Have you long wanted to deal with car issues more effectively? Have you thought about doing labor and repairs yourself? Maybe you’d like a bit more information about choosing the right mechanic. Continue reading to educate yourself about the basic things you need to know about car ownership.

Invest in high-quality battery chargers and keep them inside your car. Having a dead battery can leave you stranded in some pretty terrible places. Make sure you know how to connect the charger to your battery.

Check your radiator frequently. Simply run the engine a few minutes and then cut the engine and lift the hood. Never open the radiator on a running car. 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.

You don’t always need a repair-person for your car troubles. There are several things that can be fixed quite easily. If you feel confident, you can get on the Internet and research to discover the problem. If the job is not too complicated, you will save money by attempting the repairs yourself.

Asking around for recommendations is a great opportunity to locate a mechanic you can trust. Look to your family, friends, and colleagues for their suggestions. You can inquire about price, work quality and overall satisfaction. They will be the first to tell you about a dishonest mechanic too!

You should always keep a jack and a spare tire with you at all times. Modern cars come equipped with them already. If you get stuck in an unknown area, these items are crucial to have. It’s far more convenient and less costly to take care of it yourself.

Keep up with your wiper blades. You may need new blades if they are streaking or making noises. Blades ought to be replaced annually or even more often than that in rainy regions.

Think about locating a person that fixes vehicles and owns a garage. As long as they have experience they can do the same work but they often charge far less for the labor. You can support small business and save hundreds on the cost of the repair.

Look to your friends for their opinions on reputable car mechanics. Friends and family can help with recommendations. You should still do your research however. Use online resources to see feedback from others as well.

Find out how much a mechanic charges for the repair, including labor, before you hand over your keys. Some repair shops have details about their rates posted on the walls, but you should not hesitate to ask about rates if you do not see any information. You need to know how you’re billed for the repairs. They may be from a manual written by the car’s manufacturer. Minor repairs can be considered jobs that require a full day of work to some manufacturers.

Know what the lights on the dashboard mean. These lights are able to help you out, and determine when your car may need fixed. If you ignore them, the problem can get worse.

Be sure that you make a note of your oil change schedule. In order for your vehicle to run as well as possible, you need to have the oil changed regularly. Running old oil in the car could cause it to run badly so make sure you make the pertinent dates on your calendar.

You don’t necessarily have to visit the dealer in order to get your auto repairs done. Great mechanics are everywhere, regardless of whether you visit a local mechanic or drive out of town to visit your dealer. Find a mechanic who is certified and reliable.

Don’t stall if you are confused about how to get your vehicle fixed. Take the time to educate yourself about the basic of car ownership so that you will have the knowledge when the time comes to need it. You can see that you are not helpless and that there are things that you can do.