When handling auto repairs, you may feel overwhelmed and lost. If you do experience feelings of stress, it doesn’t have to be that way. Read on and learn what steps to take the next time your car needs repairs.

The mechanic that you use should be A.S.E certified. This certification means that the technician has passed a written test and has over 2 years of experience under his or her belt. This means a top professional is doing your repairs.

Inspect your radiator once in a while. Let the car run a while, shut off the engine and then pop the hood. Don’t open your radiator cap if your car is on. Check the radiator fluids using a dipstick and remember to always mix the coolant with water before putting it in the radiator.

There is no better way to find an auto mechanic than to get a referral. See if co-workers, friends, neighbors, or family members have any recommendations. These people will be able to provide you with the price, quality, and overall satisfaction of the mechanic. Avoid the mechanics who overcharged your friends or were not honest with them.

Thoroughly review your car manual. When you visit a car shop, mechanics will need to know particular information about your car. You may even discover how to solve your car problems yourself.

You car records need to be kept on hand. Keep these records in the glove compartment in the event that you need to make an emergency stop at your mechanic’s shop. The mechanics who work on your car will need to see your maintenance records before working on your car. The records can help them determine what is wrong with your car.

If your headlights are not shining as brightly, check to see if they are clean. Dirt from driving can build up on your headlights and block some light. A good quality glass cleaner will help to clean them right up.

Keep a spare tire and jack in your trunk. Typically, if you have recently purchased a car, you should have these items already. This way you won’t get stuck anywhere and need to pay someone to tow you. You do the job yourself with less time and expense.

Ask people you know about experiences they have had with repairing their cars. With the benefit of advice from acquaintances and family members, you’ll be better informed about the different options open to you. But, it is important to still do your research on the recommendations they give you. Checking out online customer reviews for a given garage is a must, and it doesn’t take long at all.

Oil Needs

Be certain to understand when your oil needs changing. If you want your car to run the way it should, its oil needs to be changed regularly. In the long run, omitting this important step could cost you thousands of dollars, and it could lead your vehicle to an early death.

Take pictures of your car prior to having it serviced. A lot of shops aren’t going to strip things out of your vehicle, but some will if they are trying to make more money. Keep track of serial numbers on parts, just in case.

There are some shops that do devious things to your car if you are not paying attention. Shops will do this to take advantage of those who are not wise enough to catch them. Prior to going there, you should put chalk on the tires so they’re marked. If you do not see the chalk when you return, you have been victimized.

Few people even open their car’s instruction manual. There is a lot of information in this book that can help you. The manual is full of key facts about your car and how to perform minor repair work.

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Whenever you have to have parts replaced, keep this term in mind. You’ll seem educated if you tell a mechanic you would like OEM parts. This will make it less likely that the mechanic will attempt to install parts that have been previously used.

These tips should put you in a better position to deal with auto repairs. Avoid the hassles and potential swindles of any repair shop experience and come out on top. Keep reading to find out more about what you can do next time your car needs repairing.