Anyone who owns a car knows that it is a matter of time before something will need to be repaired. If you learn a little about repairs and the inner workings of your car, you should be able to save yourself some money and stress. Use the tips from this article when repairing your vehicle. You will find it very useful in the event of future car breakdowns.

Ensure you regularly inspect your radiator. 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. Look to see what the fluid level is (use a dipstick), and remember that coolant needs to have a bit of water added prior to entering your radiator.

If any parts of your car need to be replaced, make sure you ask for the (OEM) Original Equipment Manufacturer parts instead of generic parts. Keeping the exact specifications required by the manufacturer is essential in having optimum performance. Although generic parts are cheaper, spending a little more on OEM parts will make a big impact on your car’s longevity.

Take advantage of free inspections, but don’t just have them fix everything on the list. There will probably be one or two extra items added on that aren’t strictly necessary. If you are light on cash, ask the technician which items are the most important to keep the car running safely. Get these done immediately, and save up for the rest of the work.

Ask your friends and family for advice on a trust worthy auto body shop. It can be very hard to find a shop that will not rip you off or produce poor quality work. Asking for advice can save you from a lot of wasted money and time trying to do it on your own.

Schedule yourself extra time for free checkups, especially if you are going in on a weekend. No matter how early you get in, there are only so many bays in the garage. That means that your car may have to wait for a few paying clients before it gets looked at.

Always keep a record of any maintenance done to your car. Should your vehicle encounter other problems down the line, it will helpful for the auto technician to see past records. If you don’t have a record of past work, it may cost you money and make it hard for the technician to diagnose the problem.

Do not hover over the technician while they are trying to do work on your car. It is important that you spend time with them to explain what the problem is with your vehicle, but once you have done that, leave them alone so they can do their job without any interruptions.

Pay attention to any fluids that pool under you car when parked. Small spots may not mean very much, but take note of what the fluid is. Plain water is usually just condensation that builds up on a car naturally. But bright green or orange fluid is the cooling system. Oily fluids are those like engine oil, or transmission fluid. These are warning signs.

You should get your tires aligned and inflated on a regular basis. You can easily check the pressure and inflate them but you will probably need a professional to align them for you. Keep your tires in good shape will make handling your care easier and can even improve your gas mileage.

No one enjoys dealing with mechanical issues when it comes to cars. It also can cost you a fortune. Your car will be running smoothly and you can save money if you remember these tips.