Have you desired to ever do auto repairs yourself? The first couple times will be intimidating, but you would be surprised what you can handle yourself. By doing minor repairs yourself, you can save money and extend your car’s life. Perform your own auto repairs when possible by adhering to the following helpful guide.

Check your coolant levels frequently. Run your car, turn it off then pop the hood. Never, ever open the radiator while the car is still on. Check the radiator fluids using a dipstick and remember to always mix the coolant with water before putting it in the 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. If you do not do this, you may have the same issue when you get home.

Be aware of a mechanic who makes unneeded repairs to your car. All reputable mechanics will notify you before doing any repairs and will inform you of any parts that could require repairs in the immediate future. Avoid mechanics that have previously done work without your go ahead.

If your headlights don’t seem very bright, check them to see if they are clean. Dirt from driving can build up on your headlights and block some light. Use a quality glass cleaner to keep your lights clean.

Try to find out whats wrong with your vehicle before calling a mechanic. This will help you to save loads of money on an auto repair. Experience shows that mechanics sometimes falsely claim a problem exists and do an unnecessary repair, to increase their earnings.

Inspect your manual so that you know what each dashboard light represents. They were put there for your assistance, so use them for that. If you keep ignoring them it’ll make the problem worse.

Oil Changes

Be sure that you’re reminding yourself of oil changes when your vehicle requires one. It is essential to have your oil changed so that your engine runs properly and and works at its peak performance. Not having regular oil changes can end up damaging your car and effecting the overall performance.

Checking your tire pressure can help save you money and wear and tear on tires. Inspect your tires and look for embedded rocks or small objects. If you notice any problems with your tires, have them checked by a professional. You don’t want to take any chances by driving with weak tires.

It’s important that car parts come with warranties. Ask the mechanic about any warranties on parts they ordered for you. Choose parts that are guaranteed for a few years and do not hesitate to ask for the printed warranty contract.

Let your mechanic know that you do not want to spend more than a certain amount on unauthorized repairs. Whenever you visit a shop, you should never allow the mechanics to perform very costly repairs on their own. Establish a set amount which cannot be surpassed without your authorization.

Always listen to the sounds that your vehicle is making. When a car has issues, the noise it makes could be a good indication of what the problem is. Accurately describing the sound you hear to your mechanic can save you money when it comes to diagnosing the problem.

Exhaust System

When getting auto repairs, ask the mechanic to return the old parts. Getting the old parts back is a quick test that can confirm work was indeed done on your car. For some repairs, such as your exhaust system, this isn’t necessary. It is easy for you to determine if your exhaust system has been replaced and a new one has been installed.

Do not put regular water in the windshield wiper reservoir. Water is going to be able to clean off your windshield, sure, but that compartment is designed only to hold a special kind of fluid. Monitor the washer and fill if necessary. But don’t try to add more if it is already full.

Have your mechanic itemize all repair costs. You can then easily compare fees between different mechanics and make sure the estimates cover the same items. Most of the time there is little difference in the charge for parts, so it becomes simple to compare the cost of labor.

Mechanics are typically the first hurdle when it comes to auto repair. However, if you aren’t comfortable with someone, don’t use them. If the mechanic won’t look you in the eye or talks too fast, steer clear. This means that they are likely hiding something and will not be honest about repairs.

When washing the car, remove the mats and beat them a few times with the water hose. Dirt gets trapped in the rubber, which can lead to tearing. Holes allow water, salt and dirt to pass through to your carpets.

Newer vehicles have sensors and warning lights to alert your of different problems. Do not think that these lights will tell you everything that is wrong with your car. Sometimes the sensor has issues, so it is a good idea to manually check your car every once in a while.

Do not get any major repairs done to your vehicle before getting a second professional opinion. Be aware if a mechanic seems offended or says he will give you a discount for working with him right away. A reliable mechanic will give you a fair quote in the first place instead of trying to get your business by offering a discount.

Fixing your car yourself should not intimidate you. The insides might look puzzling, but after you get a grasp of what everything does, it will be easier. Look back at this article and it’s tips for future reference. They make auto repair possible.