If you have ever run into any car trouble, and chances are you have, you understand how frustrating it can be getting your car repaired. Because so many repair shops are less than honest, it can be hard finding a good one. Thankfully, this article will show you how to find an honest, reputable auto repair shop.

Do not let a mechanic work on your vehicle unless they are A.S.E. certified. This certification guarantees that the mechanic has been tested and has more than two years of experience. When a mechanic has this certification, you are ensured that a qualified individual is repairing your car.

Ensure your car has an emergency kit. This kit should contain a number of items, including tools, flares, a gas container and an emergency battery charger. A few blankets, flashlights and spare batteries are also great to have.

Look up your local body shop’s reviews online. This will give you an idea of how the public likes their customer service, and how well they are at fixing problems. This information can be used to locate an auto repair shop that you feel is well suited to your needs.

Before you pay for repairs, take the car out for a spin to make sure things are working as they should. If you don’t do this, you may still have an issue after you get it home.

If your headlights don’t seem very bright, check them to see if they are clean. The roads you drive on sometimes contain greasy residues, which can get on your lights. Therefore, this will reduce the brightness of your lights. Use a reputable glass cleaner to get the job done efficiently.

Look for the warning signs that your mechanic is not as competent as you might hope. If they beat around the bush and act shifty, they may not be the one you want to work with. It is important to have full confidence in the competence of your mechanic. If you don’t, then move on to a better choice.

You ought to always have a spare and a jack in the car. Typically, if you have recently purchased a car, you should have these items already. This way you won’t get stuck anywhere and need to pay someone to tow you. It’s far more convenient and less costly to take care of it yourself.

You don’t want to neglect the wiper blades on your vehicle. If you don’t have wipers that work well or streak your windows, you need to purchase newer ones. Get new wipers blades yearly or on a more regular basis if there is often rain or snow where you live.

Keep washing your car throughout the winter. Winter can be hard on your vehicle. Sand, salt, and other debris are going to be working hard towards making your vehicle start to rust. Pick a warmer day and dry the car completely before heading back onto the road.

If you see a small problem in your vehicle, you should take your car in to check it out anyway. Many people ignore smaller issues, and they eventually lead to much larger issues.

Warranties serve an important purpose when your car is repaired, especially when you buy expensive parts. Ask the mechanic about the parts’ warranty. Ask about the length of the warranty, and ask to be provided with a written copy of it.

No matter how onerous car repairs are to deal with, we still have to get them done. Use this information to help you make informed decisions and save money. When you can be sure the company you deal with is reputable, there will be less stress.