Every driver should have some basic understanding of auto repair. But, most people do not know anything about this subject. Thankfully, the tips below are a great start.

Verify that any prospective mechanic has earned an A.S.E. certification. The basis of this certification is that your mechanic has over two years of experience and they have passed appropriate testing. This is a good way of finding a qualified mechanic who will care about doing a good job so they can keep their certification.

Prior to giving your car to a shop, know the costs of repairs. If you don’t understand something, make sure to clarify it first. You don’t want to be shocked by a huge bill to pay.

A great way to get a good mechanic is by asking around. Can you get a recommendation from a friend or someone that you work with? You can inquire about price, work quality and overall satisfaction. People will let you know if their experiences were good or bad and how honest the auto repair shop was with them.

If you think your headlines are not as bright as usual, inspect them for cleanliness. Headlights often accumulate grime and other debris during normal use. Clean your car’s headlights and taillights with a glass cleaner.

Repair Person

Watch out for obvious warning signs that a repair person is not up to snuff. If they avoid your questions, you may want to look elsewhere. It’s best to feel that you trust your repair person, so don’t hesitate to move on.

Check around for a reputable mechanic by asking friends who are happy with their mechanic. You can usually find lower prices if you go through mechanics that are not affiliated with a franchise. This may result in substantial savings, and you can also provide such mechanics with much-needed work.

Keep washing your car throughout the winter. Winter can be hard on your vehicle. Sand and salt is something that can cause rust and abrasions. Just make sure you dry the car thoroughly before heading back out onto the roads to prevent icing.

Check the car’s tire pressure whenever you fill up the tank. Closely inspect your tires to ensure nothing is wrong with them. If you notice problems, resolve them immediately. It is very dangerous driving on bad tires.

Before taking your car to a repair shop, take pictures of the areas that need to be fixed. Some unethical shops may strip parts off your vehicle and resell them. To keep from having this horrible experience, make sure you document all area of your vehicle by taking clear and dated pictures.

Transmission Fluid

There are no auto parts that will last the entirety of your life, and you shouldn’t buy any products that claim to do so. This is total spin – just a way to grab more of your cash. For instance, some cars have “lifetime” transmission fluid. Transmission fluid needs to be changed every 80K miles or so.

Have you read over your owner’s manual? The truth is that very few car owners actually do this. It’s a good idea to look through it and remember where important information is located. This little book holds a lot of information about your vehicle.

Driving a car includes the responsibility of maintaining proper condition. But, some folks lack the knowledge to find good mechanics or to repair their cars themselves. The strategies you just read will help you figure out what you need to do to protect your car.