Expert auto mechanics can keep your car running smoothly so that you can cruise the streets focused and worry-free. But many people feel mistrustful of mechanics and repair shops due to the same reason they dislike going to a dentist or a lawyer.

However, you don’t need to be a mechanic to know what to look for in an auto repair shop.

1. Know Your Car’s History

There are a lot of reasons to bring your vehicle in for auto repair. Some problems are too delicate or complicated to handle on your own and may cause further damage if you do it incorrectly. Others, such as hidden engine damage, can be expensive and dangerous if you’re driving on busy roads. Expert mechanics are trained to provide state-of-the-art services so you can drive confidently and safely.

Mechanics can look through a car’s history report to see what repairs were previously done and whether those repairs have been effective. They can also find out the number of owners and if the car has been in an accident. Vehicle history reports usually include a detailed repair history that indicates which shops performed work and whether those repairs were successful. They also show if the car has been branded with a salvage title. It’s best to stay away from vehicles with a salvage title because they have often suffered serious and hidden damage.

A vehicle history report can also tell you if a car has been subject to mileage fraud or had its odometer rolled back. It can help you avoid cars that have been damaged by hail, floods or fire, as well as those with a history of recurring problems.

Mechanics can also use a vehicle’s history report to determine which components have been replaced and to find out whether the car has any unaddressed issues. This is especially useful if you’re buying a used car and want to be sure the previous owner took care of it well. It will also help you decide between two similar vehicles if one has a clean history and the other has been involved in an accident.

2. Know Your Car’s Symptoms

A car is one of the most useful things we own, allowing us to go wherever we need to be. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on it for signs that something might be wrong. Many cars give drivers a few early warnings of impending problems. The most common include a flashing check engine light, strange noises when the brakes are applied, and a jerky steering wheel.

Other signs are more subtle, but still warrant immediate attention. If you notice your car leaking fluids, it’s a good idea to note the color and odor of the leak as well as where it’s located underneath the vehicle. This can help the mechanic determine what is causing it to leak and prevent further damage.

If you hear groans, humming, creaks, or other noises coming from your car while driving it, schedule an auto repair appointment as soon as possible. These sounds could be signs that something is wrong with the engine, transmission, axles, or other drivetrain components. It’s important to catch these early warning signs before they become more serious problems.

A clicking noise when you turn on the car is another sign that it’s time to bring your car in for repairs. This sound may indicate that the battery or alternator is failing. If it continues to happen, you might be left without a working vehicle and stuck on the side of the road. The best way to avoid these problems is to bring your car in for service as soon as you notice a problem, such as a hard start. This ensures that any issues are fixed quickly, before they develop into more serious problems.

3. Know Your Car’s Parts

Cars are complicated machines that have countless parts that must work in harmony to function. A single malfunctioning part can affect all systems and reduce the overall performance of a vehicle. Knowing about your car’s major components can help you communicate with your mechanic, improve the likelihood that you catch problems early, and save money on repairs.

Despite popular misconceptions, you do not need to be an auto repair expert to get high-quality, respectful service at an affordable price. However, there are a few basic things that every car owner should know about auto repair to keep their maintenance costs down.

Many cars have several warning signs that can alert you to potential problems, such as unusually high oil levels, screeching noises when braking, or difficulty starting your vehicle. Many of these signs can be easily spotted with simple observation, such as looking for leaks under the vehicle or examining the color, smell, and viscosity of the engine fluid.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should visit an auto repair shop as soon as possible. Doing so can prevent more costly damage from occurring, and will ensure that your car is safe to drive.

Another important thing to know about auto repair is the type of parts your mechanic uses. You should always ask if your mechanic is using genuine, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, and what the warranty covers. OEM parts are made by the same company that manufactured your car, so they are guaranteed to fit and be compatible with the rest of your vehicle.

Some aftermarket parts are cheaper, but they may not be as reliable or have a warranty. If you want to save money on auto repair, it’s a good idea to stick with genuine parts and OEM replacements. If you’re not comfortable making this decision yourself, ask your mechanic to provide you with an estimate of the cost and what types of parts will be used.

4. Know Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule

If you want to drive your car for a long time and get the most out of it, then keeping up with scheduled maintenance is the way to go. It can prevent a simple problem from becoming more expensive and dangerous down the road. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure that your car will still be in great shape for its next owner.

While the exact manufacturer suggested maintenance schedule will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, there are some general guidelines you should follow to keep your car running its best. First, check your vehicle’s owner manual to see if the schedule is determined by time or miles. If it’s the latter, then most new cars come equipped with dashboard alerts that can help you remember to book a service appointment.

These services can include anything from oil changes to checking the status of your tires or suspension system. During these appointments, your mechanic will also be able to identify any issues that need immediate attention, such as low tire pressure or a broken belt.

Keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule can save you time, money and frustration. It can also protect your resale value and ensure that you’re safe on the road. So, don’t skip out on those service appointments, no matter how tempting it is to save a few bucks in the short term.

Besides avoiding auto repair costs, routine maintenance can also extend the life of your car and its components. Just be sure to choose a quality repair shop and stick with their recommendations. They’re the experts who know what they’re doing and can save you from costly problems in the future.

5. Know Your Car’s Repair Shop

Knowing how to recognize when your car needs a repair, understanding the basic auto service tasks that most shops provide, and educating yourself on consumer rights can empower you to care for your vehicle confidently. In the end, it will save you from unnecessary trips to the auto shop and will help your vehicle last longer.

While you can take care of many routine maintenance items (such as replacing your own windshield wipers) at home, it’s important to bring your vehicle to a professional, licensed and insured auto repair shop for the rest of its service needs. Today’s vehicles have sophisticated systems that require specialized expertise to service properly. Bringing your car to a trusted and reputable mechanic can also help you build a relationship with a mechanic who knows your vehicle history and can suggest preventative auto repairs that can extend the life of your vehicle.

You can also make sure you are getting a fair repair estimate by asking the shop how they price their labor work. Some shops charge a published rate, while others base their labor rates on the manufacturer’s recommended time for a specific repair task. You can also ask the shop for a detailed list of all the services and repairs performed on your vehicle. By law, all invoices must be written in plain language and spell out exactly what work was done on your vehicle.

While the coronavirus has wreaked havoc on financial markets, prompted countless hand-washing reminders, and ruined more than a few vacations, it hasn’t prevented customers from looking for quality auto repair services. In the age of Yelp and Google reviews, it’s more important than ever to have a solid reputation as an honest, trustworthy auto repair provider.