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If you own an automobile, you are aware of how important proper maintenance of it is. Even if you did not purchase the car new, replacing it would require a considerable expense. Learn how to properly care for your car and extend its usable life by reading the following article.



Be sure and regularly check your radiator. Let the car idle for a short period first, but only long enough to let the fluid circulate. Do not open the radiator if the car is running. Check the amount of fluid in your radiator with your dipstick and remember to mix the coolant with some water.



To save a trip to the auto repair shop, you should take a look at your owner's manual. Here, you may find hints or perhaps answers to questions you may have about your vehicle. It can be quite helpful to know the size of your engine or its configuration, which is usually found in the manual.



When it comes to auto repair, cheaper is not always a good thing. You want someone who is knowledgeable about your make and model of car to be working on it. While you might get by having a friend do your oil change in exchange for dinner, anything more complicated is better left to a professional. You don't want to have to pay extra later to fix those &repairs&.



Your car owners manual is actually a valuable guide to the workings of your car. That means that you should not trash it as soon as you leave the dealer. It can tell you everything from what that light on your dash means, to how to perform basic maintenance on your particular model.




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Ask for OEM parts. This means that they've come directly from the manufacturer. It's cheaper to get the generic parts, but the quality may not be the same. What saves you a bit of money in the short term, may end up costing you dearly in the long term.



Do not make the mistake of having someone fix your vehicle just because the amount they charge is cheaper than everyone else. Many times the low prices make up for the lack in quality work. Doing research on the repair shop in question will help you decide if that is the case here.



You should check the tire pressure when you go to the gas station. Be sure your tires do not have something embedded in them. If there appears to be a problem, have it checked out as soon as possible. Do not take a chance by driving on damaged tires.



Leave nothing in your car when you take it to the shop. These items may need to be removed anyway, and they aren't responsible for lost or missing items. Clear out your trunk, too.











It pays to keep track of your regularly scheduled oil changes. The oil should be replaced after so many miles, and it is important that you keep click the up coming web site . If you don't change it, your car could stop working much earlier than expected.



If you take your car to an auto repair shop to get one thing fixed and they tell you that other repairs are needed, thank them for the information and decline the additional services. Go to several other places and get quotes before allowing them to do any more work on your car.



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.



Keep your auto repair shops business card in your car at all times. You never know when something could go wrong with your vehicle. You'll want your favorite auto shop's phone number handy, though, when http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3126661 does. Another option is to program all of their contact information in your phone.



These days, there are a countless number of dishonest auto repair services that can't wait to cheat you out of your hard earned money. Make sure you avoid these business by using the tips mentioned in the article above. Your efforts will be well worth it in the end.