Finding a reliable mechanic to fix your vehicle can be a very frustrating experience. Get on the right track from the start and read this article for some helpful tips. You’ll probably get surprised with how much you really can learn.

You must wash your car to keep the rust away. All cars eventually get rusted, but the process can be delayed considerably by washing off any chemicals or salt immediately. Use a decent wax for protecting paint jobs as much as you can.

Take the time to read your car manual and know the basics of how your car works. The auto repair shop people will ask you specific information about your car. By knowing the manual, you may actually find you can fix some issues yourself.

OEM parts should be asked for. OEM parts means that part was produced by the manufacturer specifically for your make and model of vehicle. While generic could be a cheaper option, you don’t know how they will perform in the future. What is a cheap option now could be an expensive option later.

Try to learn the problem before you take your vehicle to a mechanic. You can save a ton of cash via diagnosing the issue yourself, and you could prevent fraud. You may already know that a few mechanics sometime engage in dishonesty if they think they can make a larger profit.

Quality Tools

Always have a repair kit located in your car; you can put one together yourself. The basic tools you will need include the tire changing equipment which should have come with your car. You should also have a lug wrench and a jack. Your tool kit should contain these items: socket wrenches, ratcheting tools, a wrench for torque and one that is adjustable, and both a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver as well. Don’t waste your money on bad quality tools. Get high quality tools that will be able to withstand the test of time.

Consider finding someone who repairs cars in their own garage. If they are experienced and skilled, you can get the same work done at a much cheaper price. This savings in labor costs can add up to hundreds. It also supports a small independent business.

Before you settle on a mechanic, inquire about their rates and prices. Ask questions until you are sure you have clear answers. You must know what you’re being billed. Some shops have the repair times established by certain manufacturers. Some “minor” repairs can take all day according the the estimates of the manufacturer.

Keep an eye on the lights located on the dash, and make sure you are aware of what they all mean. They are there for a warning so it is to your benefit to be aware of what they are warning you about. Ignoring those for a long time can worsen issues later.

Watch out for the type of shop that will take off your good tires and put old ones on. This lets them profit from your loss. Take a piece of chalk and mark the tires prior to dropping off your vehicle. If the chalk isn’t there, you’ve been taken advantage of.

Brake Fluid

Bleed your brakes after fixing them. Afterwards, be sure to pump your brake fluid. Examine closely to see if any leaking has occurred. You don’t want to run low on your brake fluid. At that point, you should feel comfortable taking the car out on a road with less traffic. Drive slowly at first to make sure that the fix is good before you accelerate.

Using a dealer’s mechanics can be expensive, but this is often your best option. This is because the mechanics are specially trained to work on your type of vehicle. This makes them better able to diagnose and fix problems quickly, getting your car back to you faster. They also stay up to date with training.

When you have paid for a new part, ask the mechanic to return the old one to you. When the mechanic says no, it’s likely that he never actually replaced the part. Ask your mechanic for an explanation if you notice this red flag.

Get a written estimate for anything a mechanic quotes over $200. You may want to file a formal complaint, and the written quote can be proof. Your mechanic will not be tempted to add more fees to your final bill if you already have a detailed written quote.

If you want to know how to diagnose a car problem, you’ve got to familiarize yourself with all the car’s components. You might want to sign up for a class on auto repair if you are unfamiliar with automobile basics. Investing money in the basics of car maintenance can save you money when a problem occurs. That way, you can realize any problems before they get any worse.

When your car is being worked on, it may be a good idea to set a limit to how much work can be done before getting authorization from you. If you drop the car off for an assessment, don’t allow them to make repairs without consulting you. You should set a dollar limit that cannot be exceeded unless authorized by you beforehand.

When you have a good experience with a mechanic, go there from then on. If you have a good relationship with your selected mechanic, then your repairs may benefit from this. Being a loyal customer may also get you discounts.

Make use of these tips as you get ready for the next auto repair. Don’t let an ignorance of the subject make the experience a miserable one. Stay confident and your car will stay running for many years.