If you own a car, you know how terrifying it can be for your car to break down. Either you have to spend tons of money to have a mechanic make the repairs, or you devote all of your time and energy to doing it yourself. Neither way is especially pleasant, but reading this article will make the experience better for you.

Mechanics should have ASE certification before you hire them. This certification means that the technician has passed a written test and has over 2 years of experience under his or her belt. That means only the best will work on your car.

Be sure to ask lots of questions when taking your car to an auto repair service. These questions can involve issues you’re dealing with and what you can do to avoid them in the future. One of the best ways to save on car maintenance is to prevent problems in the first place. A little money spent for prevention can save thousands in the future.

A good referral makes it much easier to locate a trustworthy mechanic. Ask the people you know for their recommendations. This allows you to ask about the price, quality of work and satisfaction. People will let you know if their experiences were good or bad and how honest the auto repair shop was with them.

Beware of mechanics who do unneeded repairs on the car. A good mechanic should let you know if they noticed parts that are starting to get worn down and will need to be replaced soon but they should not replace the part without your approval. Don’t trust a mechanic who has done repairs without asking.

You should not leave anything inside your car if you need to take it to a repair shop. 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.

Make sure the mechanic can work on your particular car. Cars vary greatly by make and model so it is important that your mechanic is familiar with your make and model of car. If you are unsure, pay the extra to have a dealer do the repairs.

Replacing your own taillights and headlights is an easy way to save money. It’s easy in some vehicles, and it’s a lot cheaper than having someone else do it. If you are not confident, ask a friend or family member if they can help you.

Find technicians to do your auto repair tasks instead of your dealer. There are many great technicians all over the place. If you feel a good comfort level with someone, you should hire them.

Be sure the mechanic you choose is properly certified. One to look for is the certification given by the NIAE. This demonstrates the mechanic has shown a level of competence. This also will help you feel confident that the quality of your repair will be up to par.

Make sure that you do not get pressured into extra repairs by body shops. This lets them profit from your loss. Mark your tires with chalk. This can help you see if your tires have been properly rotated or switched out for older tires.

Although the topic of auto repair is not always easy, you can utilize strategies in order to make the process run smoother. Use the advice mentioned above in regards to your auto repairs. You’ll enjoy the outcome, and so will your car.