Is getting into auto repair something you’ve always wanted to do? Fixing a car can be intimidating, but it is a very rewarding experience. You keep your car going, and you save money as well. You can see how it’s possible to do your own auto repair by reading the following tips.

Mechanics should have ASE certification before you hire them. Being A.S.E. certified ensures you that your mechanic has proper training and experience. This is a good way of finding a qualified mechanic who will care about doing a good job so they can keep their certification.

Ask for the charge total before giving mechanics your keys. Ask any questions you have about the service before they start work on the car. This will give you a good idea of what you will be paying.

If you have issues with your car, you can fix it yourself. Some car repairs are easy to do yourself. Check online to find out what might be wrong with your car. It’s not too hard to do, and you’ll be able to get money saved back to start repairing things.

Ask mechanics if they have worked on your particular make and model of car before contracting with them. If so, they will probably know what must be done to help your car work again.

Consider using OEM parts. Those are the original parts from the manufacturer. Generic parts might be cheaper, but they may not be good enough quality. They may initially be a deal, but the generic parts may make you pay more in the long run.

When getting auto repairs, take all items out of your car. The mechanic might have to remove certain items, and they won’t be liable if it goes missing. Everything needs to be taken out of your trunk too.

Ensure that your mechanic is familiar with your vehicle’s make. While most vehicles are made in similar ways, a lot of the time things are fairly different under the hood. If you’re not sure, it may be worth it to pay extra at the dealer.

Invest in a spare tire and a jack, and keep them in your vehicle. Most of the new cars of today have them in the trunk. Being stuck with a flat tire is not something anyone hopes for. Paying for someone to help is expensive. It’s cheaper to do on your own.

Before you settle on a mechanic, inquire about their rates and prices. Some shops have these costs in conspicuous places, so you need to carefully read and ask any questions you have if something doesn’t make sense. Make sure that you know exactly how you are going to be billed. Some stores are able to give you an estimate for how long they’ll keep your car. Sometimes, minor jobs may take longer than indicated.

Memorize each light and symbol on your dash instrument panel. When one lights up, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with. Your dashboard lights warn you of potential problems. Yes, there are sometimes false positives, but it is risky to ignore these warning lights. If you do so, a problem can get worse and become more costly to fix.

Don’t be intimidated at the thought of doing auto repair yourself. The parts under the hood may seem foreign, but only until you start to understand the parts. Then repairs can be easy. Remember this article if you need to refer to it. Fixing your car is possible if you use these tips.