If you own a car, you realize how frustrating car trouble can be. If you take the time to learn a little more, you can save a lot of money and unneeded stress. Keep this advice about auto repair in mind. Being knowledgeable is definitely an advantage when dealing with repair shops or performing repairs yourself.

Make sure you get quality parts to fix your car.

You can usually get better prices if you get used parts from a junk yard but there is no way of knowing how long these parts will last. Do not hesitate to spend more on brand new parts that come with a guarantee.

Do you have a hard time starting your car? Your battery probably needs to be recharged or replaced. You need to check the state of charge of your battery. You can use a hydrometer or a voltmeter depending on the type of battery you have. If you have been regularly recharging your battery, it might be time for a new one.

When you are going to get your car repaired at a shop, ask the technician what type of parts they plan to use to get the job done. Many places use refurbished parts, but they would be willing to use new parts if you wanted to pay the extra money.

Do not assume you have been ripped-off by your mechanic because of the high price of your bill.

Some parts are very expensive to replace, including engines, transmission systems or dashboard computers. You should ask your mechanic about the cost of the parts he had to put in your car.

Make sure to ask the mechanic who is about to work on your car whether or not he is certified. If the answer is no, leave right away and get someone else to do the repairs. If he says that he is, ask for some type of proof so you know this true.

Ask for a guarantee when you get your car repaired. Make sure you 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.

Remember, you are owed an estimate before any work occurs on your car.

If you did not receive an estimate and work did begin, do not feel obligated to move forward with any sort of payment. Move onto a more reputable auto shop as soon as possible if this occurs.

Prior to leaving your car for a diagnosis, ask the repair shop about any fees associated with it. The auto repair shop absolutely has the right to charge a diagnosis fee, in fact it’s pretty standard. Though, if it seems out of line with other prices in your area, you may want to go to another shop.

Remember that where you live can have an impact on when you need to take your vehicle in for service. For example, if you only travel a short distance to work, your exhaust system may have issues as a result. If you live somewhere very hot, in contrast, you may need to look closely at your engine oil. A “one size fits all” service schedule doesn’t work for everyone.

If you need to find a good mechanic, ask them how much experience they have with the brand and make of your vehicle. Driving a popular and affordable vehicle will make your job easier. It might be best to find a dealership if you do not drive a popular brand.

Always get a second opinion before you have an expensive repair done.

No one is perfect, so there is a chance that the shop is wrong about what is needed done. Additionally, you may be able to find someone to do the work for a far cheaper price than what your original shop quoted you.

Discuss what type of guarantee an auto repair shop offers. Make sure you have a piece of paper that states this guarantee, and be clear about what it excludes. You may need to go somewhere more expensive in order to get the warranty that you want, particularly if you are going to be spending a large some of money either way.

You should keep a small journal in your car to record how often to put gas in it. Keep track of how many miles you drive in between fill-ups and how much gas you have to put in your car every time. You should get your vehicle inspected if you notice any changes in your mileage.

Auto problems can be very frustrating. It also can be expensive. When you do your homework on auto repair and use the tips from this article, you can avoid breaking the bank.