Everyone has to deal with auto repairs at some time in their life. Car repairs can cost a significant amount of money. Whether you are doing the repairs yourself or hiring a mechanic, it is a good idea to know what you are doing. Use these tips to be better prepared when you have to fix your car.

Before you let the mechanic work on your car, make sure that you have all of the prices down. Ask about any additional fees that may come up during the repair and any charges that you may not be aware of. This will ensure that you are not surprised when the bill comes for your car repair.

Read your owner’s manual thoroughly if you want to save money on auto repair. In this manual, you can find a lot of tips and tricks that can get your car back into gear and save you a trip to the mechanic. Fixing issues on your own can help you in both a practical and monetary sense.

Check the tread on your tires regularly to make sure they are safe. Tires that have less than one quarter of an inch of tread probably need to be replaced. Also be aware of any bulges or cuts on the surface of your tires as this may indicate a weak area that could blow out and cause an accident while you are driving.

Always ask lots of questions when you take your car to get repaired. Don’t let the mechanic intimidate you. Ask why something needs to be fixed or how it will be done. If the mechanic tries to brush you off, doesn’t look at you, or refuses to answer your questions, consider taking your car to someone else.

Do not let mechanics do repairs that are not warranted on your car. Make sure that you give your approval first before a repair is done. If a mechanic tries to charge you for unneeded repairs, find another mechanic.

Keep well-organized records on your car. You should have readily available records of everything in regards to maintaining your car when seeing a mechanic. Well-organized records can help them diagnose an issue correctly the first time. Unorganized records may lead to repeat repairs and lots of wasted money and time.

Put together an auto repair kit and keep it in your trunk. Your car came with equipment needed for changing a tire. Get a lug wrench or a jack. You should probably get a few screwdrivers with various shapes as well as different wrenches like for this kit. Don’t waste your money by purchasing cheap tools. Instead, you should obtain solid tools that don’t break whenever you really need them.

There are many “backyard” mechanics out there that preform excellent auto repairs. If they possess sufficient experience, they can typically do jobs for far less cost. The costs will always be much lower.

Ask for labor rates or prices before hiring a mechanic. Not all shops will be upfront about their prices, so ask anyone available for this information. You should understand how you are billed by your mechanic. Some mechanics bill you for estimated labor times established by the manufacturers they work with. Other shops may charge an inflated rate for a minor repair that should be done within a shorter period of time.

Rotate your car tires every 6,000 miles or at every other oil change. Rotating your tires on a set schedule helps ensure that they wear evenly, and thus last longer. Your car will also be easier to drive, as unbalanced tires can lead to the car pulling to one side or the other.

Look for a good auto repair shop before you actually need auto repairs. This is all about being proactive. When you need them, it’s a major annoyance to have to spend a ton of time searching. It leads to you making poor choices due to the bad situation you’re already in. By choosing a repair shop prior, you can seriously consider your options.

Go to a repair shop you are considering for the long haul with a smaller job first. It can be something as simple as an oil change or a tire rotation. This will give you at least a better hint of their capabilities, workmanship and friendliness before a bigger issue occurs.

Even if you think your vehicle just has a minor issue, it pays to get it looked at just the same. A small problem could be a symptom of a larger issue.

One of the best ways to save money is by being informed about car maintenance and repairs. Some mechanics take advantage of those with little car knowledge. Use the advice you learned here to either do the repairs yourself or be better armed against shady mechanics. You can save thousands over a lifetime.