The world of vehicle repairs can be frustrating and taxing. You need to know immediately what to do, which is where this article comes in. You’ll be surprised at how much you learn.

Always keep and eye on the radiator to make sure that it is full. Keep your car running then shut the engine for several minutes before opening the hood. You should never open your radiator whenever your car is turned on. 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.

When you are shopping for a repair shop, take into consideration whether they have worked on the same type of car as yours. If they have experience with your type of car, they are more likely able to correctly diagnose and fix the problems your vehicle is having.

Know your auto manual very well, or at least dog ear important pages. The auto repair shop people will ask you specific information about your car. You may also find answers to your problems, inside.

Be careful of mobile mechanics who will do unnecessary work on your vehicle. All reputable mobile mechanics will notify you before doing any repairs and will inform you of any parts that could require repairs in the immediate future. Don’t go back to mechanics who made unneeded repairs.

Always have a repair kit located in your car; you can put one together yourself. You need basic tools like a tire changing kit, and you also need other equipment. 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. Cheap tools are not worth your money. Buy quality, reliable tools that are not going to break.

Replacing the bulbs on your taillights or headlights yourself can save you both time and money. While it’s easier in some vehicles than others, it’s a whole lot cheaper to do it yourself. See if someone you know can tell you how it’s done.

Don’t forget about wiper blades. You need new windshield wipers if they are making noises or leaving streaks. You should replace them yearly, but you may need to do it twice a year if you are located in a rainy area.

Your car key should not have tons of fluffy keychains on it. Ignitions are not meant to hold so much weight. If your key starts sticking, you need to get new tumblers and no longer use that little troll head keychain!

Know what all the lights stand for on your dashboard and be aware of when they go off. These symbols light up to warn you of a problem. If you ignore them, the problem can get worse.

Keep in mind that it’s not always safe to do some auto repairs. Make sure there is somebody nearby to assist if things go wrong. Spend a little more on tools of high quality that will not fall apart. You definitely don’t want to skimp when it comes to the items you use for tire changing. Remember that your jack needs to hold your car up very securely, especially if you are going to be underneath the car. Err on the side of caution with a hydraulic floor jack, specifically one that has safety-tested and approved stands.

Next time your vehicle needs attention, put this advice to good use. Never let a lack of information scare you or cause you to spend unnecessary amounts of money. Know what to do when it comes to auto repairs and you should be good to go if you face a problem later on.