If you’re reading this, you most likely have car issues. This article is here to help you solve these problems. Most people know squat about car repairs, so they need to be told what steps to take. Read on and pick up some great auto repair advice that may just be able to save you time and money.

Be sure your mechanic has an A.S.E. certification prior to letting them fix your car. The basis of this certification is that your mechanic has over two years of experience and they have passed appropriate testing. That way, you can have the best mechanics working on your car.

Regularly check out your radiator. You should let your car run for a few minutes, shut the engine and open your hood. Do not lift the radiator lid when the engine is running or if it is too hot. Check the amount of fluid in your radiator with your dipstick and remember to mix the coolant with some water.

Always know how much your repairs will cost before handing your car over to a service department. If you aren’t sure about anything, ask for clarification. You don’t want to be surprised with a higher charge than you were expecting.

Inquire as to whether the mechanic has had previous experience working on your specific vehicle model before. If they have, you should feel better about their ability to solve your problem.

You need your records available at all times. It is a good idea to leave these in the glove compartment because you never know when your car has to go to the shop suddenly. The auto shop will definitely want to see any records. The records can help them figure out the problem.

Look up reviews online for body shops in your area. This will let you know how others feel about the services they provide. This will help you choose the best shop.

Once an auto shop has made repairs to your car, test drive it to ensure they did a good job prior to paying them. If you do not do this, you may have the same issue when you get home.

Make sure you are receiving OEM parts. This means that you are getting manufacturer made parts and not replicas. Although generic parts are more affordable, OEM parts are better quality and will last longer. 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.

If you notice your headlights do not shine as brightly as they used to, check to make sure they are clean. Sometimes there is grease and/or dirt on it, and it reduces the brightness of the light. Use glass cleaner to wash any dirt away from them.

With any luck, this article should have helped you so that you can deal with future car issues. While you may not be an expert on the subject, you should now know how to handle smaller repairs yourself. If something big comes along you can’t handle on your own, you now understand how to find help.