to consider previous problems you’ve had, and ask how to prevent them. Prevention is a great way to save lots of money.

Check your coolant levels frequently. Let the car run briefly, shut the engine, then open the hood. Do not lift the radiator lid when the engine is running or if it is too hot. Use a dipstick to check the amount of fluid in the radiator. You should also make sure to mix coolant fluid with water before you pour it into your radiator.

Getting a good referral is the ideal way to discover a great auto technician. 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 learn first-hand experiences about the honesty and skill of the mechanic.

Record each repair that you have done on your car. If you experience future problems with your vehicle, this past record will help the mechanic in diagnosing the problems. If you do not have documentation, you may have duplicate services performed.

Use the Internet to find reviews on an auto repair shop. This will give you an idea of how the public likes their customer service, and how well they are at fixing problems. This will help you to weed out garages that could leave you with concerns over quality and workmanship.

Always keep a clear and easy path to your key on the keychain. It is advised that you remove any and all fluffy keychains from the ring. Your car ignition shouldn’t have to hold so much weight. If your key sticks, install new tumblers and use a lighter key chain.

Wash your car all winter long. While you may not see the need, winter is by far the harshest season for cars. Roads filled with sand and salt can really do some corrosive damage to your car. Always dry the vehicle off, though, before you take it out for a spin so that the water doesn’t turn into ice.

There is no real benefit to getting repairs done at the dealer. There are many shops where skilled auto technicians reside. Find a mechanic who is certified and reliable.

Understand the risks involved with DIY auto repairs. Always get someone to be near you if an emergency were to happen. Only invest in the best tools available. You will need these in case you ever have a flat tire. Keep in mind that the jack you use needs to safely hold the car up, especially when you go under the car. A hydraulic floor jack featuring approved stands is best for these situations.

The stress and confusion that occurs when a vehicle breaks down is something that a lot of people really hate. If you are inexperienced in the art of auto repair, it is difficult to know what to do. With some luck, this article should guide you toward the right process.