Do you own a car? If the answer is yes, repairs are either imminent or in your future. Finding a good auto repair shop can really test anyone’s limits. Thankfully, this article will help you with the situation.

You absolutely need a good emergency kit inside your vehicle. You should put together a kit that includes the tools you need to change a tire, charge your battery and put more gas in your tank. You may also want to add some batteries, a flashlight and a few blankets in the event that you break down at night.

A good referral makes it much easier to locate a trustworthy mechanic. You can ask anyone you trust, from your hairdresser to your family. These people will be able to provide you with the price, quality, and overall satisfaction of the mechanic. You can learn first-hand experiences about the honesty and skill of the mechanic.

Make sure that you specifically request OEM parts. OEM parts are parts that are made by the manufacturer. Generic parts may be cheaper, but the quality may not be the same as OEM parts. Generic parts could end up costing you more in the long run.

Ask your mechanic if he’s worked on a vehicle similar to yours. Cars can differ significantly, even if the general mechanical principles are the same. A luxury SUV is quite different from a hybrid Prius, for example. Do not hesitate to take your vehicle to a dealership to have experienced mechanics work on it.

Make sure that you always keep a spare tire and jack in your vehicle. Many new cars have these. This way you won’t get stuck anywhere and need to pay someone to tow you. You can save a lot of money by performing tasks yourself.

If the repairs your car needs are major, get several quotes before hiring a mechanic. Most shops are reliable but some mechanics will find additional repairs to charge you more. If possible, find a mechanic who is specialized in the make and model you have or in the kind of problems you are encountering. There’s a good chance that these shops will know how to repair your car.

Learn to change your taillights and headlights. This process is easier in specific vehicles and harder in others; however, doing this yourself is much more affordable than visiting a mechanic. Find out if anyone in your family can do it and could pass along their knowledge to you.

Know what the lights on the dashboard mean. These warning lights are meant to help alert you to potential problems. Ignoring those for a long time can worsen issues later.

If your car has been having a small problem that you think is minor, it may be a good idea to have it checked out anyway. Little problems can turn into major issues if they are ignored. Nipping these problems quickly can save you expensive repairs down the road.

There are a few shady automotive repair shops who will replace your existing tires with old ones. They prey on the ignorant, those who don’t pay much attention to their car. Therefore, always put a little chalk on them so you can identify your tires. When you pick up the vehicle, make sure that the chalk is still present, otherwise you have been scammed.

Always bleed your brakes if you have been working on them. Once you have bled the brakes, pump up the fluid of your brakes. Check for leaks. You should then be ready to take your car for a spin down less-busy roads. Start slow in order to ensure that your repairs were successful.

There are basic things you can do by yourself, like adding fluids, such as oil and wiper fluid. You can do these routine maintenance jobs yourself. Mechanics aren’t required. Don’t be afraid to get dirty hands with your new found knowledge.

Mechanics that estimate over $200 for service should be asked for a written statement. Written proof is always beneficial if you end up taking the mechanic to court. Mechanics aren’t as likely to charge you for unrequested repairs as well.

Avoid repairs if a mechanic gives you a difficult time about a written estimate. If the work isn’t completed in the correct way, you may not be able to get help recovering damages because there won’t be proof of what they did.

Always ask questions when dealing with your mechanic. Ask anything you should know about repairs, rather than price alone. How long does the repair take to complete? What kind of work are they doing for you? What is the breakdown cost per part? Ask about anything that concerns you about the work being done. This is essential information to have.

Some time needs to be spent figuring out how your car runs. Car repairs are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you must be at the mercy of your local mechanic. The more you know about cars, the better prepared you are when repairs are needed. By being able to do simple things, like change a tire or put oil in, you will save tons of money.

When you realize you need to fix your car, your first step is to hire a mechanic. If your gut tells you not to trust a particular mechanic, or they seem untrustworthy, move on. Red flags include breezing past your questions without giving answers, failing to look you in the eye, and talking very quickly. They usually are hiding something and may charge you more for repairs.

Most vehicles have sensors and warning lights to inform you of different issues. Do not think that these lights will tell you everything that is wrong with your car. You never know when the little light itself is going to have issues, so manually checking your car is always the best way to ensure everything is okay.

With the large number of shady auto repair shops, it can be troublesome finding one that really has your interests at heart. When your car is in trouble, remember the advice from this article. Doing your homework and finding the right mechanic can save you time and trouble later.