When a car breaks down, your heart skips a beat. Besides the immediate dangers of being stranded on the roadside, you are also facing the problem of hiring a mechanic in a hurry. You need to learn more about preventative maintenance, auto repairs and mechanics. The information in this article can help you find the best repair service.

Ensure the mechanic you use has an ASE certification before allowing them to operate on your vehicle. This certification means that the technician has passed a written test and has over 2 years of experience under his or her belt. This lets you know you have the best of the best repairing your automobile.

When taking your vehicle to a shop, ask any questions you may have about it. Be sure the questions involve the problems you are having with your car and what you can do to prevent it from happening again. Engaging in preventative measures will likely save you money down the line.

Battery Charger

Have a battery charger in your car at all times. Dead batteries are common, and a good battery charger will come in handy more than once. Before you drive again, figure out how to use it properly.

It is important that you fully understand what all the charges will be upfront, before handing the mechanic your car keys. If you don’t understand something, clarify your concerns with the mechanic or service adviser before they work on the car. Being hit with additional fees is something that you don’t want to be surprised with.

Regularly check out your radiator. Run your car for a bit, turn off the engine and then open the hood. You should never open the radiator of a car that is running. Check how much fluid is in the radiator with a dipstick and keep in mind that you should always mix coolant with water before pouring it in your radiator.

Before allowing an auto shop to do repairs to your vehicle, ensure you are aware of the total cost. If a certain cost confuses you, don’t hesitate to clear this up with the mechanic before allowing him or her to make repairs to your vehicle. This will give you a good idea of what you will be paying.

Make sure the repair shop technician is familiar with the particular model of your vehicle. If they are able to say they’ve done work on a vehicle similar to yours, then they’re probably aware of what kind of work is necessary to fix yours.

Ask for parts that are classified as OEM parts. Those are the original parts from the manufacturer. Generic are cheaper, but also less reliable. What is a cheap option now could be an expensive option later.

If your headlights are not shining as brightly, check to see if they are clean. Your headlights will get covered in greasy residues if you do not clean them regularly. Cleaning your lights with a glass cleaner will allow them to perform better.

It is a good idea to use referrals to find a decent mechanic. See if co-workers, friends, neighbors, or family members have any recommendations. You can find out great information about price and value that way. You’ll get a real feel for the experience and the honesty of the mechanic.

Check to see if the mechanic you are considering is familiar with your make and model of vehicle. There can be a lot of differences between vehicles, even though the base components are similar. If you are not confident in a local mechanic, pay a little more to get an authorized dealer to work on the car.

Make sure you have both a spare tire and a jack in your trunk. They are included with most new vehicles. They are extremely helpful if your car experiences a problem while you are out on the road and you don’t want to call a tow truck. It is a whole lot easier and cheaper if you do it yourself.

Always keep records each time your car is repaired. If you have problems later, it may help the mechanic to see these notes. No records means a blank slate to go on.

Inspect your manual so that you know what each dashboard light represents. Your dashboard lights warn you of potential problems. Problems will worsen if you simply ignore them.

You don’t necessarily have to visit your auto dealer to get work done. There are independent mechanics all over the place. If someone makes you comfortable, use them.

Always try to figure out the problem with your car before you bring it in for repairs. You will not be duped, and you can save tons of money when you find out the problem yourself. Some mechanics are dishonest and will say the problem is more serious than it actually is.

It’s wise to get car issues checked out, even when you think they’re minor. There are some small problems that could quickly become serious and expensive to repair.

Warranties serve an important purpose when your car is repaired, especially when you buy expensive parts. Be sure and ask the mechanic what the warranty is on the parts that they have ordered. Figure out what the warranty covers and if you can get a copy of it so that you can look over it.

Pay attention to the condition of your car’s wiper blades. Replace them when they’re not clearing the windshield well. Wiper blades should at least be changed yearly, and sometimes you need to do this more often.

Consistency is important when dealing with auto repair shops. Once you find a garage you like, stay with it. Every shop will vary in what they do and how they treat your vehicle. They will provide different estimates, too.

If you want to be sure that someone is there for you if you need repairs, AAA may be able to help. This organization can help you when you need a repair or a tow. They may even offer you discounts due to your AAA membership.

Think about finding a mechanic who does repairs in his or her own garage. When they are certified and have experience, they may be worth hiring. Next time your car is in need of repairs, ask around for referrals for an unlicensed but fabulous mechanic.

If you get an estimate from a mechanic, tell them you need a few hours to think about it before making your decision. Speak with other dealerships to get different estimates on the job. If there is a cheaper price elsewhere, then you need to go to that shop.

Ask questions of your mechanic. You want to know more about the repairs and not just the price. Is there an estimate available for the amount of time that will be involved? What exactly will he be doing to your car? How much will the parts cost? Ask any other questions you can think of. This will let the mechanic know that you are well informed, and if the problem comes up at another time, you might be able to fix it.

Look at all lights that flash on the dashboard and learn what they mean. These lights give you a good indication of when your vehicle needs some maintenance. Don’t ignore any dashboard lights that come on, as the problem may grow worse if it’s ignored.

If you have to put your vehicle in storage, place it on some jack stands and fill the gas tank. Don’t engage your parking brake and be sure the area it’s stored in is dry in order to prevent rust.

Get to know your car. You should never completely rely on your mechanic whenever an issue arises; however, unless you spend time learning all about your vehicle, you will continue to rely on this person. By knowing how to do simple things, such as changing your oil or a flat tire, you can save money.

Be sure you know how often the oil needs changing. Your oil must be changed regularly for you car to run properly. Not having regular oil changes can end up damaging your car and effecting the overall performance.

It can be hard to pick a repair service for your car. The right advice can make a world of difference in making your choice much easier. You have the upper hand when you know what to look for. The next time your vehicle plays up, keep this advice in the front of your mind.