Do you have a car that is in need of repair. Learning more about auto repairs will come in handy, even if you do not need repairs right away. You also understand the uncertainty in what to do when your car does need repairs. What should you know about vehicles? Read on to find out what auto repair choices you have.

Check the fluids in your car regularly. Check the oil level with the dipstick you can find under your hood. The dipstick should have a mark on it to indicate the ideal oil level. Add a quart of oil if you need to and check the level again after letting your car run for a few minutes.

Inspect your radiator once in a while. Start your car, wait a few minutes and shut it off so you can safely inspect the radiator. You never want to open up the radiator if your car is still running. Check your radiator fluid and remember to mix water with coolant before filling your radiator.

Don’t pay money for air. Familiarize yourself with the correct air pressure of your car tires and invest in an air compressor. Check your tires on a regular basis and keep them properly inflated on your own. Being able to do this yourself on a regular basis will save you money in terms of wear and tear and regular maintenance.

Get your car washed often to keep rust at bay. Rust will happen, but you can slow things down by keeping the car clean. Wax your car often to protect the paint, as often as you can.

Ask for parts that are classified as OEM parts. These means they are parts that come directly from the manufacturer. Generic parts may be cheaper, but the quality may not be the same as OEM parts. It may seem like you are getting a deal now, but it may end up costing you a lot in the future.

Make sure you know where your owner’s manual is and use it! If there is a problem with your car, you will be lost without it. Sometimes, an issue is simply a result of a lack of understanding. Pick it up, read through it, and see if you can figure out what is going on.

Don’t be afraid of looking silly when you take your car into a shop. Ask plenty of questions. Make sure you know what is going on. You deserve to understand what is happening with your car, and a good technician will not mind your questions. The knowledge may come in handy in the future.

Be sure to keep the area where you are working on your car free of hazards. Keep your tools and spare parts picked up so that you and others will not trip over them. Be sure to work in an area with good ventilation so that you won’t be overcome by potentially toxic fumes. Have a bag of cat litter on hand to clean up spills quickly to avoid slipping.

Ask auto body shops that you are considering if they offer a warranty on their repairs. Any reputable shop is more than happy to guarantee their work on new parts for at least a few months. If any one that you talk to does not you should certainly find a different shop.

Often people return to pay for repairs, only to find out the mechanic says there is another issue. They often try to make you think you’re getting a great deal. Tell them you have to think about it before accepting the deal.

If you need to get your vehicle fixed, choose a garage or a dealership that hires certified technicians. The person who runs the place might have a certification but this does not mean that certified people will work on your car. Choosing certified technicians is a good way of making sure qualified people are fixing your car.

D not fall for the “free oil change” trick. This is just a way for someone to convince you that unnecessary things need to be done to your vehicle. Most of the time, low-quality oil is used and it is not good for your car. Stick with using the type of oil the manufacturer recommends.

Use the tips above the next time your car is in need of repairs. Continue learning new things about this subject. You should now feel more comfortable about handling your auto repair needs.