You don’t have to be passive when car troubles start. Having the proper knowledge can protect your investment. The following information will help you when it comes time to fix your car.

A breakdown can happen at any time, so it is important to have an emergency kit somewhere in your car. This kit will include the necessary tools for successfully charging a battery, changing a tire and adding gas to your tank. Bring a blanket and flashlights too, in case you are stranded.

Regularly check your radiator. Let the car run briefly, shut the engine, then open the hood. Refrain from opening the radiator when your car is on. Use a dipstick to check the amount of fluid in the radiator. You should also make sure to mix coolant fluid with water before you pour it into your radiator.

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. A lot of people do not do this; therefore, they wind up with the same issues that existed before taking their car to the shop.

Take out all of the valuable items in your car when it is being repaired. The mechanic might need to move these things so they can do the job, and they won’t assume responsibility if anything comes up missing. You should also remove all the items from your trunk.

Watch out for blatant signs that your mechanic is not to be trusted. Someone who gives vague answers to direct questions, or ignores them altogether, may not have the necessary knowledge to give you quality service. You should feel like you can trust them, so don’t fear seeing someone else.

Assemble an auto repair kit and put it inside of your trunk. These tools should include a tire changing kit, which comes in most cars. You need to purchase a lug wrench and a jack if you do not have them. You should also have good quality Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers, socket wrenches and a ratchet set, a torque wrench and an adjustable wrench. Do not waste money by getting cheap tools. Buy quality, reliable tools that are not going to break.

It is possible to repair taillights and headlights that have burned out. While it’s easier in some vehicles than others, it’s a whole lot cheaper to do it yourself. If you are not confident, ask a friend or family member if they can help you.

Try finding a reliable mechanic who works from their own garage. It’s about the experience, not the location, and someone that uses their own locale may be a lot cheaper than a shop. You could save a lot of money this way.

Know what your dashboard warning lights mean, and keep an eye on them. These symbols light up to warn you of a problem. Ignoring those for a long time can worsen issues later.

If you need to have your car fixed, but you don’t have a lot of cash on hand, think about asking a local vocational school if they have an auto repair class. You will pay a very low rate to have students fix your car while being supervised by a licensed mechanic.

If you have a major issue that threatens safety in a new car, talk to the manufacturer. It may be a recall issue if multiple people report the same problem. The manufacturer may even fix your car free of charge.

Consistency is key when it comes to auto repair. Choose a trustworthy shop and stick with them. If you go to several different shops, you are likely to get several different diagnosis. The amounts they charge you may vary and you may have to pay more.

Sometimes the best choice is to use mechanics at a car dealer. Service technicians at dealerships tend to specialize in your make and model. It’s easy for them to diagnose and repair any problems your car may have. They are in regular training programs.

If your car is being stored, jack it up and fill the gas tank. You should not use the emergency brake when storing your vehicle, and ensure that the storage area is dry so that rust does not occur.

If you ask a mechanic for a quote, make sure he itemizes different fees. That lets you compare more easily with other quotes. The component costs should be very similar; therefore, the costs you will really be looking at are the service costs.

When it comes to car repairs, do your homework. You should avoid taking your car to the mechanic every time you have a problem, but the only way to do that is to understand how your vehicle works. You can cut costs considerably by changing oil or fixing a flat tire yourself.

Do not get any major repairs done to your vehicle before getting a second professional opinion. If a mechanic seems offended or offers a deal if you let him begin the job immediately, consider this to be a warning sign. A repair that is really needed will mean that a mechanic will honor his word and quote.

When you’re trying to find a service to repair an automobile, your technician needs to know a little about the vehicle you drive. Make sure that anyone working on your car has adequate experience with that particular brand. If they are not, you would be wise to take your business elsewhere.

You should have a better idea of how to deal with car problems after reading this article. The information in this article should have put your mind at ease. Take it to heart so that you will know what you are doing next time there is a problem.