If you've ever faced auto repairs with a hopeless expression, then you're not alone. It's not fun dealing with things that go wrong with your vehicle because they can prove rather costly. However, knowing the best things to do in those situations can help you immensely. Keep reading to learn more about auto repair.

Regularly check out your radiator. Let the car run briefly, shut the engine, then open the hood. Never, ever open the radiator while the car is still on. Use a dipstick to check the fluid levels, and always add the correct amount of water to your coolant before adding it to your tank.

It is not legal for a mechanic to start working on your car before you officially authorize them to do so, usually by signing a contract. Be careful what you authorize the mechanic to do. You should only sign documents that include a detailed list of the needed repairs and their prices.

Look for an auto repair shop that displays their certifications for everyone to see. Get a good look at it to make sure that they are current. Even if they are certified, that does not guarantee quality work, but there is a greater chance of the work getting done correctly.

Wash your car often so you can prevent rust. All cars eventually get rusted, but the process can be delayed considerably by washing off any chemicals or salt immediately. Protect your paint with good wax.

Record each repair that you have done on your car. If you have more problems later, other mechanics can decipher why. No records means a blank slate to go on.

When taking your car to the mechanic for repairs, never leave valuables in the car. The mechanic may need to remove these items in order to do their job, and they are not responsible if you find out later that something is missing. You should also remove all the items from your trunk.

Before having repairs, see if you can diagnose the problem. You will not be duped, and you can save tons of money when you find out the problem yourself. As you probably have heard in the past, some people that fix vehicles are lying so they're able to get paid more.

It is a good idea to add an injector cleaner to the fuel you put into your gas tank regularly. You will get better gas mileage if the fuel injectors in your cars engine are kept clean. Adding enough cleaner to treat a full tank once a month is usually enough to improve your mileage a little.

Keep a repair kit in the car at all times. Make sure you have something to change a tire. If you don't have a jack and lug wrench, get one. You should also have good quality Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers, socket wrenches and a ratchet set, a torque wrench and an adjustable wrench. Don't buy low-quality tools. If you buy high quality tools, they will not break when you really need them.

Hopefully this article has helped you gain a firmer grasp on how to handle auto repairs in the future. It's important that you make the right decisions so that you can enjoy your car. No one wants to constantly worry about what to do when something goes wrong with their vehicle.