A car can be a time and money sink if it is not taken care of properly. You should have a good working knowledge of the vehicle model you own, however, there are other things to read up on as well. Keep reading to save money and time later.

Invest in high-quality battery chargers and keep them inside your car. A dead battery is more common than you think and you will be able to help other broken down drivers if you have a battery charger with you. Before you drive again, figure out how to use it properly.

Check your radiator frequently. Allow your car to run for a bit and then turn it off and pop open the hood. Never open the radiator while the car is on. Check the level of fluid in radiator and add any if necessary. Be mindful that some coolants are meant to be mixed with 50% water.

Be careful that your mechanic does not attempt to perform unneeded repairs. Good mechanics will tell you about worn down pieces without replacing them automatically. Never return to a mechanic that ripped you off.

Request OEM parts. These parts are directly from the manufacturer of your vehicle. While they often cost a little more, they typically work better for longer periods of time. What is a cheap option now could be an expensive option later.

Examine your headlights if they appear dim; they may simply need a good clean. Sometimes the road can create a greasy residue on the headlight. Be sure to clean them with a strong glass solvent in order to get the best light possible.

Replacing a burnt-out headlight or taillight is much cheaper when you do it by yourself. It’s easier to do in some cars, but it’s more cost effective than hiring a mechanic. Ask someone you know if they can instruct you on how to do it.

Think about using a mechanic who fixes cars in his own garage. If they possess sufficient experience, they can typically do jobs for far less cost. You can save tons of money and provide an independent worker by providing them with business.

You should know and pay attention to your dashboard’s warning lights. They are located there to assist you, so use them to your advantage. If you ignore them, the problem will only become worse than it is now.

Whenever you fill up on gas, make sure you check the pressure of your tires. Closely inspect your tires to ensure nothing is wrong with them. If there appears to be a problem, have it checked out as soon as possible. Driving around with bad tires is not something you should ever do.

When having repairs on your car, it is important to keep warranties in mind, especially when purchasing costly components. Talk to your repairman about the warranty parts come with. Have a version of this warranty printed up so you can keep it with your records.

As stated earlier, it can be to your benefit to learn basic auto repair techniques. Besides teaching others and relying on yourself when you’re having car issues, you can save tons of cash. Don’t forget these tips and use them when your car needs it.