Have you wished that you could deal better with the need for auto repair? Have you thought about doing auto repairs and maintenance yourself? Perhaps you want better insight about what goes into choosing the right person to do the job for you. Continue to read to increase your knowledge about your options.

Find an ASE certified mechanic if you need some repairs. 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 is one good way to separate the wheat from the chaff when picking a good mechanic.

Ask mechanics if they have worked on your particular make and model of car before contracting with them. If the mechanic says they have, then they are likely aware of just what repairs need to performed in order to have your car operating well again.

Make sure to study your owners manual. This will help you speak intelligently to a technician about your car when it is time to take it in. What you think may be an issue, may not be at all according to the manual.

If you’re headlights are giving off dull light, they may just be dirty. Sometimes the road can create a greasy residue on the headlight. Clean theses with a good quality glass cleaning agent to get them as clean as possible.

Ask your mechanic if he has had experience working on your type of car. Though some basic components are similar, the way different models utilize space varies. If you cannot be sure, just take the car to a dealership.

Replace your light bulbs on your own. It’s simpler in some vehicles than others, but doing it yourself is much cheaper than hiring a mechanic. If you are not confident, ask a friend or family member if they can help you.

Keep an eye on all of the warning lights on your dashboard and know what they mean. These symbols light up to warn you of a problem. If you simply overlook them for months on end, there is a chance your vehicle might sustain irreparable damage.

Wash your car all winter long. Although you may feel like the car just gets dirty again right after cleaning it, the winter weather is harsh on your vehicle. Rust and abrasion can occur from the particles flying around in the air. Pick a warmer day and dry the car completely before heading back onto the road.

Keep in mind that you don’t need the dealer for auto repairs. There are independent mechanics all over the place. If you find someone that you’re comfortable with, they should be used.

Take photos of your car ahead of a visit to the garage. Some disreputable garages will strip your car in order to up their bottom line. You are safer if you have documentation of the condition of your car prior to having any work done on it.

Be sure a mechanic is properly certified. A NIAE seal of approval is something to look for in a mechanic. This will tell you if they are properly trained and will provide you with quality service.

Some auto shops have even been known to replace your tires with older models. They prey on the ignorant, those who don’t pay much attention to their car. Mark your tires with chalk. Look for the chalk when you pick up your car.

Don’t let anyone tell you that getting an engine flushed is something that normally needs to be done during maintenance. This service is very costly. It is not a necessary service unless you have been hard on your engine. If you do not get oil changes on a regular basis, you should have this service.

Have you read over your owner’s manual? The truth is that very few car owners actually do this. You should read over the manual and understand how the information is organized so you can find things quickly. After reading this manual, you can perform a lot of repairs yourself.

If you have a major issue that threatens safety in a new car, talk to the manufacturer. This may be something that is affecting everyone with the vehicle. Manufacturers will often fix the car in these cases.

Using a dealer’s mechanics can be expensive, but this is often your best option. The technicians who work at the dealer are often specialists in your model of car. This makes them better able to diagnose and fix problems quickly, getting your car back to you faster. These mechanics regularly receive additional training.

When visiting the auto shop, have a limit on the cost of your auto repairs without your permission. Whenever you visit a shop, you should never allow the mechanics to perform very costly repairs on their own. It is important that you set a specific amount that the mechanics cannot go over without calling you for your permission.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you are speaking with a mechanic. You need a thorough understanding of the repair, not just a price quote. What is the estimated time frame for repairs? What kind of work is being done? What do the parts cost? Ask about anything else that you think of. This will help the mechanic see that you are a concerned customer, and most mechanics are happy to educate you about your car.

Take time out to find out all you can about your vehicle and what could cause problems. 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 later by changing your oil or tires yourself.

You need not feel helpless when it comes to auto repair. Use these tips to get the work done. Now, you can see that there are some things you can even take care of yourself.