Do you have a car? If you do, it’s a certainty that you have had car troubles at some time. There is a lot of stress associated with looking for a good auto repair service. Luckily, the advice below can help you pick a trustworthy one.

Don’t underestimate how important it is to have some kind of emergency kit within your vehicle. You need tools to change a flat tire, charge a battery, and you must have spare gas. Also, add a flashlight, some batteries, and some blankets in case there is a nighttime breakdown.

Try to find out whats wrong with your vehicle before calling a mechanic. You can save lots of money if you can diagnose the problem yourself. It also ensures that the mechanic won’t try to pull a fast one on you. As you’ve probably heard, there are some mechanics that like to lie about issues to make some more money.

Always get a second opinion, a reputable mechanic will not be offended because he knows his diagnosis will be confirmed. Although shops are generally trustworthy, you may end up paying for extra repairs you don’t need. Shop around for shops with a good reputation and experience in your vehicle’s make. You’ll get a better repair on your car because these shops will know exactly what your car needs.

It is just as important to get your car washed in winter as it is in summer. Winter is when your car becomes most damaged. Exposure to the elements can cause rust and abrasion. Be certain to dry your car completely before driving again, so that icing does not occur.

Remember you don’t need to use a mechanic for car problems. Great mechanics are everywhere, regardless of whether you visit a local mechanic or drive out of town to visit your dealer. If you feel comfortable with someone, use them.

Whenever you fill up on gas, make sure you check the pressure of your tires. Take a look at each tire and be sure they are free of any debris. If there appears to be a problem, have it checked out as soon as possible. Driving around with bad tires is not something you should ever do.

If you are living on a budget, but desperately need to repair your car, then get in touch with your vocational school’s auto repair department. You will pay a very low rate to have students fix your car while being supervised by a licensed mechanic.

There is nothing routine about flushing your engine. Flushing your engine is generally unnecessary unless you’ve subjected it to great abuse, (like a long time between oil changes) and it’s simply too expensive to purchase unless your car really needs it.

Most people don’t look at the manual in regards to their vehicle. There is a lot of information in this book that can help you. You can learn a lot about preventative maintenance and small repairs in your manual.

Have you ever wondered what OEM means? These initials mean Original Equipment Manufacturer. This can be helpful if parts are being replaced on your car. When you tell your mechanic that OEM parts are what you want, you sound like you have some knowledge. It is not as likely that a technician will attempt to put used parts upon your automobile.

If you want some support when it come to auto repair, consider using AAA. The AAA is great if you need some help such as getting a tow truck to your location or to deal with repairs. In fact, you will often find that AAA will have discounts that will save you a lot of money.

Ask for your old parts back when they’re replaced. If the mechanic is unwilling to do this, it may mean they aren’t going to do the work but charge you anyway. Mechanics should be happy to provide you with the old part.

Place a limit on how much work can be done to your vehicle without your permission. Do not give your repair shop free reign. A specific amount should not be exceeded without contacting you first.

If you have good work done at an auto repair shop, continue to go there when you need more repairs. Cultivating a good relationship with your auto mechanic is a good way to ensure that he does a good job for you. You will get discounts and free tips from your mechanic once you become a loyal customer.

Ask friends for auto shop recommendations. Your friends’ experiences can give you a good idea of who is trustworthy. This is a far better option than giving your business to a mechanic you know nothing about.

Learn about what makes your car function. Don’t always rely on auto mechanics if issues occur, but only if you’ve learned about the issue yourself. You can save some money after all is said an done if you’re not paying a lot to fix small things all the time.

When washing your vehicle, remove the mats, shake them and hit them with your hose. Dirt and debris can become embedded in the rubber mat and eventually lead to rips and tears if not removed. Holes are unsightly and can allow dirt to travel to the carpeting.

Do you want to take your vehicle to a dealership or an independent mechanic? Though dealerships may be pricier, the technicians there are probably more educated on the kind of car you have. Independent garages generally cost less, however it can be hard to find an honest one.

Try to get different estimates before you spend money on a repair. The mechanic might get offended, or maybe offer you a deal, however these should be taken as warning signs. If the mechanic offers you a reasonable price, then he has nothing to worry about.

With such a large number of dishonest auto repair shops around, it can be hard to find one that you can trust. Next time your vehicle needs repairs, put some of the advice that has been provided to you into action. The right initial effort can prevent much stress later on.