Do you own a car? If you do, you have probably needed repairs at some point. The stress involved with finding a reputable auto repair service is enough to drive anyone crazy. This article can help you look for signs of a good mechanic and those to avoid.

Ask a mechanic any questions you may have regarding your car when bringing it in to their shop. Focus particularly on the issue that you have; make sure to inquire about what you can do to prevent similar problems in the future. You can save a lot of money when you know how to prevent problems.

Prior to having your car repaired, ask how much you will have to pay. If something is unclear, have the mechanic or service counter rep clarify it for you before any work is done on the car. Don’t be surprised with extra costs when the car has been fixed.

Keeping your car washed will help prevent rust. All cars will eventually rust out, but you can delay the process considerably by making sure any salt or chemicals are washed off as soon as possible. A good wax is your best friend: a friend that will protect that shiny new paint job for a long time.

Look over the manual that came with your car. During auto repair visits, your mechanic will probably need to gather some information from you, about your vehicle. You may even discover how to solve your car problems yourself.

Never leave anything in your car when dropping it off for repairs. The mechanic may find that these things get in the way and they may get misplaced to where they cannot be located later. The same is true of your trunk or the bed of your truck.

Examine your headlights if they appear dim; they may simply need a good clean. Sometimes a greasy residue from the road can be deposited one the lights and hold dirt that reduces the amount of light they put out. Use a quality glass cleaner to keep your lights clean.

Before you actually take your car to a mechanic, try to assess what the problem is first. You can save lots of money if you diagnose the problem on your own, and you may also be able to prevent yourself from being swindled. Mechanics sometimes will cost you an arm and a leg for unnecessary repairs.

You should make sure to have a spare tire and jack with you all the time. Many cars will come with these straight off of the dealership’s floor. You’re not going to want to be paying money for being rescued by a tow truck after finding yourself stuck. You can save a lot by doing it yourself.

If your taillights or headlights burn out, you will save a ton of money. While it is different with each vehicle, it is much cheaper to do it yourself. Ask someone you know if they can instruct you on how to do it.

Your car still needs to be washed during the winter, even though the weather makes it more difficult. Though it might seem futile, the winter months can cause lots of damage. Exposure to the elements can cause rust and abrasion. Just make sure you dry the car thoroughly before heading back out onto the roads to prevent icing.

OEM is a shorter way to say Original Equipment Manufacturer. Ask for OEM parts if you need some new parts for your vehicle. Talking about OEM parts makes you look knowledgeable. This will make someone less likely to try placing used parts on your vehicle.

You should be consistent when it comes to auto repair. Try not to jump around to different mechanics every time something is wrong. The same mechanic will know your car inside and out and will be best qualified to work on it. In addition, different shops may charge a different price for the same repair.

If you want some support when it come to auto repair, consider using AAA. AAA members have an inside track on where to get auto repairs and can often have their car towed for free. You can even get discounts for repair costs from AAA.

For things that aren’t too difficult to repair, like putting fluids in your car, you should be afraid to take care of these things. It’s a myth that only professional mechanics can perform routine maintenance on a car. Learn all you can, and then roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Getting your car fixed at the dealer’s mechanic can cost more, but it if often the best choice. The technicians at dealerships are trained to work on your particular model of car. They have the right tools to quickly diagnose your problem, and know how to troubleshoot the more common ones. They also stay up to date with training.

For you to be able to identify issues with your vehicle, you need to be somewhat familiar with its various components. You should look into classes if you don’t know a lot about car maintenance. You might not want to take a class, but you’ll save yourself money going forward because of the new knowledge you will acquire. It will also help you diagnose issues and teach you how to perform preventative maintenance on your vehicle.

If the mechanic does not want to provide you with a written cost breakdown, find someone else to do the job. If the final bill is much higher than the quote, it will be hard time to prove that the mechanic swindled you if you do not have a a written quote.

With the large number of shady auto repair shops, it can be troublesome finding one that really has your interests at heart. This article gave you the tools you need to succeed. You should also maintain your vehicle regularly to avoid issues.