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If you have run into some car trouble, you are far from alone. Part of owning a car is having to fix the numerous problems that arise with it. Getting it serviced at a repair shop is fine for serious problems, but why not take care of the little stuff on your own. The article below will show you how.

Check your radiator often. Warm up your car a little, shut if back off and pop the hood. Then check the coolant level, but while the car is not running. You do not want the coolant to get hot; it is dangerous. Use a dipstick to check the fluid level in your radiator and mix some coolant with water if you need to add more fluid.

It is important to maintain the level of your brake fluid. The brake fluid compartment is usually close to the engine and should be checked regularly. Make sure the compartment is two third full and add more brake fluid if you need to. There might be a leak in your system if you often need to add more brake fluid.

If your vehicle seems to be leaking fluids, start by replacing the gaskets and seals. The most common area for leaks is where different parts join together. You may not need an expensive repair if the leak stems from one of these easily replaceable areas. If the leak continues after replacement, you may have a more extensive leak.

Do not be afraid to ask a potential technician any questions you have. It is your vehicle that they will be working on and it is important that someone with the proper qualifications is handling it with care. In addition to asking about the problem with the vehicle, ask them any other questions you have about your car.

You need a spare tire and jack with you all the time. Many newer cars already have them. You don’t want to end up stranded somewhere and get stuck paying a lot for a tow. It is simpler and cheaper to handle it on your own.

Know your car before taking it in for any auto repairs. If you have little knowledge on the specs of your model car, you may end up being taken for a ride without you knowing it. Read through your manual at the bare minimum before going for any larger repairs.

Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need. It is your car, and you need to know why it is important to fix a specific item right away. If you are feeling intimated, or you are not receiving straight answers, get a second opinion before signing off on the work.

Before you settle on a car repair business, talk to friends and family for recommendations. You may get a few recommendations from your friends and family that make your search easier. For any recommendation, research them. Check online to see if there is other information or reviews about the shop in question.

Understand how the repair shop you are considering charges before signing any agreements. Some shops will charge a flat fee for labor, while others base it off of time. Some will opt for original parts, while others will use generics. Know what you have ahead of you before being accountable.

Learn how to perform basic maintenance on your vehicle. It is very easy to do a tune up or change your oil so there really is no reason to bring your car to an auto repair shop to have these things done. Instead, just watch tutorials online to learn what you need to do it on your own.

Listen for any strange noises that your car may be making. These may be popping sounds, knocks, squeals, or something else. They are definitely symptoms of some sort of issue that needs auto repair. Keep a log of when you hear them, and note the type of driving you were doing when they occurred. It will help the auto shop diagnose the issue properly.

Working on your car can make you feel uneasy, especially if you are new to auto repair. However, if you use the tips mentioned in the article above, there is no reason why you can’t successfully repair your auto problems. This way, you’ll save money, and feel great about tackling a problem yourself.

If you own an automobile, you are aware of how important proper maintenance of it is. Even if you did not purchase the car new, replacing it would require a considerable expense. Learn how to properly care for your car and extend its usable life by reading the following article.

When doing your own work on your automobile, you want to make sure you never take things too far in error. You’re saving yourself some money by doing it yourself, but if you’re not sure about something, you need to find out or let a professional handle the matter. You could end up costing yourself so much money.

Save fuel by driving as if you have a glass of water sitting on your dashboard. This practice helps you avoid jack rabbit starts and quick stops. Each time you accelerate quickly, the engine of your car uses more fuel than it would if you were to accelerate at a gradual increase in speed.

Look for an auto repair shop that displays their certifications for everyone to see. Get a good look at it to make sure that they are current. Even if they are certified, that does not guarantee quality work, but there is a greater chance of the work getting done correctly.

Ensure that your mechanic is familiar with your vehicle’s make. While basic components may be the same, there are differences between cars due to the amount of space beneath the hood. Do not hesitate to take your vehicle to a dealership to have experienced mechanics work on it.

Ask your auto mechanic about their A.S.E. certification. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence has a test twice a year for it. To earn this certification, mechanics must pass a written test while also having about two years of work experience in auto mechanics and repair. This certification increases your chances of finding competent mechanics.

Try to find an auto repair shop that is located close to where you live or work. This may not seem like a big deal, but you do not want to have a hard time getting there when it is time for you to go and pick up your vehicle after it is repaired.

Keep an eye on all of the warning lights on your dashboard and know what they mean. Paying attention to these warnings is always in your best interest. Yes, there are sometimes false positives, but it is risky to ignore these warning lights. If you do so, a problem can get worse and become more costly to fix.

Wash and wax your car on a fairly regular basis. This will prevent it from becoming eroded. Many people go get paint jobs to cover the process of erosion. You can avoid having to pay for this if you make sure that your car is very well taken care of.

Always ask in advance how much labor costs at that particular shop. In fact, do not give them your keys until you have a clear understanding of what you will be charged. Many times, this information is not posted in an obvious place, so it is important to know what you are getting yourself into.

Understand the billing process at the auto repair shop you go to. In many cases, you could get a bill for labor based on how long the manufacturer thinks it will take to repair your car. Be clear about how it works at whatever shop you take your car to.

Do not worry if you find a puddle of water under your car. Puddles are usually caused by condensation from your air conditioning system. You should worry if you have not been using your air conditioning system or if you find puddles of water under your car on a regular basis.

When you take your car to an auto repair shop, try to have a good description of the problem. Just telling the mechanic the car is screwed up won’t help him or her to solve the problem. Provide details. You should know how long the problem has existed and when it occurs. Note whether or not dashboard warning lights are illuminated. Describe any sounds, smells or vibrations that accompany the problem.

Now that you know the basics of proper vehicle care, you can perform some simple tasks yourself. You will also know when you need the help of a mechanic to repair your car and keep it in top running condition. Follow the tips in this article to make sure your vehicle remains dependable.