A certain feeling of dread can come over you when your car breaks down. To get the best car care, it is important to know what you are doing. The article below contains the information you need to know.

Familiarize yourself with the dashboard of your car. Your dashboard should display five different kinds of warning, including the check engine light, oil pressure warning, an alternator warning, a temperature warning and a brake warning. Learn to recognize these different lights so you can easily identify what needs your attention.

Do not let a mechanic work on your vehicle unless they are A.S.E. certified. That means the technician has more than two years of experience and passed a test. That way, you can have the best mechanics working on your car.

It is not legal for a mechanic to start working on your car before you officially authorize them to do so, usually by signing a contract. Be careful what you authorize the mechanic to do. You should only sign documents that include a detailed list of the needed repairs and their prices.

Be sure to read your owner’s manual to find out what kinds of fluids (oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, steering fluid) your car needs and to learn how to check and top these off yourself. Keep a few bottles of each fluid in the trunk of your car in case of emergencies.

If you have doubts about the work of a mechanic or their diagnosis, ask if you can see the old damaged parts. A good mechanic will show you the part and point out the issues. If a mechanic cannot show you the old damaged parts, you need to check your car to make sure the mechanic actually put some new parts in.

A great way to get a good mechanic is by asking around. Get recommendations from family and friends. You can learn a lot about the overall quality of a person’s work, the price, and the level of customer satisfaction. People will let you know how their experience went.

Whenever you have your vehicle repaired, ensure you maintain an adequate record, regardless of the reason why you are having repairs. Future problems can be easily solved when auto technicians have access to past records. Without them, you may end up paying for more diagnostic tests, and it will be more difficult to learn where the issue is stemming from.

Fixing a headlight or a taillight by yourself is very easy. Some vehicles have a simpler system than others, but you can save a lot by doing it yourself regardless of how complex your system is. Speak with friends and family for pointers or instructions.

Always exercise the highest level of caution when working with your car’s fuel system. Never work around fuel tanks, fuel lines or pumps with sources of ignition such as cigarettes or anything that could produce a spark. Wipe up any fuel spills immediately, and protect yourself by wearing fuel-resistant gloves and eyewear.

Always keep a clear and easy path to your key on the keychain. It is advised that you remove any and all fluffy keychains from the ring. Too many items on your keychain can weigh down your car’s ignition. If you have a key that’s sticking, then you are going to have to replace your tumblers and then get rid of your fun keychains.

There isn’t any question that having a broken down car is among the most frustrating things around. However, if you’re able to keep just a little bit of information in mind and know what you’re doing, worrying will be the least of your problems. Keep the above information close at hand, and you will have what it takes to tackle any issue that may arise.