Few things are worse than your vehicle suddenly stalling and sputtering out on you as you are traveling down the road. Besides the immediate dangers of being stranded on the roadside, you are also facing the problem of hiring a mechanic in a hurry. How do you go about finding a good mechanic? The following tips can help you when you find yourself in need of auto repair.

Referrals are your best best when searching for a trustworthy mechanic. Speak with others you know to see if they can recommend someone to you. You can learn about the quality of work, the pricing and if they were satisfied with the service. Avoid the mechanics who overcharged your friends or were not honest with them.

Be wary of mechanics that try and make unnecessary repairs to your car. A trustworthy mechanic should inform you about parts that are becoming worn and will need replacement in the near future, but no parts should be replaced without first getting your approval. Never take your vehicle to a mechanic that preforms unnecessary repairs.

Get OEM components. These parts come from the manufacturer of your car. While they often cost a little more, they typically work better for longer periods of time. What is a cheap option now could be an expensive option later.

Don’t leave anything of value in your car when it’s being repaired. To get the job done, mechanics may have to remove your things and if something should end up missing, they cannot be held responsible. Remove everything from your trunk too.

Look for the warning signs that your mechanic is not as competent as you might hope. If your mechanic talks in confusing terms or tells you not to worry about the details, then it may be time to find one who you have confidence in.` Only choose someone you trust.

Keep a spare tire and jack in your trunk. If you purchase a new car, you should have these in your trunk. You don’t need to be stuck somewhere you don’t know and need to pay a lot for towing. It is much easier and inexpensive to do it yourself.

Put together an auto repair kit and keep it in your car. You need to include a complete tire changing kit. A car jack and a lug wrench are essential tools to have. You will need several screwdrivers, ratchets, socket wrenches, an adjustable wrench and a torque wrench. Avoid cheap tools. Get sturdy, quality tools that will not break on you.

Before going with a particular shop, get auto repair feedback from your friends. You may get some great recommendations from friends and family. Even after getting a few names, though, do your research. Use the web as a resource to find information about car repair shops.

Don’t have a bunch of keychains on your keyring, or make sure you can remove your key when you need it. Your car’s ignition is simply not designed to hold all that weight, even if it may not seem that heavy to you. If your key sticks, install new tumblers and use a lighter key chain.

It’s no simple task to find a great mechanic. When you have proper information, doing it is a lot easier. You have the upper hand when you know what to look for. The next time your vehicle plays up, keep this advice in the front of your mind.