Like many, you may not understand auto repair. However, it is important to learn the basics, at least, so you know what to do when there is an issue. Read on for some great tips that will aid you in this endeavor.

Battery Charger

Keep a good battery charger in your car. Dead batteries are pretty common and you can help others if you own a battery charger. Familiarize yourself with how the charger hooks up to your battery.

It is important for your car to have an emergency kit. This kit should contain a number of items, including tools, flares, a gas container and an emergency battery charger. It is also wise to include a flashlight, some fresh batteries and a blanket in case your vehicle breaks down in cold weather or at night.

Make sure that you do not neglect the radiator in your car. You should let your car run for a few minutes, shut the engine and open your hood. Be careful not to open your radiator if the car’s running. Check the fluid in your radiator and always mix water with the coolant before adding it.

Prior to having your car repaired, ask how much you will have to pay. You want to make sure that you understand each and every charge, and if you do not then you need to clarify and ask questions before any work is done. If you do not communicate with your mechanic, you might be surprised with additional fees once you receive your bill.

Wash your car often so you can prevent rust. Rust is an inevitability, but you can stave it off for a good while. Protect your paint with good wax.

There is no better way to find an auto mechanic than to get a referral. Get recommendations from family and friends. You can find out about the quality of service and the costs. People can tell you what type of experience they had and whether the mechanic was honest or not.

Keep a record when your car is fixed or maintained. If you have more problems later, other mechanics can decipher why. 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.

Be mindful whether additional repairs recommended are really necessary. A mechanic that’s good will tell you whether or not a pert is beginning to wear out, but they’re not going to replace things without your permission first. Never bring your car to someone who doesn’t do the right kinds of repairs.

Find a mechanic who has experience with the make and model you drive. While the basic components are all the same, there is going to to be a big difference in the way say a Hummer versus a Smart car utilize the space under the hood. If you don’t think he has, go to the dealer.

Whenever you fill your gas tank, check the pressure of your tires. Check for foreign debris that may be embedded in your tires too. If you see something amiss, get it fixed as soon as possible. It is very dangerous driving on bad tires.

You should know more about auto repairs after going over this article. If you have an issue with your vehicle, you should be knowledgeable enough to either fix the problem or take your car into a good shop. Your car can run well all the time if you just take care of it.