When you deal with auto repairs, you may feel inexperienced, frustrated, and lost. If you do experience feelings of stress, it doesn’t have to be that way. Keep reading to learn how you can take control of dealing with auto repairs this next time around.

Be sure your mechanic has an A.S.E. certification prior to letting them fix your car. This certification lets you know that your mechanic has at least 2 years of experience and has passed a test. This is one good way to separate the wheat from the chaff when picking a good mechanic.

Clean you car on a regular basis so it doesn’t become rusty. Every car is going to rust in the future, but this can be delayed if you just get all of the chemicals and salt off your car when you can. Find a wax that offers an extra layer of protection.

Be careful of mechanics that do unnecessary repairs to the car. Good mechanics will inform you if parts need replacing or will need replacing in the near future; however, they should not actually take the extra step and replace parts without your knowledge and approval. A mechanic who has performed this practice should never be patronized again.

OEM parts should be asked for. These are the manufacturer’s original parts. It’s cheaper to get the generic parts, but the quality may not be the same. You may save in the short term, but additional failures could end up costing you big time.

Always have a repair kit located in your car; you can put one together yourself. You need to include a complete tire changing kit. A good lug wrench and jack are key. A few good screwdrivers, wrenches and a socket wrench can also come in handy for any unexpected road-side issues. Always purchase quality tools. Invest in high-quality tools that you will own forever.

Replacing a burnt-out headlight or taillight is much cheaper when you do it by yourself. Doing so is easier in some cars than others, but it is still cheaper than paying a mechanic to make the replacement. Ask a friend if they’ll help you learn how its done.

Figure out what repairs and labor are going to cost you before handing your keys over. Some shops have their rates in conspicuous places, so read carefully and ask questions if you don’t understand something. Know where the estimated prices come from. Repair times for some shops are determined by manufacturers. A repair that is called minor may actually take a long time, even all day, according to this manual.

Understand that visiting your dealer for auto repair work is not always necessary. Good mechanics can be found elsewhere, not only at the dealer’s shop. Find a mechanic who is certified and reliable.

Take pictures of your entire vehicle before taking it to the shop to get repaired. Most shops are reputable but there are always a few bad apples out there. You should make sure you keep track of the way your vehicle is looking just in case something like this were to happen.

Many people take their cars to get repaired and return to a car with additional issues. They do this to make it look like you are getting a good deal from them. Let them know you will contact them later, then take the time to search for a better deal.

Now you’re armed with how to deal with auto repair! Make sure to be victorious with your car troubles so you don’t always have to take it to the mechanic. Continue reading to learn more about auto repairs.