Your car is important to you, and you need to take care of it. You might be uneducated about cars, but are looking to learn more about them. If this is so, keep reading to find out about auto repair.

You need your records available at all times. One good place to keep them is in a folder in the trunk right above your spare tire. The auto mechanic will need to refer to these records. Good documentation can help diagnose problems a lot faster.

Be mindful whether additional repairs recommended are really necessary. All reputable mechanics will notify you before doing any repairs and will inform you of any parts that could require repairs in the immediate future. A mechanic who has performed this practice should never be patronized again.

When bringing your car to a mechanic, tell them you want OEM parts. These parts are the genuine article, produced by your car’s original manufacturer. While generic could be a cheaper option, you don’t know how they will perform in the future. What may seem like a deal now can cost twice as much as buying OEM in the first place.

Invest in a spare tire and a jack, and keep them in your vehicle. Most of the new cars of today have them in the trunk. 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 of money by performing tasks yourself.

If the repairs your car needs are major, get several quotes before hiring a mechanic. It will help you find the best price available from a trustworthy mechanic. Check out other options which are trustworthy. These shops are more likely to understand how to perform the repairs your car needs.

Check around for a reputable mechanic by asking friends who are happy with their mechanic. Mechanics who work from home are often able to charge less because they don’t have the overhead that shops do. You’ll be able to save quite a bit of money and will help them a little bit because you won’t be dealing with a big place.

Talk to your friends about their auto repair experiences before choosing a repair shop. Friends and family can help with recommendations. It is still important to do your homework. Go online and see what else is being said about the shop.

Do not use all kinds of extra key chains with your keys. The ignition cannot hold the weight of a big key chain. Too much weight on your keychain can cause your key to stick.

You should know and pay attention to your dashboard’s warning lights. These lights give you a good indication of when your vehicle needs some maintenance. Don’t ignore any dashboard lights that come on, as the problem may grow worse if it’s ignored.

Keep washing your vehicle, even in winter. Your car may get dirty again quickly, but all that buildup is terrible for your car. Roads filled with sand and salt can really do some corrosive damage to your car. Take care to dry your vehicle before driving it again. You wouldn’t want ice to form.

Even if the problem you are having seems minor to you, have it looked at by a professional. Sometimes a small symptom indicates a much larger problem.

Check into the technician to learn if he has the certifications that are necessary. You really should be sure if they have their N.I.A.E. seal of approval at the very least. This will tell you that the technician has been properly trained and will do a great job on your car.

If you get a quote from a mechanic that is over $200, ask for it in writing. This helps you with complaints down the road. Also, if there is already a written estimate in place, mechanics are less likely to start padding the bill.

Try to gain some knowledge of your car after you purchase it. It may even be a good idea to take a car repair class at the local community college. Although it’s probably not good to go to a class if you’re not able to pay for it, getting some basic knowledge about cars can help you to save up some money later when you can fix problems. This allows you to see potential issues as they arise, instead of allowing them to become much bigger deals than they should be.

Set dollar limits on how much work can be done to a car without permission. If you drop your car off to be assessed for services, don’t give the repair shop carte blanche to make the repairs. Establish a set amount which cannot be surpassed without your authorization.

You must take notice of sounds that your car is making. Noise can mean a lot when it comes to a problem that a car is having. Tell your mechanic exactly what the sound is, and he should be able to know where the problem lies.

Ask Questions

When speaking with a mechanic, always ask questions. Don’t keep the questions about price; ask questions about the work being done and why it is needed. How long does the repair take to complete? What kind of work is being done? Find out how much the new parts cost. Ask anything else that comes to mind. This is essential information to have.

Determine whether you wish to service cars by the dealership or an independent garage. Dealerships are more expensive but the quality of the service might be worth it. Garages will cost a little bit less, but they may not be as trustworthy and credible.

Taking proper care of a vehicle is an extremely essential and important part of life. Simple maintenance can help you avoid the mechanic and save you money. Use this information the next time your vehicle is acting funny.