Even the best-maintained vehicles need service from time to time. AAA advises car owners to choose a full-service repair shop that knows their vehicle. A good mechanic will spot potential problems that could become major issues in the future and prevent them from becoming costly repairs.

Look for shops that offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. These are the same parts used by the factory when your car was assembled.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

When it comes to your vehicle, you need to know everything about it. That’s why you need to ask as many questions as possible when you visit your auto repair shop. While it may feel intimidating to ask a lot of questions, a good mechanic will understand and be willing to help you understand your car better. So, if you’re about to take your vehicle in for repairs, here are five questions you should ask.

1. Will You Explain to Me What Needs to Be Fixed?

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from being ripped off is to make sure that your mechanic clearly explains what needs to be repaired and why. They should be able to put it in plain, easy-to-understand terms that will allow you to ask follow-up questions and gain a greater understanding of the situation. In addition, if you ever switch mechanics in the future, having this information will make it much easier to talk about previous repairs.

2. What Kind of Parts Will You Be Using to Fix My Vehicle?

Most of the time, mechanics will use original equipment parts to repair your vehicle. This means they will be essentially identical to the ones that were originally in your car when it was manufactured. However, some mechanics may choose to use remanufactured or rebuilt parts. In some cases, this is a good option as it can save you money while still providing you with high-quality car parts. Just be sure to ask your mechanic if they will be using OEM or aftermarket parts and what the differences are between the two.

3. How Long Will It Take to Complete the Work?

It’s always a good idea to ask your mechanic how long it will take them to do the work. This will give you a general idea of when you can expect to have your car back, which will help you plan accordingly. Additionally, it will also let you know if the mechanic is being honest with you. For example, if they say the job should only take a few hours but end up taking several days, they might be trying to conceal additional charges.

2. Don’t Let Your Gut Tell You Something

Gut feelings are personal and hard for others to understand. They usually feel like a small internal voice, though they may also be experienced as a tight feeling in the chest or stomach or as a pit of dread. Butterflies or sweaty palms are common physical symptoms of these feelings as well.

For example, if you are driving on the highway and suddenly feel the urge to change lanes, go with it! That instinct may save you from a collision. Similarly, if you notice a crowd of people shouting and pushing each other in front of you on the street, follow that gut instinct to safety. It’s a split-second decision that could have life-altering consequences. Trust your gut. It knows what’s best for you.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Go to an Auto Parts Store

Auto-repair shops spend a lot of money on tools and invest in continuing education for their technicians. That means that they can pinpoint a problem and make sure that the repairs are actually necessary. If you do decide to take your car in for service, ask the shop to give you a written estimate before they begin work. This should identify the condition to be repaired, the parts needed and the estimated labor charge. You should also get a copy of the warranty. Some states require that shops obtain consumer approval before they perform work exceeding a certain amount of time or cost.

It is easy to overlook the importance of using quality parts for your vehicle, especially in a time of economic hardship. It’s not uncommon to find yourself tempted to purchase less expensive parts, but the reality is that those low-cost replacements may have a higher chance of negatively impacting or exacerbating the existing problem. In addition, generic parts may only be a one-size fits all solution, so they may not fit perfectly and could lead to future problems that you would have been better off avoiding.

Your local auto parts store has a lot to offer, and many of them have a much greater selection than you might expect. For example, many have online shopping that allows you to order the part you need and pick it up at the store. Some even have free next-day shipping on orders over $35, as well as a rewards program to help you save on your parts and upgrades.

Another good resource for finding parts is eBay, which has a wide variety of suppliers and can often deliver parts more quickly than the local shops. Many of these sellers also allow for local pickup, which can be very helpful if you are replacing small or bulky parts.

You can find just about any car part on eBay, and the site also has a wide variety of sellers that specialize in the most unique or rare parts. You can even use the search filter to narrow your results to suppliers in your area for faster delivery times.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Listen to Your Mechanic

A good mechanic will always have the best interest of your car in mind. Ignoring their expertise and advice can lead to costly repairs in the future. If you’re worried that a mechanic is pushing you to spend more than you can afford, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions. This will help you make an informed decision.

Speak directly to your mechanic about the service you are hoping to get and what you expect from them. Clearly explaining what you want will ensure that both of you are on the same page. It will also prevent any misunderstandings later on.

If a mechanic is not answering your questions or seems condescending, it may be time to find a new one. Most mechanics pride themselves on their work and would be horrified if they thought you were not happy with their service. If they treat you like a child, it could be a sign that they are not being honest with you about your repair costs.

Ask your mechanic about warranties and what they cover before making a commitment. Getting a detailed quote with clear explanations of parts and labor will give you peace of mind that the work being done is covered. It is also a good idea to ask about manufacturer technical service bulletins, which are instructions for specific problems with certain models.

Often, the manufacturer will fix the problem for free, but you need to go through an authorized dealer to have it done. In many states, this is required by law.

Be sure to follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. Avoid shops that create their own maintenance schedules that are more frequent than the vehicle manufacturer recommends. Also, check with your mechanic about parts that come under warranty and whether there are any restrictions, such as time, mileage, deductibles, businesses that can perform warranty work or special procedures needed to claim the warranty.

Following the above tips will help you have a smoother, less stressful auto repair experience. If you have any other tips for people looking to save money on car repairs, please leave them in the comments below!