Car owners understand that vehicles break down every once in awhile. Most of us simply take our vehicles to a auto repair station no matter how small the problem is. Wouldn’t you like to fix your car yourself? The following article will teach you the ins and outs of auto repair.

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.

Don’t take an emergency car kit for granted. Assemble a kit that has tools for changing tires, charging the battery and putting more gas in the car. A few blankets, flashlights and spare batteries are also great to have.

Check the transmission fluid every two to three months.

Let your engine run and open the hood of your car. Use the transmission dipstick to check the fluid levels. If there is not enough fluid in your transmission you probably have a leak somewhere in your system. It is best to take the car to a mechanic so he can locate the leak.

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.

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.

When you are in need of an auto repair, shop around to make sure that you get the best deal. Go to at least three different repair shops to get a quote. If anyone charges something that is unrealistically low or high, you should seek someone else to do the job.

Every time you have your car fixed, regardless of the reason, you should take note of it.

When another issue crops up, this record will allow you to provide the history to the mechanic. Your car problems may be harder to find and you may have higher repair costs without the records.

Keep your car’s owner manual handy. Knowing vital car information can really help when something unexpected occurs. If you know your car’s controls, you may even avoid a trip to a mechanic. If you do need a mechanic, you should have the make, model, and trim level available so that they can figure out things like your transmission configuration, size, etc. much quicker.

Don’t get stuck with a mechanic who will make repairs on your vehicle that are not necessary.

Good mechanics will inform you if parts need replacing or will need replacing in the near future; however, they should not actually take the extra step and replace parts without your knowledge and approval. If a mechanic does unnecessary repairs, find someone else who is more trustworthy.

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.

Know what your dashboard warning lights mean, and keep an eye on them.

They are intended to give you a warning when you need it. Ignoring those for a long time can worsen issues later.

Consider how well kept an auto repair shop is when making your decisions. A sloppy shop can be a sign that the workmanship you’re about to receive will be pretty sloppy as well. Opt for the auto repair shop that keeps its floors and space clean of tools and rubble. It’s not a guarantee of great workmanship, but it’s a sure sign that your chances are better that you’ll receive the service levels you’d like.

Working on your car can be an extremely rewarding experience. Not only do you save money, but it feels great as well. Be sure and use the advice mentioned in the article above the next time something on your car needs fixing. While it may be scary at first, the end result is priceless.