A primer on basic auto repair is a must if you are going to drive a car. Still, most owners don’t know anything about their vehicle. Luckily, this article has tips to get your car in good working order.

Ensure the mechanic you use has an ASE certification before allowing them to operate on your vehicle. This shows that a mechanic has passed a special test for competence and also shows he or she has at least two years experience as a mechanic. This is a good way of finding a qualified mechanic who will care about doing a good job so they can keep their certification.

Examine your headlights if they appear dim; they may simply need a good clean. Dirt and grease buildup can significantly dull your headlights. Wash them with a good glass cleaner and see as well as you should.

Keep a spare tire and jack in your trunk. New cars often come with a kit you can use to change a tire. Being stuck with a flat tire is not something anyone hopes for. Paying for someone to help is expensive. You can save a lot of money by performing tasks yourself.

If your taillight or headlight burns out, you may save a ton repairing them yourself. While it’s easier in some vehicles than others, it’s a whole lot cheaper to do it yourself. Speak with people that you’re familiar with if you know they’re good at repairs.

Wiper Blades

You don’t want to neglect the wiper blades on your vehicle. If you notice your windshield wipers are not working properly, get new ones. You should replace wiper blades at least once a year or more often if you live in an area where rain is commonplace or if you notice your wiper blades are worn out.

Inquire about labor rates and overall cost before handing your keys to the mechanic. Some repair shops display their rates, so read them carefully and be sure to ask about anything you don’t fully understand. You have a right to know how much a repair will cost and what it will consist of. Are the repair times established? A lot of repairs that seem to be easy to fix could end up taking a whole day in some cases.

A good mechanic will likely have some credentials. You really should be sure if they have their N.I.A.E. seal of approval at the very least. This will tell you if they are properly trained and will provide you with quality service.

Many corrupt shops will change out your tires and put in older ones. They sell your tires and make a profit off your ignorance. Before visiting the shop, use chalk to mark your tires. If you don’t have the chalk on your tires still when you pick the car up, then you know things aren’t right.

If your money is really tight and you really need vehicle repairs, try talking to an auto repair department at a local vocation school. While you will get a discount, students can make the repairs as a licensed mechanic looks on.

Transmission Fluid

If a mechanic claims that the car parts they provide will last forever, then do not buy them. This is a lie in an attempt to take your money. Some cars, for example, do come equipped with transmission fluid proclaiming to last a lifetime. Transmission fluid needs to be changed every 80K miles or so.

Car ownership means great responsibility. You need to educate yourself about auto repairs and maintenance to do a good job. Keep looking back on these tips, if you would like, in order to keep your vehicle running like a dream.