Your car is probably one of your most important possessions, since you depend on it to get you to and from work (among other places). Perhaps you’d like to learn a little bit more about cars. Go over this article for some useful auto repair tips.

Check your radiator often. Run your car for a bit, turn off the engine and then open the hood. Refrain from opening the radiator when your car is on. Check the fluid in your radiator and always mix water with the coolant before adding it.

Wash your car regularly to prevent rust from becoming a problem. Cars are all destined to rust, but the process can be slowed by keeping salt and chemicals away from the paint whenever you can. Using a wax will protect the paint job significantly.

Referrals are a great method for finding a great auto mechanic. Can you get a recommendation from a friend or someone that you work with? You can find out about a mechanics quality of work, their price, and overall satisfaction. You can find out about the experience with a mechanic and if they can be trusted or not.

Once an auto shop has made repairs to your car, test drive it to ensure they did a good job prior to paying them. If you don’t do this, you may not have the appropriate problem repaired.

Request OEM parts. These parts are original and from the manufacturer. While they often cost a little more, they typically work better for longer periods of time. Getting a good deal on generic parts means you might have to purchase the same parts again and pay a mechanic to change them within the next few years.

Before you actually take your car to a mechanic, try to assess what the problem is first. This will save you a great deal of money and protect you against fraud. An unscrupulous mechanic may exaggerate the problem or diagnose nonexistent ones to charge you more.

If there are two tools all cars should have, it is a jack and lug-nut wrench. With that, you also need an extra tire. Most new cars come with them. You never want to be without them, as you could end up having to pay for an expensive tow. You can save a lot by doing it yourself.

Keep a tool kit for doing auto repairs in your trunk. You should have basic tools such as equipment to change a tire, fix a flat, add oil and a gallon of water. Get a lug wrench or a jack. Also, you need Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, a ratchet set, and various types of wrenches. You don’t want to settle for buying cheap tools. Buy quality, reliable tools that are not going to break.

Ask about prices and labor rates before you give your keys to a mechanic. Make sure you’re asking questions if you’re not sure about the shop’s rates. You have to figure out what you’re going to get billed with and how to pay. Repair times for some shops are determined by manufacturers. A manufacturer may consider a relatively minor repair to be an all day job.

Taking proper care of a vehicle is an extremely essential and important part of life. Even learning how to perform simple routine maintenance can save a lot of cash and trips to the mechanic. Take these tips to heart, and pull this article back out whenever you need to.