How can you find a good car repair shop in your area? First off, ask for word-of-mouth garage recommendations from friends and associates, and only make appointments with shops that honor your car's warranty and that display official licensing and registration. For instance, look for Better Business Bureau certifications or the Automotive Service Excellence seal.

That said, just because a car repair technician demonstrates competency doesn't mean that you've found a fair shop. Before you have any work done on your automobile, get a written, signed estimate. Have your technician identify precisely what needs to be done as well as what the associated labor charges will be. Oftentimes, technicians intentionally leave out labor charges as a way of making their estimates look low.

Is it appropriate to get a second opinion? Sometimes it is, but bear in mind that there is a premium on your time. If you earn $20 an hour at your job and you have to take off six hours to drive to other repair shops for estimates, you will lose $120 of business. Of course, when it comes to a sophisticated car repair (along the lines of $1,000 or more), it may behoove you to go the extra mile.

Finally, you may want to attempt small repairs on your own. Unless you're a relatively experienced amateur mechanic, you shouldn't attempt more than basic servicing. Change your oil, check your fluids, and measure tire pressure. When it comes to servicing your engine or testing your timing belt, go to a well-reputed shop to be on the safe side.