Keep your car running longer with these tips. If your 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 and how to keep your car running longer. Because so many repair shops are less than honest, it can be hard finding a good one. Fortunately, this article will help you learn how to choose a good auto mechanic.

Check for A.S.E. certification before you choose a mechanic to help keep your car running longer. Mechanics can obtain the ASE certification by taking a test and having more than two years of experience. That means only the best will work on your car.

A breakdown can happen at any time, so it is important to have an emergency kit somewhere in your car to keep your car running longer. Assemble a kit that has tools for changing tires, charging the battery, and putting more gas in the car. In the event that your car were to break down in the middle of the night on a deserted road, bring blankets, batteries, and a flashlight.

Prior to giving your car to a shop, know the costs of repairs to keep your car running longer. If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you do. You do not want to be surprised with added charges when you are handed the final bill.

Clean your car on a regular basis so it doesn’t become rusty and help keep your car running longer. Rust is an inevitability, but you can stave it off for a good while. Waxing your car helps protect the paint.

Don’t get stuck with a mechanic who will make repairs on your vehicle that are not necessary. Your mechanic should contact you if they come across additional issues while fixing your car and get your approval before they go ahead and replace more parts. Avoiding unnecessary repairs will help you keep your car running longer and save money in the long run. Don’t go back to mechanics who made unneeded repairs.

Ask your mechanic to use OEM parts. OEM parts are parts that are made by the manufacturer. It’s cheaper to get the generic parts, but the quality may not be the same. You may save in the short term, but additional failures could end up costing you big time.

Don’t leave valuables in your car while you’re having it repaired. The mechanic may find that these things get in the way and they may get misplaced to where they cannot be located later. Remove all content from the trunk, too.

Make sure the mechanic you hire is properly qualified. If your mechanic talks in confusing terms or tells you not to worry about the details, then it may be time to find one you have confidence in. Finding a trustworthy mechanic is essential to keep your car running longer and ensuring it receives the proper care. It is important that you establish trust with the person who is going to fix your vehicle.

Check and make sure that your mechanic is familiar with working on your type of car. Basic components are usually the same, but things like hood space vary by brand. The safe route is to pay a little more to have a dealer’s specialized techs work on the car.

Take pictures of your entire vehicle before taking it to the shop to get repaired. This way if you suspect something has been removed without your approval, you have photographic proof. Therefore, documenting your vehicle can help you identify stolen items in case this were to happen to you.

There are many unscrupulous auto body shops out there that will remove your tires and replace them with older ones. It is a profit racketeering tactic that is used to boost profits. Before you go in, place some chalk on your tires to mark them up. Make sure you check your tires before you leave the garage to make sure they are the ones you drove in on. Regular tire checks and ensuring proper maintenance will also help you keep your car running longer and avoid unnecessary issues.

Car repairs are an annoying fact of life. When you need to make repairs to your vehicle, use the information from the article. Knowing the reputation of your chosen mechanics can help relieve some stress.