Automobile repairs are an inevitability. They can be extremely difficult to deal with. By taking the time to educate yourself on proper auto maintenance you can learn to perform your own minor car repairs and save a good chunk of money. This article is loaded with useful automotive repair tips and advice.

Make sure you often check the radiator. Let the car run a couple minutes, shut your engine and open up your hood. Never, ever open the radiator while the car is still on. Check the level of fluid in radiator and add any if necessary. Be mindful that some coolants are meant to be mixed with 50% water.

When trying to get an estimate for the cost of your auto repairs, ask the technician how they calculate the cost. There are some shops that charge your a flat rate for parts and labors, but others will try and charge you a fee for each hour they spend fixing your car.

Preventative maintenance is very important if you own a car. Do not hesitate to spend money on the tools you need to inspect and maintain your car or having a mechanic look at your car regularly. Maintaining your car regularly could help you save a lot on repairs or towing if your car breaks down.

Whenever you have your vehicle repaired, ensure you maintain an adequate record, regardless of the reason why you are having repairs. These past invoices can help the mechanic to diagnose your car if need be. Without these records, you may have to pay more money, and it may be harder to find where the problem is coming from.

You should not leave anything inside your car if you need to take it to a repair shop. If your belongings are in the way of your mechanic’s repairs, they may be moved to the side, possibly even lost. You want to remove items from your trunk also.

If your car needs major repairs, get multiple quotes for the necessary repair. Most shops are on the up and up, but some will charge you for things that aren’t necessary. Find shops that specialize in the job that your car needs. These places probably have a better understanding of what you’re going to need done to your vehicle.

Garage

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.

Take action if you believe a garage or dealership ripped you off. Notify one of the manager and give them a chance to issue a refund. If you are still not satisfied, contact your local Better Business Bureau to file a complaint. Your city or state consumer affair office is also a good resource.

You need to keep track of all the repairs and transactions with your garage or dealership. If you decide to file a complaint, you will need to document what happened. Keeping these documents will also help you inform buyers about the repairs you did on the vehicle if you want to sell your car.

If you have to drop your car off at a garage or dealership, instruct the mechanics that you wish to be called with an estimate before they do any work on your car. Do not let a mechanic convince you to pay for expensive repairs because the vehicle is already partly dismantled.

When looking for a repair shop or a garage, pay attention to the documents on the walls. Certified mechanics usually have the original copy of their certification framed on the wall. You should look for certifications issued by your state or by the ASE as well as proofs of insurance.

If you start to experience trouble on the road when you are far from home, always check for recommendations and reviews of mechanics in the vicinity before just turning over your keys to the first garage you come upon. Remember that these people will know you are in a precarious position and may try to take advantage of you.

As mentioned in the opening paragraph of this article, automobile repairs are an annoying inevitability. At some point or another you will need to deal with car problems. By using the tips and advice contained in this article you can fix minor car problems yourself and avoid overspending on costly service fees.