Anyone who drives a car needs to know a little bit about repairing it. Unfortunately, this is not legally required, so most people never learn these basics. This article contains some great tips for you when your car is need of repair.

Ask your mechanic is he is familiar with working on your car. If they say that they have, this should be a good indicator that they have some idea of what needs to be done to get your car back into shape.

Get a referral if you want to see a reputable mechanic. You can ask anyone you trust, from your hairdresser to your family. Ask about how much they paid, the quality of the repairs and the customer service. You can use their experiences to determine whether a mechanic is honest or not.

Keep on hand all of your car’s documentation. Some people keep this paperwork in the glove compartment of their car so it is readily available, if needed. Any mechanic who works on your car is going to want to see them. The records can help them figure out the problem.

Be sure that the mechanic is experienced working on your model of vehicle. Though there are lots of universal concepts, a large SUV requires different knowledge than a compact car does. If you’re not comfortable with your mechanic working on your car, take it to the dealer instead.

If you are having extensive repairs done, make sure that you get several estimates. Most mechanical shops are trustworthy, but others may try to slip in little extras which quickly add up. Seek out good shops that that are reputable and familiar with your type of vehicle. There’s a good chance that these shops will know how to repair your car.

Ask about labor rates and prices before giving the keys to a shop. Fees can be hidden and need to be detailed. You have a right to know how much a repair will cost and what it will consist of. Shops also often give you estimated repair costs and times. A lot of repairs that seem to be easy to fix could end up taking a whole day in some cases.

Just because the days are colder doesn’t mean you should avoid washing your vehicle. Winter is when your car becomes most damaged. The sand and salt from winter leads to rust and abrasion. Just make sure you dry the car thoroughly before heading back out onto the roads to prevent icing.

You don’t necessarily have to visit your auto dealer to get work done. There are a variety of mechanics and auto shops on offer for you to chose from. If you find one you like, you should hire him.

Some auto shops have even been known to replace your tires with older models. This is done for profiting from ignorance. Mark your tires before you drop your car off. If you do not see the chalk when you return, you have been victimized.

Don’t let a mechanic insist that an engine flush is part of a normal maintenance visit. This service is expensive and it may not be necessary.

Most people don’t look at the manual in regards to their vehicle. To better know your car, you should look over this manual. It has important information about your car that you need to be aware of.

Serious and potentially dangerous issues with a new car should be brought to the attention of the manufacturer There might be a recall issued for the vehicle or the manufacturer will consider issuing a recall if you are not the only person who complains. In the case of a recall, most manufacturers will pick up the cost of fixing it.

Auto Repair

If you would like some security when dealing with an auto repair, consider joining AAA. Joining the AAA can be a real lifesaver when it comes time to call a tow truck or deal with a auto repair shop. You are going to find that AAA has many discount options in place.

Once a mechanic diagnoses your car, ask if you can take some time to consider whether or not you want to hire them. Contact other shops or dealerships and compare what they would charge for repairs suggested by the first mechanic. If the price quoted is excessive, pay for the diagnosis and leave.

If the mechanic provides a quote that goes over $200, get a written estimate. Written proof is helpful if you must file any complaints against your mechanic. An unscrupulous mechanic is less likely to alter your estimate after the fact, when you each have an original copy.

Be sure and ask questions when speaking with your mechanic. Go beyond price to truly understanding the work he plans to do. How long should it take to finish? What type of work is being performed? How much will it cost you? Ask whatever questions you have. This is essential information to have.

Exhaust System

If you are getting a part replaced by a mechanic, you should ask for the old part back as well. This helps you know whether the repairs have actually been done. For some repairs, this is not necessary, like an exhaust system. It is easy to see whether or not an exhaust system has been properly installed.

Your financial responsibilities are only just beginning when you purchase a car. It is not always common knowledge about how to attend to basic car repairs, or how to find a great mechanic. Use the information that has been giving you to help you have an easier time keeping your car running.