If car trouble is something you’ve dealt with, and you probably have in the past, you need to know what to do when looking for repairs. It is hard to distinguish the dishonest mechanics from the good ones. This article will show you how to find a reliable mechanic.

When you are at the auto shop, ask a lot of questions concerning your car. Find out what caused the issues, and ask what you can do so this does not happen again. Preventing automotive issues is a valuable skill to save money during the year.

Prior to giving your car to a shop, know the costs of repairs. If you don’t understand something, talk to the mechanic first. You don’t want to be surprised with a higher charge than you were expecting.

Ask a potential mechanic if they have experience with working on the exact kind of car you have. If they have, you should feel better about their ability to solve your problem.

Clean you car on a regular basis so it doesn’t become rusty. Every car is going to rust in the future, but this can be delayed if you just get all of the chemicals and salt off your car when you can. Wax your car often to protect the paint, as often as you can.

Make sure you replace old parts with OEM parts. These are original manufacturer parts. Although generic parts are more affordable, OEM parts are better quality and will last longer. They may initially be a deal, but the generic parts may make you pay more in the long run.

Check to see that your technician knows what he is doing. If they are talking in circles and avoiding your questions, you should take your business elsewhere. If your gut feeling is that you don’t quite trust your mechanic, keep looking for one who inspires confidence in you and helps you understand the problems with your car.

You need a spare tire and jack with you all the time. Modern cars come equipped with them already. You don’t want to end up stranded somewhere and get stuck paying a lot for a tow. It’s cheaper to do on your own.

Remove unnecessary key chains. The ignition can’t support too much weight. If your keys starts sticking, you need the tumblers replaced.

Know what all the lights stand for on your dashboard and be aware of when they go off. They were put there for your assistance, so use them for that. If you ignore them, the problem will only become worse than it is now.

Mechanics should always be properly certified. Learn if they have been given the seal of approval by any automotive institutes. You will get better service if you go to a mechanic who has been approved by this organization.

OEM also known as original equipment manufacturer. When having replacement parts installed on your vehicle, you might want keep this information in mind. If you walk in and tell the mechanic that you want OEM parts, you will sound knowledgeable. They will be less likely to place used parts in your automobile.

If you run into a serious problem on a brand new vehicle, you should get in touch with the manufacturer. Your car may be recalled, especially if other people have complaints. Oftentimes, the manufacturer will have your car fixed.

Unfortunately all car owners will have to deal with getting their car fixed sometime. When you need to make repairs to your vehicle, use the information from the article. One of your best protections is knowing your repair shop’s reputation for reliability.