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Do want to avoid car repair rip-offs? The best way to do that is stay informed. That includes picking the right mechanic. There are some that are not that reputable. If you are doing the repairs yourself, being prepared saves you both time and money. Read these tips to learn more about auto repairs.

It is important for your car to have an emergency kit. A battery charger, tire changing tools and an extra can of gas are just a few of the items to have on hand. It is also wise to include a flashlight, some fresh batteries and a blanket in case your vehicle breaks down in cold weather or at night.

Check the transmission fluid every two to three months. Let your engine run and open the hood of your car. Use the transmission dipstick to check the fluid levels. If there is not enough fluid in your transmission you probably have a leak somewhere in your system. It is best to take the car to a mechanic so he can locate the leak.

Pay attention to the signs a potential mechanic gives to you. If he cannot give you eye contact, rushes his words, or avoids answering any questions you have for him, he may be trying to hide something. Perhaps he does not really know what he is doing or is lying about something else. If this is the case, go with another mechanic.

Ask your mechanic if he has had experience working on your type of car. While basic components may be the same, there are differences between cars due to the amount of space beneath the hood. Spend the extra money and go to an authorized dealer if you are not sure.

Remember, you are owed an estimate before any work occurs on your car. Do not feel obligated to move forward with any sort of payment if you did not receive an work and estimate did begin. If this occurs, move onto a more reputable auto shop as soon as possible.

When you top off your motor oil, avoid spilling oil on your engine by wadding up a couple of paper towels around the oil receptacle on the crank-case. This will absorb drips and spills. Be sure to dispose of your empty oil container and the paper towels responsibly when finished adding oil.

Do not use all kinds of extra key chains with your keys. If it may not seem that heavy to you, your car's ignition is simply not designed to hold all that weight, even. If your keys stick, take off some of the charms!

Always ask in advance how much labor costs at that particular shop. In fact, do not give them your keys until you have a clear understanding of what you will be charged. Many times, this information is not posted in an obvious place, so it is important to know what you are getting yourself into.

Unless it is required by your car's warranty, don't feel obligated to use the repair shop at the dealership. There are many reputable independent auto repair shops and they are often cheaper. If you are unsure which shops in your area are trustworthy, ask your friends and family members for a recommendation.

Don't be afraid of looking silly when you take your car into a shop. Ask plenty of questions. Make sure you know what is going on. You deserve to understand what is happening with your car, and a good technician will not mind your questions. The knowledge may come in handy in the future.

Be sure you know how they charge for the work being done if you are taking your car to the repair shop for service. Others charge based on the amount of time it takes to complete a repair, although many shops charge a flat rate for most jobs. While both methods can be quite legitimate, it is useful to know which approach your shop is using to help you anticipate final costs.

If they offer a warranty on their repairs, ask auto body shops that you are considering. Any reputable shop is more than happy to guarantee their work on new parts for at least a few months. If any one that you talk to does not you should certainly find a different shop.

Learn the basics in your car repair manual. Even if you do not plan on doing the repair yourself, learning the basics about your car can help you pinpoint problems quickly. This can help you save money when taking it to a mechanic. You can tell the technician what you think the problem is, saving on labor costs diagnosing the problem.

When looking for a reputable automotive repair facility, only consider certified repair shops. Certifications, such as the seal for Automotive Service Excellence, are an indication that the shop has demonstrated a basic level of competence in the field of automobile repair. While such certifications are never an absolute guarantee of good service, the odds are much higher when the establishment is certified.

Have them checked out by windshield repair greenville sc the Better Business Bureau, before allowing anyone to do work on your vehicle. If you find out that a lot of people have been complaining about the mechanic that you have in mind, that is definitely a sign that you should look somewhere else to get the work done.

If your car needs to be stored, you can avoid damages by putting it on jack stands. You should also fill up the tank. Place your car in a dry area during storage, to avoid rust. Also, leave the parking brake off.

When you first buy a brand new car, negotiate some extra keys when making the deal to purchase. If you ever lose one in the future, it can cost you a fortune to have it replaced, though it may seem like a simple thing. Ask for at least 3 copies in the initial bargain.

Keep your car parked out of the sun whenever possible. If there isn't a garage available, stick it in the best shade possible, though a garage is the best spot to stick your vehicle. Damage from the UV heat and light becomes obvious after only a short period of time.

A mechanic can be your best friend if your car is acting up and you are not sure how to fix it yourself. The tips in this article should have given you some guidance on this matter. Remember them the next time you find yourself in need of auto repair!