Do you have a vehicle? If you are then it is likely you understand just how bothersome car repairs can be. It can be frustrating finding a mechanic that you can trust. Luckily, the advice below can help you pick a trustworthy one.

Familiarize yourself with the dashboard of your car. Your dashboard should display five different kinds of warning, including the check engine light, oil pressure warning, an alternator warning, a temperature warning and a brake warning. Learn to recognize these different lights so you can easily identify what needs your attention.

Do not take your car to the first mechanic you find. You need to do some research to find a reliable mechanic with fair prices. Ask your friends and family about the mechanics they have been to in the past and check the Internet to find reviews written by other customers.

Prior to handing over your keys, be sure you have a good idea of the repair cost. If something is not clear, clarify it with the service adviser or mechanic before starting any repair on the car. Don’t be surprised with extra costs when the car has been fixed.

Look for an auto repair shop that displays their certifications for everyone to see. Get a good look at it to make sure that they are current. Even if they are certified, that does not guarantee quality work, but there is a greater chance of the work getting done correctly.

To save a trip to the auto repair shop, you should take a look at your owner’s manual. Here, you may find hints or perhaps answers to questions you may have about your vehicle. It can be quite helpful to know the size of your engine or its configuration, which is usually found in the manual.

Be open to asking any questions that cross your mind. Auto repair is a very complex thing. You will have questions, and don’t feel intimidated about asking them. If you don’t, you may not completely understand why the repairs were needed in the first place or how costly the current situation really is.

Keep your car’s owner manual handy. Knowing vital car information can really help when something unexpected occurs. If you know your car’s controls, you may even avoid a trip to a mechanic. If you do need a mechanic, you should have the make, model, and trim level available so that they can figure out things like your transmission configuration, size, etc. much quicker.

Avoid unexpected auto repair problems while driving by performing a basic safety check before you set out in your car. Start your engine, turn on your lights and your flashers and walk all the way around your car. Check your tires and make sure your lights and flashers are working properly. This simple check will ensure a safer ride and help you avoid the need for emergency repairs.

Make sure that you always keep a spare tire and jack in your vehicle. Many cars will come with these straight off of the dealership’s floor. You would hate to be stuck out in the road and be forced to spend money on a tow. It’s far more convenient and less costly to take care of it yourself.

When you fill your car with gas, check tire pressure. Take a look at each tire and be sure they are free of any debris. If you notice a problem, seek repairs immediately. You don’t want to drive around with bad tires.

Finding a good, reliable mechanic to fix your car can cause you a lot of headaches. Be sure to use the tips mentioned when you are in need of a good mechanic. A bit of effort initially can save you from a lot of heartache down the road.