Knowing the fundamentals of auto repair is necessary if you regularly operate a motor vehicle. There are many people who don’t have such information. This article is filled with tips that will help you take good care of your vehicle over the years.

Verify that any prospective mechanic has earned an A.S.E. certification. 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 will ensure that you have the cream of the crop working on your vehicle.

Make sure there is an emergency kit located in your vehicle at all times. This kit should have the tools to change your tires in the case of an accident. Blankets may be added, some batteries and a flashlight for if you have a trouble with your car at night.

Do not give your keys to your mechanic before knowing more about the cost of the repairs. If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you do. Being hit with additional fees is something that you don’t want to be surprised with.

You should always test drive your vehicle after getting some repairs done on it. This way you can avoid paying for repairs that were not finished correctly. If you don’t do this, it’s possible that the problem isn’t even fixed.

Avoid Mechanics

Avoid mechanics who charge you for repairs that are not really needed. A trustworthy mechanic should inform you about parts that are becoming worn and will need replacement in the near future, but no parts should be replaced without first getting your approval. Avoid mechanics that have previously done work without your go ahead.

Assemble a DIY auto repair tool kit to keep in the trunk of your car. You need to have tools to change a tire, which have come along with your car. You need to purchase a lug wrench and a jack if you do not have them. A Philips head as well as flat head screwdriver should be helpful, plus socket and adjustable wrenches. Don’t waste your money by purchasing cheap tools. Instead, you should obtain solid tools that don’t break whenever you really need them.

If you need major repair work done, make sure to solicit multiple price quotes. Although most auto shops are reliable, you don’t want to pay too much. Find a shop that specializes in your particular make of car. Shops like these understand your car through and through.

Look at all lights that flash on the dashboard and learn what they mean. They were put there for your assistance, so use them for that. Whatever problem they are indicating will only get worse the longer you ignore it.

Before going to a mechanic, educate yourself on the standard classifications of car parts. There are several different classifications that determine the quality of the part. New parts come right from the manufacturer’s factory. “Re-manufactered, rebuilt and reconditioned” are parts that are restored to a good working condition. Salvaged parts are second hand parts that have never been fixed.

It is important to get a warranty on your car when it gets repaired. This is even more important if the parts put in are pricy. When the mechanic orders the parts, ask him about their warranty. Ask about the length of the warranty, and ask to be provided with a written copy of it.

Don’t allow auto mechanics to persuade you that getting an engine flushed is normal maintenance. This expensive service is only necessary if you have introduced the wrong fluids into your system or have not been changing the oil often enough.

Transmission Fluid

Don’t buy parts from anyone claiming that they’ll last a lifetime. This is generally just a way to get consumers to buy those parts. There are some cars that carry a “lifetime guarantee” for their transmission fluid: this is a perfect example. Although this special transmission fluid does last longer than regular fluid, it still needs to be replaced after 80,000 miles.

If you run into a serious problem on a brand new vehicle, you should get in touch with the manufacturer. There may be others having the same issues and it may require a recall from the manufacturer. Your manufacturer might even cover the repairs.

You have to keep the car in the best condition possible if you hope to achieve the maximum lifespan. Not everyone really knows how to find the best mechanic services in town, nor do they know how to actually perform the needed repairs by themselves. Take these ideas and apply them next time you need to repair you car. You should be able to save yourself time and money in the future. Good luck.