Trying to repair car problems can be extremely stressful, especially if you are living on a budget. Purchasing a new car can be a hard toll on your budget; therefore, you are likely trying to repair all the problems that you can with your current car. Unfortunately, auto repair can also be rather costly. Check out this article to learn some excellent auto repair tips that will help you repair your car, while minimizing the damage on your wallet.

Be very careful when touching the electronic parts on your car. You should not touch wires unless the entire system is turned off. You should pay attention to the warning labels on the different parts of your car; touching some parts can be dangerous even when your car is turned off.

Check the radiator regularly. Run your car for a bit, turn off the engine and then open the hood. Refrain from opening the radiator when your car is on. Use a dipstick to check the fluid level in your radiator and mix some coolant with water if you need to add more fluid.

If you are having work done on your car, make sure you get a written estimate beforehand. The estimate should include what is being repaired, the parts that will be needed and the anticipated cost for labor. It should also say that they will call for your approval before doing any additional work which exceeds the amount or time specified.

Always ask about the certification and the insurance of a mechanic before letting them fix your car. If something goes wrong, the mechanic’s insurance will cover damages and usually provides you with a car you can drive until yours is fixed. A mechanic who is not certified does not have an insurance either.

If your headlights are not shining as brightly, check to see if they are clean. Sometimes there is a residue that covers them from the streets and that can make them dirty so they cannot put out enough light. Wash them with a good glass cleaner and see as well as you should.

Inspect your vehicle to figure out what is wrong before taking it to an auto shop. You can save lots of money if you can diagnose the problem yourself. It also ensures that the mechanic won’t try to pull a fast one on you. Some dishonest mechanics may try to exaggerate the problem to get more money out of you.

Don’t get sucked into to the lure of aftermarket parts for new cars. You want your baby to run as well as possible for as long as possible, and that means spending the extra to get parts that match the ones already in your car. Trying to get that clunker to run just a few more miles? Save the money and take the aftermarket versions.

As you can see, it is possible to resolve any issues you are having with your car without breaking the bank. Do not spend thousands on purchasing a new car. Instead, make use of the great tips outlined in this article so that you can enjoy your current car longer.