Do you have a vehicle? If the answer is yes, repairs are either imminent or in your future. Locating a good mechanic can drive one batty. This article can help you look for signs of a good mechanic and those to avoid.

Check out your mechanic to see if he is A.S.E. certified before allowing him to do any work on your vehicle. This type of certification means two years experience and also a passed written test. You will then know that you are dealing with a trained professional.

Battery Charger

Keep a good battery charger on hand at all times. Dead batteries are common, and a good battery charger will come in handy more than once. Be sure you know how to correctly connect the charger clamps to your battery and the battery you are charging.

Regularly check your radiator’s performance. Run your car, turn it off then pop the hood. Never open the radiator while the car is on. Look at the coolant you have in your radiator by checking it with a dipstick but remember that coolant usually needs to be mixed with water before putting it into your vehicle.

Before you hand over your car to the shop, be sure you are clear about the repair costs. If you aren’t sure about anything, ask for clarification. You surely do not want unpleasant surprises when you go to get the car.

Make sure that you wash your car frequently to reduce rust and corrosion. Your car will rust out but you can easily delay this process by washing off salt and chemicals. Wax your car to keep paint in good condition, too.

Always ask your mechanic for OEM parts. These parts are the genuine article, produced by your car’s original manufacturer. While generics are much cheaper, they are not held to the same quality standards. It can appear like a deal right now and cost twice the amount later as OEM components to begin with.

Look out for signs that your mechanic isn’t very good. If your mechanic talks in confusing terms or tells you not to worry about the details, then it may be time to find one who you have confidence in.` Find a mechanic who seems trustworthy and knows how to answer all your questions.

You ought to always have a spare and a jack in the car. Many new cars have these. You’re not going to want to be paying money for being rescued by a tow truck after finding yourself stuck. It is a whole lot easier and cheaper if you do it yourself.

When you need a major repair done, get numerous estimates. The shop you’ve gone to may be trying to rip you off. Find a shop that has a reputation for deal with your make of car. There’s a good chance that these shops will know how to repair your car.

Independent mechanics can be great. As long as they have experience they can do the same work but they often charge far less for the labor. This can save you a lot of money and help out someone who may need it, instead of giving it to a big shop.

You should not have a lot of heavy items on your keychain. The ignition of your car is not meant to hold much weight. Although these keychains may not feel heavy to you, they will to your car. If your keys starts sticking, you need the tumblers replaced.

Learn to recognize the different warning lights on your dashboard. They are intended to give you a warning when you need it. Do not ignore them, as this can put your safety in danger.

Don’t stop washing your car in winter. Winter can be the most damaging season to a car’s bodywork. With so much sand and salt around, you are just asking for rust and abrasion. To be sure that ice doesn’t build up, make sure the car gets dried after washing it.

A daring do-it-yourself approach isn’t always the best idea. Work with someone nearby if you do plan to work on your car. It’s worth your money to spend more on a higher quality tool. This is very important for the tools that you use to change your tires. Keep in mind that you need a jack that can easily support the weight of your car. That’s why it’s smart to use a good hydraulic floor jack with approved jack stands.

Bring your car to the auto repair shop immediately if you sense a problem, no matter how small. A seemingly small problem may grow into a major one if don’t pay attention to it.

You should not try diagnosing complex problems. Remember, you are not an expert! Problems can be more complicated than they initially appear. Let a professional diagnose the issue. Let them know about any sounds you heard or what problems you have been having, but let them be the ones to diagnose the issue.

If you’re short on cash, the repair department in vocational schools may offer you service at a fraction of the cost. You can save a lot of money by allowing students to make repairs to your car, but do not worry because these students will be supervised by a licensed mechanic.

There are many unscrupulous mechanics out there but rest assured, there are also many good ones out there as well. Use the tips you have just read when you next need your car to be repaired. The right initial effort can prevent much stress later on.