Sitting idly by when your car needs repair is never a good idea. You need to understand how to care for your car. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do next time you’re dealing with auto repair.

Ensure the mechanic you use has an ASE certification before allowing them to operate on your vehicle. This means the technician has completed a test and has more than two years of experience. This tells you that the mechanic is qualified to work on your car.

Regularly check out your radiator. Let the car run a while, shut off the engine and then pop the hood. Never open your radiator if your vehicle is running. Look to see what the fluid level is (use a dipstick), and remember that coolant needs to have a bit of water added prior to entering your radiator.

You can easily find an auto mechanic that is good if you get referred to them. Talk to anyone you know and get recommendations from them. This will let you figure out what kind of price you’re dealing with and if you’ll be satisfied with the work that is done. You can learn first-hand experiences about the honesty and skill of the mechanic.

Look up reviews online for body shops in your area. This can tell you about the public views of their skills in customer service and how well they can solve a problem. After gathering information, you can select the right shop for you.

Before you actually take your car to a mechanic, try to assess what the problem is first. This will save you a ton of money, and it can prevent you from becoming a fraud victim. Some mechanics are dishonest and will say the problem is more serious than it actually is.

Verify that a prospective mechanic is familiar with your specific car. While all cars have the same basic components, there are big differences as to how they are attached and located under the hood. The safe route is to pay a little more to have a dealer’s specialized techs work on the car.

The warning lights on your dashboard have an important function. Refer to your car manual for explanations. They’re there for a reason. If you ignore them, you could end up with expensive problems down the road.

Don’t stop washing your car in winter. Though it might seem futile, the winter months can cause lots of damage. Sand is abrasive to your paint, and salt will make that damage rust quickly. Pick a warmer day and dry the car completely before heading back onto the road.

Watch out for the type of shop that will take off your good tires and put old ones on. This is done so they can profit from your ignorance. Before going in, chalk tires in order to mark them. If your chalk is missing when you go to retrieve your vehicle, you’ve been taken.

If you are concerned about someone having your back when auto repair is needed, look into AAA. This is a great service to have when you are stranded and need help. Many auto shops offer discounts to AAA members, so it’s well worth the membership.

Now you have a better knowledge of how to deal with car repair issues. The tips which were shared in this article should make you more savvy when dealing with any auto repairs. Keep all of this information in mind so you can handle the situation correctly.