Have you desired to ever do auto repairs yourself? It can be nerve-wracking to attempt your own repairs, but after you know how, it’s really very liberating. You can make your car last longer and save money. Read these tips to learn about doing your own repairs.

Inspect your radiator once in a while. Run your car, turn it off then pop the hood. Never open the radiator while the car is on. Look at the coolant you have in your radiator by checking it with a dipstick but remember that coolant usually needs to be mixed with water before putting it into your vehicle.

Keep your car clean to prevent rust. While cars are going to rust eventually, you can definitely slow this down by ensuring all chemicals are cleaned off your car as quickly as possible. Find a wax that offers an extra layer of protection.

There is no better way to find an auto mechanic than to get a referral. You can ask anyone you trust, from your hairdresser to your family. You can find out about a mechanics quality of work, their price, and overall satisfaction. People will let you know if their experiences were good or bad and how honest the auto repair shop was with them.

Do an online search of reviews about your local automotive repair shop. This will also allow you to know what the public thinks of how they handle customers and how good they are at solving any problem you may encounter. It will allow you to find a shop that has everything you’re looking for.

When bringing your car to a mechanic, tell them you want OEM parts. These means they are parts that come directly from the manufacturer. Generic are cheaper, but also less reliable. What could be a good deal in the present won’t always be the best thing to for you later, so try using OEM parts when you’re able to.

Know what all the lights stand for on your dashboard and be aware of when they go off. These lights give you a good indication of when your vehicle needs some maintenance. When you ignore them, you’ll pay for it.

Make sure that you clean your car in the winter as well. Although it may seem like a waste of time, winter weather can really damage your vehicle. Salt and sand from frozen streets can cause rust spots and other flaws. Dry the car right after washing, and make sure you do it thoroughly.

If you need to have your car fixed, but you don’t have a lot of cash on hand, think about asking a local vocational school if they have an auto repair class. This gives you the option of paying less for a repair while students get the opportunity to practice under a licensed mechanic’s supervision.

Have you read over your owner’s manual? The truth is that very few car owners actually do this. To better know your car, you should look over this manual. After reading this manual, you can perform a lot of repairs yourself.

Once a mechanic has replaced parts on your car, ask to have the old ones back. If your mechanic cannot show you the parts, you have no way of knowing if the parts have actually been replaced. Unfortunately, this may be a warning that the mechanic is not being truthful.

Don’t be scared of repairing your vehicle yourself. It is just confusing because you do not understand how the car exactly works. Look back at this article and it’s tips for future reference. Many auto repairs can be made by taking advantage of these tips.