If you own a vehicle, then you probably are aware of how frustrating an automobile problem is. When you understand simple repairs, you can keep stress down and money in your wallet. Use the tips here to make repairs yourself when feasible. Use the tips for finding a good mechanic. When you have a problem, you’ll be better equipped to solve it.

Inspect your radiator once in a while. Warm up your car a little, shut if back off and pop the hood. Don’t open your radiator if your car is running. Check the fluid in your radiator and always mix water with the coolant before adding it.

When bringing your car to a mechanic, tell them you want OEM parts. These parts are directly from the manufacturer of your vehicle. Although using generic parts may provide some short-term savings, it’s impossible to know whether or not they’ll hold up as well as OEM parts. It might be a great deal, but if you have to continue to replace the part, it is not going to be a good deal in the long run.

If your taillights or headlights burn out, you will save a ton of money. Hiring a professional to install new lights costs a lot of money. If you know anyone who is comfortable with cars, ask if they can show you how it’s done.

Know what the lights on your dash represent. They are meant to help; use them to your advantage. If you ignore them, you could end up with expensive problems down the road.

Oil Changed Regularly

It is important to have your oil changed regularly. You can put yourself in danger if you do not get your oil changed regularly. Failing to get routine oil changes will shorten you car’s life, so set reminders if necessary.

Your car still needs to be washed during the winter, even though the weather makes it more difficult. Although it may seem like a waste of time, winter weather can really damage your vehicle. Sand and salt on the roads can cause rust and corrosion. After washing your car, dry it thoroughly to prevent ice formation.

Take photos of your vehicle prior to bringing it into any shop. Though most shops won’t strip a car, others do it to make more money. The appearance of your vehicle needs to be documented in case something bad happens.

Learn all you can about your car and its parts. Parts are also classified according to their condition: new, salvaged, and reconditioned, rebuilt, and re-manufactured. “New” parts have been just created to the manufacturer’s specifications either by them or an independent retailer. “Re-manufactered, rebuilt and reconditioned” are parts that are restored to a good working condition. If a used part is designated as “salvage,” it has not been reconditioned.

It is often best to get minor issues checked by a qualified professional if you are not sure how to fix them. Small issues can often turn into larger ones.

Often people will take a vehicle in for service, only to find out when they pick it up that there are more problems. This is a common techniques used to give you the impression you got a good bargain as well as excellent service. Instead of going forward right away, take your time and seek out the best deal you can find.

Car problems can be a hassle to deal with. They are often very expensive too. You will save both time and money with a little knowledge regarding car maintenance and repairs.