If you drive regularly, you need to know the basics of auto repair. There are shocking numbers of drivers out there who are entirely clueless on this subject, though. Luckily, the piece below includes excellent information to help keep your car in great repair.

Prior to letting a mechanic touch your vehicle, ensure that they are A.S.E certified. Mechanics can obtain the ASE certification by taking a test and having more than two years of experience. This will ensure that you have the cream of the crop working on your vehicle.

Buy a good battery charger to keep in the car. Having a dead battery can leave you stranded in some pretty terrible places. It is important to not only have the battery charger but to know how it works as well in case you are alone.

Look up reviews online for body shops in your area. This can give you a good indication of how satisfied customers are with their work. After gathering information, you can select the right shop for you.

Do not pay an auto mechanic until you have test driven your car to be sure they did their job. If you don’t do this, it’s possible that fix car problem isn’t even fixed.

Be wary of unscrupulous mechanics who make unnecessary repairs to your vehicle. A good mechanic will never perform work without getting your full approval. Don’t trust a mechanic who has done repairs without asking.

Remember that getting OEM parts is important. OEM parts means that part was produced by the manufacturer specifically for your make and model of vehicle. Generic parts might be cheaper, but they may not be good enough quality. What may seem like a deal now can cost twice as much as buying OEM in the first place.

Leave nothing in your car when you take it to the shop. They will likely be taken out and may be lost. Empty both the trunk and glove compartment.

Try figuring out the issue prior to going to get repairs. You can save lots of money if you can diagnose the problem and fix car problem by yourself. It also ensures that the mechanic won’t try to pull a fast one on you. You probably already know that certain mechanics will come with lies to charge more money.

Always get a second opinion, a reputable mechanic will not be offended because he knows his diagnosis will be confirmed. Most shops are honest, but some are not. Look around for reputable shops that specialize in your car’s make. Such shops have a greater chance of knowing how to fix your car.

In the winter, you still need to wash your car. The winter damages your car more than any other season. Sand, salt, and other debris are going to be working hard towards making your vehicle start to rust. After washing your car, dry it thoroughly to prevent ice formation.

When you own a car, you need to make sure that it is always in good working order. However, not everyone understands how to secure skilled auto repair service or to perform necessary repairs themselves. Refer back to this article so that you can keep your car running properly at all times.