Have you ever wondered whether you could save some money doing the car repairs yourself? Have you wished you could select a better auto repair shop or be able to better diagnose the problem with your vehicle? Take the time now to keep reading about some great tips for making the right decisions when it comes to your auto repairs.

Be sure that you have an A.S.E. certified mechanic before they are allowed to work on your vehicle. That means the technician has more than two years of experience and passed a test. This will let you know that the best possible person is working on your automobile.

You don't want rust to attack your car so take the time to wash it on a regular basis. Cars eventually rust, but you can put off the process by washing off chemicals or salt quickly. Wax your car to keep paint in good condition, too.

If your car's electrical system is behaving strangely, try cleaning the ground cables. Auto makers use the metal body of a vehicle to act as a "ground" for the electrical system. Over time the area where this cable connects to the frame can corrode, causing a stray electrical current that can wreak havoc on your system. This cable is usually connected on the firewall or read here , so simply disconnect it and use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean the contacts.

Inquire as to whether the mechanic has had previous experience working on your specific vehicle model before. If they have, they probably know what it takes to make the needed repairs.

Always research the reputation of any auto repair shop you are considering using to have your car serviced. If you are a AAA member, you can find a list of approved shops on their website. You can also download an app for your smartphone like Repairpal to view ratings for different repair shops.

Don't postpone repairs on your car. Many car parts are interrelated. Your car can be in a lot of trouble if you ignore or postpone maintenance. Your car's individual parts or entire system can fail. Even ignoring or neglecting simple maintenance jobs like checking the coolant or changing the oil can lead to costly issues. You could even invalidate your warranty.

If your car door and hatch locks tend to become stiff, avoid breaking your key off in the lock by lubricating them periodically with a penetrating oil spray. You can use the plastic extender that comes with the spray can to deliver oil to the interior of the locking mechanism. If you have misplaced this extender, just spray your key liberally and turn it in the stiff lock several times.

Watch for warning signs with a mechanic. There are a few signs to look for when you speak with them about your car. If they try talking really fast about the necessary repairs, can't look you in the eye when talking to you, or try to brush you off, you should find another mechanic. They may be hiding something or they may only care about the money.

It is not uncommon to find out about other problems when collecting a car from a repairer. They do this to make you think you are getting a bargain. Tell them you want to take a few hours to make a decision and then call around for quotes from other shops.

Ask about the warranties associated with any new parts going into your car. Most new parts will include a warranty. If something goes wrong with that part after the repair, you'll be covered for the replacement. Know how long the warranty is good for and if there are any stipulations tied to it.

Keep a basic repair kit in your car trunk at all times. A simple kit consisting of wrenches, jumper cables, screws, and a jack can be a lifesaver if your car breaks down on the road. This will allow you to make small repairs on the spot, saving you the cost of an expensive tow truck.

Ask for a guarantee when you get your car repaired. Make sure https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability/car-reliability-survey-2016/ get it in writing and that you understand what it covers. You may also want to pay a little more at a dealership to have big jobs done, such as a transmission overhaul. This guarantees your work will be covered regardless of where you are.

You should not choose a repair shop or a mechanic right away if you are rushed. If your car needs some repairs right away, find a friend or family member who can lend you their vehicle or give you rides until you find a reliable garage or dealership to repair your vehicle.

Pay attention to your check engine light! If one of your warning lights is illuminated, take that as a warning! Don't neglect it! The warning lights on your dashboard are designed to give you early notification of potential problems. By taking your car to an auto repair shop as soon as one of these lights is lit, you can nip the problem in the bud!

Be consistent with which shop you go to. You are much less likely to get scammed if you know the mechanic you are working with and have a history with him or her. Get small work done there, and then if you ever need to have expensive repairs, you will feel better about it.

You should get a plastic file to store all your receipts for repairs and keep it in your vehicle. You can divide them by type of repair and maintenance or use a simple reverse chronology system in which you place the most recent repair receipt on top. This ensures you have the information for your mechanic, insurance or a buyer, if necessary. When you sell you car, it can come in handy as well.

A car can be a huge investment. Besides needing it for transportation to work, school or other important destinations, it makes life easier and more convenient. Take care of your car the best you can! Remember the tips in this article so you can do auto repair yourself and save money.