The cost of car repairs can be a major and expensive issue. The best way to be sure you are getting quality repairs is to learn what you can in advance. Keep reading to find out more about what you can do to get your vehicle fixed or maintain it yourself.

Make sure the repair shop technician is familiar with the particular model of your vehicle. If they have experience with your type of car, they are more likely able to correctly diagnose and fix the problems your vehicle is having.

Read as much of your auto manual as you can, marking anything that is important. Do not hesitate to let your mechanic know about what you learned from the owner’s manual. You may even find, when you read the manual, that what you think is an issue is easily fixed.

Keep your car records on hand. A good place to keep these records in the glove box, so you can produce them on demand when talking to a mechanic. Repair professionals may want to see these records for repair purposes. These documents can help the mechanic figure out the problem quicker.

Ask for OEM parts. These are original manufacturer parts. Generic parts may cost less, but they are not as good. What saves you a bit of money in the short term, may end up costing you dearly in the long term.

Look for warning signs that repair mechanics may give off. If a mechanic is not giving you straight answers or cannot explain repairs in details, you should keep looking. It is important that you establish trust with the person who is going to fix your vehicle.

Find out how much a mechanic charges for the repair, including labor, before you hand over your keys. A lot of places will put rates in the fine print and so you need to read over any paperwork carefully. You need to understand how and why you are being billed for your car repairs. Many car dealerships may charge by “book time” which is a set rate based on how long the repair should take to do. Even a minor job might take all day.

Remember that DIY auto repair may be quite dangerous. You need someone assisting you so that there is an emergency plan in place. Buy quality tools that are durable and reliable. This is especially true of your tire changing equipment. Also, buy a strong jack in case you need to prop your car up in an emergency. Therefore a quality hydraulic floor jack combined with sturdy jack stands will keep you safe.

Few people even open their car’s instruction manual. Review this manual to learn how it’s to be used so that you can find helpful information quickly. Your manual tells you all that you should know about how you can maintain your car yourself.

Often people return to pay for repairs, only to find out the mechanic says there is another issue. They usually give you a quote higher than what the job is worth, then they will pretend to give you a lower price as a “deal.” Tell them you want to take a few hours to make a decision and then call around for quotes from other shops.

If you are concerned about someone having your back when auto repair is needed, look into AAA. If you need towing or car repairs, this can be a lifesaver. Paying the membership fee will be worth it if you can benefit from a few discounts by going to certified mechanics.

It can cause major disruptions in your life when you are having car problems. You can take the stress out of it by following the advice in this article. Knowledge is power. Keep this article handy for times when you need a quick tip.