Having your car repaired can be quite frustrating. It is hard to distinguish the dishonest mechanics from the good ones. Keep reading to learn how to locate the correct auto repair shop.

Check for A.S.E. certification before you choose a mechanic. This shows that a mechanic has passed a special test for competence and also shows he or she has at least two years experience as a mechanic. This is a good way of finding a qualified mechanic who will care about doing a good job so they can keep their certification.

Battery Charger

Get a reliable battery charger and be sure it is always in your car. Dead batteries are pretty common and you can help others if you own a battery charger. Learn how to find connection points so that you can use the charger with ease.

Ask a mechanic any questions you may have regarding your car when bringing it in to their shop. These questions should be geared around the problems that you faced and what actions you can take so that they will not happen again. Preventing issues can save you a lot of money.

Tag the important pages in your vehicle manual. When you have to get repairs done on your car, you are going to need to be knowledgeable about your car’s information. You might even find some easy solutions for the issues you have been encountering.

If possible, test drive your car prior to paying for repairs. Most people do not do this and end up with the same issues that previously existed.

Request OEM parts. These parts are original and from the manufacturer. Although generic parts are more affordable, OEM parts are better quality and will last longer. What could be a good deal in the present won’t always be the best thing to for you later, so try using OEM parts when you’re able to.

Invest in a spare tire and a jack, and keep them in your vehicle. Many newer cars already have them. You do not want to stuck in the middle of nowhere and have to pay a ton of money for a tow. It’s cheaper to do on your own.

If your taillight or headlight burns out, you may save a ton repairing them yourself. While it is different with each vehicle, it is much cheaper to do it yourself. Speak with people that you’re familiar with if you know they’re good at repairs.

Speak with friends about auto shop recommendations before you pick a shop. Your relatives or friends may be able to tell you what they recommend so you can locate service more easily. Research any recommendations you get. Online reviews can give you a quick overview of anyone that you have in mind.

Memorize each light and symbol on your dash instrument panel. When one lights up, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with. These lights are able to help you out, and determine when your car may need fixed. Yes, there are sometimes false positives, but it is risky to ignore these warning lights. If you do so, a problem can get worse and become more costly to fix.

No one is a fan of getting their car repaired, but sometimes it’s just something that has to be done. Keep this information in mind when you need to repair your car. When you are working with a good firm, you’ll be confident in your choice.