Do you need to have your car fixed? Do you worry it will in the future? Having to get your vehicle fixed and not knowing what to do can be very frustrating. How can you tell what is the best option? Read further to gain knowledge regarding all of your auto repair needs.

Ask the technician at the repair shop you are considering if they have done work on the same make and model of vehicle before. If they have before, then they are likely going to be able to also fix your car easily enough.

Verify that any prospective mechanic has earned an A.S.E. certification. This certification confirms the the mechanic has a lot of experience working on cars. This is one good way to separate the wheat from the chaff when picking a good mechanic.

Get referrals to find a great auto mechanic. Can you get a recommendation from a friend or someone that you work with? This allows you to ask about the price, quality of work and satisfaction. Your friends are much more likely to be honest with you about how they felt about a particular shop.

Be aware of a mechanic who makes unneeded repairs to your car. Good mechanics will inform you if parts need replacing or will need replacing in the near future; however, they should not actually take the extra step and replace parts without your knowledge and approval. If you notice a mechanic has made unnecessary repairs to your vehicle, do not go to the same one next time.

Your car should be washed regularly so that rust doesn’t become a problem. Rust is an inevitability, but you can stave it off for a good while. Wax is also important.

Inspect your vehicle to figure out what is wrong before taking it to an auto shop. This may save you a ton of money in the long run by preventing you from being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous mechanic. Mechanics sometimes will cost you an arm and a leg for unnecessary repairs.

Your car should always have a spare tire and jack. They are usually included when you buy a car. You wouldn’t want to get a simple flat and have to shell out lots of money to a tow truck. It will be quicker and less costly when you do it yourself.

Make sure you know what is in your auto manual, and mark certain pages for reference. When you visit a car shop, mechanics will need to know particular information about your car. You may also find answers to your problems, inside.

Replacing your own taillights and headlights is an easy way to save money. This process is easier in specific vehicles and harder in others; however, doing this yourself is much more affordable than visiting a mechanic. Ask someone you trust if he can teach you how to fix these problems.

Wiper Blades

Get OEM components. This means that they’ve come directly from the manufacturer. Although using generic parts may provide some short-term savings, it’s impossible to know whether or not they’ll hold up as well as OEM parts. What may seem like a deal now can cost twice as much as buying OEM in the first place.

Pay attention to your wiper blades. If the wipers are streaking, you may need a replacement. Wiper blades need to be replaced once every year or possibly more often depending on the where you live.

Find out how much a mechanic charges for the repair, including labor, before you hand over your keys. Some shops have these costs in conspicuous places, so you need to carefully read and ask any questions you have if something doesn’t make sense. You have to figure out what you’re going to get billed with and how to pay. Many car dealerships may charge by “book time” which is a set rate based on how long the repair should take to do. You may find that a repair that is deemed minor may take all day.

Keep a DIY tool kit in your trunk. You need to include a complete tire changing kit. Buy a jack if your car does not already have one equipped. You will need several screwdrivers, ratchets, socket wrenches, an adjustable wrench and a torque wrench. Never buy really cheap tools. Get sturdy, quality tools that will not break on you.

You should apply these tips to take good care of your vehicle or find a mechanic who can do it for you. Also, you should continue to learn as much as you can. Becoming knowledgeable about auto repairs is definitely an advantage, and it will help you save a lot.