It is never a wise idea to dive into the world of auto repairs without any prior knowledge. Get on the right track from the start and read this article for some helpful tips. You are going to learn so much that it will surprise you.

Check out your mechanic to see if he is A.S.E. certified before allowing him to do any work on your vehicle. The basis of this certification is that your mechanic has over two years of experience and they have passed appropriate testing. This ensures that you have a capable person working on your car.

Be sure to ask lots of questions when taking your car to an auto repair service. Center your questions around the current problems and the precautions that you can take to prevent these problems from recurring. Prevention is a great way to save lots of money.

You need to see if the mechanic has ever done work on the exact same type of car before. If they have, there is a good chance they will be able to repair your car.

Wash your car often so you can prevent rust. All cars eventually succumb to rust, however you can delay this process by washing all salt and chemicals from your car immediately. Make sure to wax your car so as to protect the paint.

Take the time to read your car manual and know the basics of how your car works. When you do have to deal with a mechanic, you can show him the copy of the manual, which can help him. The manual may give you information to help you easily fix a problem.

Keep on hand all of your car’s documentation. Keep these documents in a solid folder inside your glove compartment. The records will be vital to your mechanic. They aid in speeding up the diagnosing process.

Try to get OEM parts for your car. These are original parts direct from the manufacturer. Generic are cheaper, but also less reliable. 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.

Have a DIY kit for auto repair in your car at all times. For instance, if anything dealing with tire changes came with the car, have this in your car. If you lack a lug wrench and a jack, purchase both. Then have a screwdriver kit, socket wrench kit, ratchet set, torque wrench and adjustable wrench, too. Do not waste money by getting cheap tools. Invest in quality tools that will not break as you perform repairs on your vehicle.

If you notice your vehicle’s headlights or taillights have blown out, then it is possible to repair these issues yourself rather than visiting a mechanic in order to save money. Some vehicles have a simpler system than others, but you can save a lot by doing it yourself regardless of how complex your system is. Ask your friends and relatives if they can help with this small repair.

Think about using a mechanic who works from home. Provided the experience and skills are there, this may be a much less expensive option to chose from. You can support small business and save hundreds on the cost of the repair.

Take your time and use what you have learned here when you deal with auto repairs in the future. Don’t let things completely bankrupt or overwhelm you due to not knowing enough about it. Take control, understand your choices and get the best possible outcome.