Do not wait for things to get worse if you notice something wrong with your vehicle. It can be very costly to fix a vehicle, so you should know know the basics about auto repair if you want to be satisfied with the results. Continue reading this article and you’ll learn what it takes to get an automobile repaired.

Don’t take an emergency car kit for granted. Include a spare tire, a jack, a battery charger and a container full of gas. Add some blankets, a flashlight and some batteries in case your car breaks down at night.

Your radiator needs to be looked over regularly. Allow your car to run for just a few minutes, then shut off the engine, and open up the hood. You should never open your radiator whenever your car is turned on. With a dipstick, check your radiator fluid. Before adding more coolant remember to mix it with water.

Before paying your mechanic for any work done, make sure to take it for a short test drive first, to make sure everything is working as it should. Many people fail to do this and they end up having the same problem that they had before taking the car in to get it repaired.

Try to get OEM parts for your car. This means that they’ve come directly from the manufacturer. Generic parts can be cheaper but OEM parts will last longer and usually come with a better warranty. Though you may think you are getting a deal with generic parts, in the long run, you will end up paying double than you would have if you had gotten OEM parts.

Leave nothing in your car when you take it to the shop. The mechanic may find that these things get in the way and they may get misplaced to where they cannot be located later. Clear out your trunk, too.

Try to find out what is causing the a problem with your vehicle before taking it to the shop. When you self-diagnose, you avoid fraud and save money. Some dishonest mechanics may try to exaggerate the problem to get more money out of you.

You should have a do-it-yourself repair kit in your car at all times. For instance, if anything dealing with tire changes came with the car, have this in your car. Buy a jack if your car does not already have one equipped. You may ask want to get a variety of screwdrivers, ratchets, socket wrenches and the like. Don’t waste your money on bad quality tools. Instead, buy better quality, sturdy tools that will not break when you need them to repair something.

Keep your car washed during the winter. Winter can be the most damage causing time of the year for your car. Exposure to the elements can cause rust and abrasion. After washing your car, dry it thoroughly to prevent ice formation.

A dealer is not your only option when car repairs are necessary. Great mechanics abound in local garages. Check out all of your options and go with the mechanic that you feel most comfortable with.

Take pictures of your car before dropping it off at the mechanic to ensure that it doesn’t not receive damage while in the shop, Some unethical shops may strip parts off your vehicle and resell them. Keep track of serial numbers on parts, just in case.

It’s wise to get car issues checked out, even when you think they’re minor. Many people ignore smaller issues, and they eventually lead to much larger issues.

Warranties are extremely important when it comes to auto repairs, particularly if you’ve purchased expensive parts. For any parts that you order, inquire about their warranty from the mechanic. See how long that warranty lasts and get a printed copy of that contract to review it.

Do not pay for services that you don’t need at an auto shop. This service is expensive and it may not be necessary.

Not that many people take time to read their car’s owner’s manual. It is important to read over the information in your manual and become acquainted with it. This will allow you to maintain and perform minor repairs on your vehicle.

Now you know how to care for your car. The tips you’ve just read will help you a lot. This information can help you get the work done the right way.