If you own a vehicle, then you know that repair can be a pain. You either have to spend a lot of time trying to fix your problems yourself, or you have to deal with the hassle of taking your car to a mechanic. Either method can be problematic, but the advice in this article can help you solve your problems more easily.

One of the most important qualifications to look for in a mechanic is the ASE certification. They have passed tests and have at least two years experience under their hat. This means a top professional is doing your repairs.

Be sure to ask lots of questions when taking your car to an auto repair service. Find out what caused the issues, and ask what you can do so this does not happen again. If you prevent issues from happening, you can save money on repairs.

Do you understand what the estimated cost for your fix is? If something is not clear, clarify it with the service adviser or mechanic before starting any repair on the car. Don’t find yourself stuck with extra charges later.

Ask a potential mechanic if they have experience with working on the exact kind of car you have. If they have done so, this should inform you that they know what your car needs to work properly.

Get referrals to find a great auto mechanic. Ask friends, family or co-workers for recommendations. You can inquire about price, work quality and overall satisfaction. People will let you know how their experience went.

Be wary of unscrupulous mechanics who make unnecessary repairs to your vehicle. Your mechanic should contact you if they come across additional issues while fixing your car and get your approval before they go ahead and replace more parts. Don’t return to mechanics that do unnecessary repairs.

Make sure you replace old parts with OEM parts. These are original manufacturer parts. While generics are much cheaper, they are not held to the same quality standards. It might be a great deal, but if you have to continue to replace the part, it is not going to be a good deal in the long run.

See if you can predetermine your vehicle’s issue prior to attending at the mechanics. You will not be duped, and you can save tons of money when you find out the problem yourself. Mechanics sometimes will cost you an arm and a leg for unnecessary repairs.

Spare Tire

Make sure that you always keep a spare tire and jack in your vehicle. A lot of newer vehicles are already equipped with these things. Stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire is bad news. Stuck without a jack and spare tire is bad news and a big bill. It is simpler and cheaper to handle it on your own.

If the repairs your car needs are major, get several quotes before hiring a mechanic. Although most auto shops are reliable, you don’t want to pay too much. If possible, find a mechanic who is specialized in the make and model you have or in the kind of problems you are encountering. These repair shops are better equipped to understand and repair any problem your car has.

Don’t forget about wiper blades. If your windshield wipers cause streaks or make noises, they may need replacing. Wiper blades should be replaced at a minimum of once per year, or more than that if you reside in a particularly wet climate.

Look at all lights that flash on the dashboard and learn what they mean. They are there for a warning so it is to your benefit to be aware of what they are warning you about. Ignoring these warning lights will not make the problem go away.

Make sure that you clean your car in the winter as well. Winter is when your car becomes most damaged. Salt and sand lead to rust and abrasions. Prevent ice from forming on your car: dry it thoroughly after washing.

Remember that DIY auto repair may be quite dangerous. Have a person close by to help if an emergency occurs. Buy quality tools that are durable and reliable. You’ll especially need good equipment for changing tires. If you are getting underneath your car to do some work, you want to be very certain that your jack is holding that car up properly. Hydraulic floor jacks with a stand should definitely be considered for purchase.

There are quite a few body shops that are just out there to take off the tires you have and put older ones on. They sell your tires and make a profit off your ignorance. Prior to entering, mark your tires with chalk. If your chalk is missing when you go to retrieve your vehicle, you’ve been taken.

Always be wary of sellers claiming they have auto parts that will last a lifetime. This is a lie in an attempt to take your money. For example, some cars come with “lifetime” transmission fluid. While it’s not changed as much as typical fluid, it must be changed around every 80,000 miles.

Not many people invest the time in reading their car’s owner manual. Review this manual to learn how it’s to be used so that you can find helpful information quickly. This little book holds a lot of information about your vehicle.

Auto repairs generally are not fun, but you can make things go better than expected. The information you have just read can really improve your auto repair experiences. You will be much happier with the results.