Are you the owner of a car? If this is true, then you’ve probably needed to get it repaired from time to time. It can be very stressful to find a service to help you out and it can make you start to feel crazy. Luckily, the advice below can help you pick a trustworthy one.

Check the radiator regularly. You should let your car run for a few minutes, shut the engine and open your hood. Be careful not to open your radiator if the car’s running. Use a dipstick to check the fluid levels, and always add the correct amount of water to your coolant before adding it to your tank.

Regular washing of your car will help prevent it from rusting. All cars are going to rust, so make sure that you wash your vehicle at least once a month. Use a decent wax for protecting paint jobs as much as you can.

Keep a record of all the repairs you make on your vehicle. If further issues develop later, the mechanic may want to see the historical documentation of what has already been done. You might end up paying more if you don’t have them, because it will be more difficult to diagnose the issue.

Ask your mechanic to use OEM parts. These parts are the genuine article, produced by your car’s original manufacturer. While they often cost a little more, they typically work better for longer periods of time. What may seem like a deal now can cost twice as much as buying OEM in the first place.

Your repair person should be upfront and honest with you. If they avoid your questions, you may want to look elsewhere. Make sure that you trust the person that you are working with.

Bad News

Make sure that you always keep a spare tire and jack in your vehicle. If you purchase a new car, you should have these in your trunk. Stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire is bad news. Stuck without a jack and spare tire is bad news and a big bill. Changing that tire yourself can save you the cost of towing.

If the repairs your car needs are major, get several quotes before hiring a mechanic. It will help you find the best price available from a trustworthy mechanic. Find a shop that has a reputation for deal with your make of car. They may have an easier time understanding what needs to be done to your car.

Prior to picking an auto repair shop, speak with people you know regarding their experiences with shops. With the benefit of advice from acquaintances and family members, you’ll be better informed about the different options open to you. But, it is important to still do your research on the recommendations they give you. Use the web as a resource to find information about car repair shops.

Take all the fluffy and fun key chains off, or remove the car key. The ignition can’t support too much weight. If your key sticks, install new tumblers and use a lighter key chain.

Warning Lights

The warning lights on your dashboard have an important function. Refer to your car manual for explanations. These warning lights are meant to help alert you to potential problems. Don’t ignore any dashboard lights that come on, as the problem may grow worse if it’s ignored.

Do not allow anyone to sell you any auto parts that they claim will last a lifetime. This is only a sales tactic that allows them to charge more. For example, you can find cars that come equipped with “lifetime” fluid in their transmission. Though the change time on transmission fluid is very long, it should be swapped every 80,000 miles.

If your car is brand new and having problems, get in touch with the manufacturer. It is possible that there was a recall you didn’t know about. Oftentimes, the manufacturer will have your car fixed.

Once you get a diagnosis from a mechanic, ask for a few hours before making a decision regarding getting your vehicle fixed. Contact other shops and ask them for an estimate on the repair needed. If you find someone that can repair your car for less, pay the first mechanic for the diagnosis only and have your car repaired elsewhere.

Although dealer mechanics can be pricy, most of the time they offer the best experience. The people who work there are trained to work on your brand. Therefore, they are able to pinpoint issues and resolve them very quickly. They also undergo regular training programs.

Have your mechanic give you any original parts that are replaced. If he cannot provide this, he may not have done anything with your car. Mechanics should be happy to provide you with the old part.

The windshield washer component of your vehicle should never be filled with water. While water may clean your windshield, that compartment is designed for a specific fluid. You need to check this on a regular basis for refill needs. If the compartment is empty, stop using the system.

Auto Repair

With such a large number of dishonest auto repair shops around, it can be hard to find one that you can trust. It is important to use the advice that you read to weed out these shady auto repair services. A little legwork on your end can save you a lot of money.