Sometimes, it can be tough to find out what is wrong with your car. Don’t get off track from the start, but rather understand what’s possible by further reading the tips presented in this article. You’ll be surprised at how much you learn.

Check your radiator frequently. Allow your car to run for a bit and then turn it off and pop open the hood. Never open the radiator while the car is on. Use a dipstick to check the radiator’s fluid level, and remember to always mix water in with your coolant if need be. Some coolants come premixed.

Try to find out whats wrong with your vehicle before calling a mechanic. You can save a ton of cash via diagnosing the issue yourself, and you could prevent fraud. An unscrupulous mechanic may exaggerate the problem or diagnose nonexistent ones to charge you more.

Get a second opinion on all major repairs. Although shops usually can be trusted, you could end up having to pay extra money that you don’t have. Shop around for shops with a good reputation and experience in your vehicle’s make. These types of shops will give you the best bang for your buck.

Pay attention to your wiper blades. If you see that the wipers aren’t cleaning effectively, a new pair is in your future. Wiper blades should be replaced a minimum of once per year. If your area receives a lot of rain, then you may need to replace your blades more regularly.

See if any of your friends or family members have had a positive experience at a particular auto shop. You may get some great recommendations from friends and family. You should still do your research however. You should at least look for the company on the Internet so you can figure out how other people have felt about their services.

Take all those fun and fluffy keychains off, or make it possible to remove your car key from the bunch. The weight of your keychain can cause problems for your 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.

Look at all lights that flash on the dashboard and learn what they mean. They’re there to assist you, so take advantage of them. Problems will worsen if you simply ignore them.

It is just as important to get your car washed in winter as it is in summer. While it may seem pointless, winter is the most damaging time for your car. Roads filled with sand and salt can really do some corrosive damage to your car. After washing your car, dry it thoroughly to prevent ice formation.

Use the tips above when you next have a problem with your car. Do not let your lack of information cause you problems or to lose your money. Know what to do when it comes to auto repairs and you should be good to go if you face a problem later on.