Chances are, your car is the most important thing you own, given that it gets you everywhere. You might not know enough about cars to feel comfortable servicing small repairs. If you want to learn more, read on for some tips on auto repair!

Always keep and eye on the radiator to make sure that it is full. Allow your car to run for just a few minutes, then shut off the engine, and open up the hood. Never open the radiator on a running car. 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.

Check online reviews for any mechanic you’re considering. This lets you know how other people who have tried this mechanic before have felt about their experience. Use this information to choose a shop that you’re comfortable with giving money to.

Before paying for repairs done on your car, test drive it to make sure it runs well. Lots of people skip this practice and they might end up not solving the issue they initially came in for.

If you think your headlines are not as bright as usual, inspect them for cleanliness. Sometimes there is a residue that covers them from the streets and that can make them dirty so they cannot put out enough light. Before taking your car into the mechanic for this, try giving the headlights a good cleaning first.

Try figuring out the issue prior to going to get repairs. This may save you a ton of money in the long run by preventing you from being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous mechanic. You probably know that some mechanics will deceive you about your car repairs to charge you more.

Invest in a spare tire and a jack, and keep them in your vehicle. New cars often come with a kit you can use to change a tire. You would hate to be stuck out in the road and be forced to spend money on a tow. You do the job yourself with less time and expense.

A mechanic who has his own shop is worth considering. When they are certified and have experience, they may be worth hiring. This can help you save money but make sure that they have a good reputation.

Before you decide on an auto shop, ask your friends to talk about their car repair experiences. The search process can be improved with recommendations from friend and loved ones. Even after getting a few names, though, do your research. You should at least look for the company on the Internet so you can figure out how other people have felt about their services.

Do not use all kinds of extra key chains with your keys. The ignition isn’t designed to hold tons of weight. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t appear heavy to you. Once your car key begins sticking, you should immediately eliminate your heavy keychains.

Change your oil at least once every couple of months to stay safe. If you want your car to run the way it should, its oil needs to be changed regularly. Failing to get routine oil changes will shorten you car’s life, so set reminders if necessary.

In the winter, you still need to wash your car. Winter can be hard on your vehicle. Road salt and sand cause rust and abrasion. Your car should be dried thoroughly before getting back on the road again.

As mentioned earlier, it is important to take good care of your vehicle. Learning about the simplest of repairs can help you save money. Use this information the next time your vehicle is acting funny.