Do you own a car? If so, your car will need to be fixed sooner or later. There is a lot of stress associated with looking for a good auto repair service. Luckily, the advice below can help you pick a trustworthy one.

Make sure that your mechanic is A.S.E certified before you let them work on your car. An ASE certification means your mechanic has a minimum of two years’ experience in auto repairs. This certification also requires that he or she passes a written test. This will ensure that you have the cream of the crop working on your vehicle.

If you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop, arm yourself with information and ask questions. Center your questions around the current problems and the precautions that you can take to prevent these problems from recurring. Prevention is a great way to save lots of money.

It is not always necessary to call a repairman when you have car trouble. There are many things you can fix easily. Check online to find out what might be wrong with your car. If it’s easy, you can repair the problem yourself, and save money too.

Make sure you know what is in your auto manual, and mark certain pages for reference. Your mechanic will need the manual for certain information. The manual may give you information to help you easily fix a problem.

Make sure that you have car records on file. These should be kept in the glove compartment of your vehicle for easy access out on the road. Repair professionals may want to see these records for repair purposes. They can diagnose issues quicker.

Inspect your vehicle to figure out what is wrong before taking it to an auto shop. Knowing what your car needs can help you avoid being talked into repairs it doesn’t need. Experience shows that mechanics sometimes falsely claim a problem exists and do an unnecessary repair, to increase their earnings.

You ought to always have a spare and a jack in the car. Many newer cars already have them. Having these items will allow you to change a tire and get back on the road quickly, which is helpful when you are stuck in a dangerous location. It is a whole lot easier and cheaper if you do it yourself.

If you are having extensive repairs done, make sure that you get several estimates. Do not pay extra money for a service that can be performed at a fraction of the cost. Take your time and find a shop you feel you can trust. Also, look for someone who has experience with your type of car. These shops can better understand the needed repairs for your vehicle.

Clean your car regularly, even in the winter. Although it may seem like a waste of time, winter weather can really damage your vehicle. Sand and salt can cause rust and abrasions. Be certain to dry your car completely before driving again, so that icing does not occur.

A dealer isn’t your only option for auto repair. There are many shops where skilled auto technicians reside. You need to use a mechanic that you feel completely comfortable with.

Take multiple pictures of your car before taking it to a new shop. While most shops would never strip your vehicle, some do this to increase their income. It is wise to have proof of your car’s condition, should something unfortunate occur.

Don’t put off checking a problem with your car, even if you are pretty sure it is minor. Sometimes, small problems that go unchecked will lead to bigger problems over time.

Only go to a repairman that is certified. Look for a seal of approval or N.I.A. This will tell you if they are properly trained and will provide you with quality service.

Don’t let a mechanic convince you that an engine flush is a common maintenance procedure. This is a costly service and not something that is typically done during the course of normal maintenance.

It is common for folks to seek repairs for one issue, only to be told that their car has additional problems. They do this to make you think you are getting a great deal. Tell them that you’re going to have to talk to them later so that you can seek out better pricing.

A portion of auto repair comes from consistency. Repair shops that can be trusted should be valued. Not all shops will give your car the same diagnosis for it’s problems. They might also charge you more for the work done.

If you are concerned about someone having your back when auto repair is needed, look into AAA. The AAA membership will prove to be invaluable if you break down on the side of the road. They will tow your car to a nearby mechanic. Many auto shops offer discounts to AAA members, so it’s well worth the membership.

Listen to any sounds your vehicle makes. The type of noise can be an indicator of what is wrong with your car. If you’re able to describe a particular sound to the mechanic, you may save some time and money because the problem will be easier to diagnose.

If you have to store your car, you can prevent damage by putting your vehicle on jack stands, then filling the tank. Do not engage the parking brake and make sure the area in which you store the car is dry enough to prevent rust.

There are many untrustworthy companies out there who value profit more than anything else. Be sure to use the tips mentioned when you are in need of a good mechanic. Work hard and you’ll get great results.