If you drive regularly, you need to know the basics of auto repair. However, many individuals lack even the most basic knowledge of the topic. The article below has the information you need to keep your car in tip-top shape.

You do not have to contact a mechanic every time your car has problems. Some jobs are simple and do not need to be taken to the auto shop. Have a look on the Internet and see if you can narrow down what the issue could be. If it is a simple fix, you can usually do it yourself.

When hiring a mechanic to repair to automobile, always seek referrals and opinions from friends, family and colleagues you trust. Doing so will ensure that you can find someone who has provided reliable, quality service in the past and provided good value to customers. In this way, you can greatly improve the likelihood that your car will be in good hands, and you will ultimately be satisfied with the work done.

Stick with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components. If your car needs parts, choose OEM parts over generic ones. For optimum performance, you should have the OEM parts that are up to the manufacturer’s standards. While generic parts are cheaper, they’re generally a lower quality than the original ones. This means that you may pay more later for replacements.

Always research the reputation of any auto repair shop you are considering using to have your car serviced. If you are a AAA member, you can find a list of approved shops on their website. You can also download an app for your smartphone like Repairpal to view ratings for different repair shops.

Before you go to a mechanic, become educated on the classification of standard car parts. There are several different classifications of car parts, and these include salvage, new, and re-manufactured and reconditioned. “New” refers to parts that have been created to manufacturer specifications either through an independent retailer or them. Rebuilt and reconditioned and re-manufacturered parts have been restored to working condition. Salvaged parts are those that have some wear and tear to them.

Garage

Contact your local Better Business Bureau if you need more information on a mechanic or a garage. If some complaints have been filed against them, your Better Business Bureau will tell you. Ask your friends and family about the different mechanics they have dealt with in the past to get some recommendations.

Take action if you believe a garage or dealership ripped you off. Notify one of the manager and give them a chance to issue a refund. If you are still not satisfied, contact your local Better Business Bureau to file a complaint. Your city or state consumer affair office is also a good resource.

Consider finding someone who repairs cars in their own garage. They may have learned through experience but still be competent, and are likely to have a lower labor rate. You can save tons of money and provide an independent worker by providing them with business.

You need to keep track of all the repairs and transactions with your garage or dealership. If you decide to file a complaint, you will need to document what happened. Keeping these documents will also help you inform buyers about the repairs you did on the vehicle if you want to sell your car.

If you have to drop your car off at a garage or dealership, instruct the mechanics that you wish to be called with an estimate before they do any work on your car. Do not let a mechanic convince you to pay for expensive repairs because the vehicle is already partly dismantled.

When looking for a repair shop or a garage, pay attention to the documents on the walls. Certified mechanics usually have the original copy of their certification framed on the wall. You should look for certifications issued by your state or by the ASE as well as proofs of insurance.

Owning a car means you have the ultimate responsibility of keeping it in working order. However, you may not know how to perform repair work yourself and you may not know how to find a good mechanic. Use the tips presented in this article and do more research on the specific issues you are encountering.