Smith 
You may be having car problems if you have found this article. The good thing is that this article was written to help you with that. Many people aren’t naturally suited to be mechanics, so take steps to learn teh skills you need. Keep reading for some useful tips on how to keep your vehicle in good shape.
Be sure that you have an A.S.E. certified mechanic before they are allowed to work on your vehicle. 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 means you will have an expert working on your car.
Ask questions to the mechanics who inspect your vehicle. Make sure to consider previous problems you’ve had, and ask how to prevent them. An ounce of prevention can save you a lot of money over time.
When you have problems with your car, you may not need to visit a mechanic. There are many things you can fix easily. You can take your chances by going on the Internet to find some information to see if you can locate the problem. If it’s not hard to fix, try it yourself.
A record of maintenance and repairs should be in your car. You may want to store them in the glove compartment for easy access. The auto repair professionals will want to look at those records. The records can help them figure out the problem.
Prior to paying for any repairs you’ve had done, you should go on a drive to figure out if it was really fixed. If you don’t, you may find that you paid for nothing.
Ask for parts that are classified as OEM parts. These are original components from the manufacturer. Although generic parts are more affordable, OEM parts are better quality and will last longer. Although you save money in the short term with generic parts, its not really a deal if they have to be replaced again in a few years.
Don’t leave valuables in your car while you’re having it repaired. Your mechanic may need these parts removed so that they can make repairs. If you discover missing items later, they hold no liability. Everything needs to be taken out of your trunk too.
Look for the warning signs that your mechanic is not as competent as you might hope. If they tend to talk in circles or ignore your questions, then they might not be all that you want them to be. Find a mechanic who seems trustworthy and knows how to answer all your questions.
If you have something major that needs to be done by someone at a shop, you have to be sure you get more than just a single price. Most shops are reliable but some mechanics will find additional repairs to charge you more. Look around for reputable shops that specialize in your car’s make. These shops are the best ones to use.
Replacing the bulbs on your taillights or headlights yourself can save you both time and money. While it’s easier in some vehicles than others, it’s a whole lot cheaper to do it yourself. See if you can get instructions from someone you trust.
Windshield Wipers
Don’t forget about your windshield wipers. If you notice your windshield wipers are not working properly, get new ones. Wiper blades should be replaced when they wear out, or at least once per year. This can be more often if your location receives a lot of rain.
You may want to get your car repaired by a person who does work out of their own garage. You can usually find lower prices if you go through mechanics that are not affiliated with a franchise. This can save you a lot of money, and at the same time, help out a small auto shop instead of letting a big shop profit.
It’s a great idea to consult with your friends and acquaintances when you’re in the market for a new garage or service center. They can help point you in the right direction if so. You should still always do some research on the person they tell you about. Use online resources to see feedback from others as well.
Know what the lights on the dashboard mean. They are located there to assist you, so use them to your advantage. Ignoring those for a long time can worsen issues later.
Most people do not read their owner’s manual. There is a lot of information in this book that can help you. Included in the owner’s manual is important information on things such as car maintenance or how to properly change your car’s tires.
Problems seem to crop up only when the car is left with a mechanic. Unscrupulous dealers do this to make you feel as though your car may be dangerous and they are being a friend by offering you a deal. Look other places to determine if you can save money on the repair.
Bleed your brakes after you’ve worked on them and before you take your car out on the road. Afterwards, be sure to pump your brake fluid. Test for leaks to be sure the fluid won’t run out. Once you are finished with this, you are ready to rock-and-roll on the road and take that baby for a test drive on a street that has minimal traffic. Begin slowly to be sure they’re repaired well prior to trying higher speeds.
When you get a diagnosis of your vehicle’s problem, think about what you want to do before you commit to any repairs. Call other dealerships or garages to inquire what they charge for the type of repair the original mechanic is recommending. If a cheaper price is available elsewhere, you can pay for whatever the diagnostics cost and see about getting it fixed at the other place.
This article provided you with a ton of information on car repairs. While you likely do not know a lot about advanced auto repair, it pays to at least know some of the fundamentals. If something big comes along you can’t handle on your own, you now understand how to find help.