Smith 
If you drive every day, you need to know some basic things about auto repair. However, most people don’t know anything about the subject. Fortunately, the article that follows below includes lots of terrific tips to help you make certain your car is always in good working order.
The mechanic that you use should be A.S.E certified. Mechanics can obtain the ASE certification by taking a test and having more than two years of experience. This ensures that you have a capable person working on your car.
Check the radiator regularly. To do this, you need to allow your car to run several minutes, and then turn off the engine. You are now ready to open up your hood. Never open the radiator on a running car. Check your radiator fluid and remember to mix water with coolant before filling your radiator.
Get referrals to find a great auto mechanic. Ask the people you know and trust who they take their vehicles to. You can learn a lot about the overall quality of a person’s work, the price, and the level of customer satisfaction. They will be the first to tell you about a dishonest mechanic too!
Take the time to read your car manual and know the basics of how your car works. This will help you speak intelligently to a technician about your car when it is time to take it in. You may also find answers to your problems, inside.
Make sure that you have car records on file. It’s a good idea to place them in the vehicle you drive just in case you’re in need of repairs while you’re out and about. The mechanics who work on your car might need to go through these records. The records can help them figure out the problem.
Be wary of unscrupulous mechanics who make unnecessary repairs to your vehicle. All reputable mechanics will notify you before doing any repairs and will inform you of any parts that could require repairs in the immediate future. Never give your repeat business to a auto technician who preforms unnecessary repairs.
Consider using OEM parts. These parts are original and from the manufacturer. While generics are much cheaper, they are not held to the same quality standards. What may seem like a deal now can cost twice as much as buying OEM in the first place.
Don’t leave anything of value in your car when it’s being repaired. Your mechanic may need these parts removed so that they can make repairs. If you discover missing items later, they hold no liability. Clear out your trunk, too.
Always try to figure out the problem with your car before you bring it in for repairs. When you self-diagnose, you avoid fraud and save money. Some mechanics are dishonest and will say the problem is more serious than it actually is.
Prior to picking an auto repair shop, speak with people you know regarding their experiences with shops. Friends and family can help with recommendations. Research any recommendations you get. You should at least look for the company on the Internet so you can figure out how other people have felt about their services.
Do not let a mechanic work on your car before knowing about their prices and how much they charge for labor. Read all of the small print on any contract you sign, and ask for answers to any questions you may have. This will give you a better idea of what you will be billed. Auto repair shops may use the estimated repair time established by certain manufacturers. Some repairs that are deemed “minor” may be all day jobs according to the manufacturer.
Don’t put off washing your vehicle during the winter time. Winter is actually the season when your car’s exterior gets the most damage. Sand and salt is something that can cause rust and abrasions. Always dry the vehicle off, though, before you take it out for a spin so that the water doesn’t turn into ice.
Check the air pressure in your tires when you fill your gas tank. Look at them and be sure they don’t have anything embedded in them. If you see anything wrong with them, get the problem fixed right away. You should not risk driving with less-than-perfect tires.
Having a car means having to keep it in good, working condition. Too many people do not understand what steps to take to have repairs performed on their cars. Study the tips in this article and apply what you learn to avoid future car repair problems.