Source: Ezine

How do you go about choosing an auto mechanic? Do you look for one that's close to you? Do you just open the yellow pages and see who has the biggest ad? If that's how you choose a mechanic, you may be in for a big surprise when you get your car or truck back. The most important thing to look for when you hire an auto mechanic is an ASE certification.

ASE certified mechanics have undergone extensive training and have been tested to prove that they know what they are doing. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence. Since its inception in 1972 the National Institute for Automotive Excellence has certified over 400,000 automotive professionals. The Institute says that their mission is to "improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals." But how do they do this?

To obtain an ASE certification, mechanics must have 2 years of hands on work experience and pass at least one of their exams. Mechanics are required to renew their certification periodically to make sure that they stay up on the latest technology. This assures that the Institutes trademark "blue seal" remains meaningful.

To find an ASE certified mechanic, look for a blue seal with the letters ASE on it.

Source: Automotive Service Association (ASA)
Your vehicle's fluids are very important and should be checked regularly.
These fluids include the following:

• Brake Fluid: This check is done by loosening the clip on the master cylinder and removing the lid. If fluid is needed, consult the vehicle owner's manual for correct type and fill to recommended level
• Engine Oil: Correct engine oil level should be maintained to assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine. It is best to check engine oil level approximately five minutes after a fully warmed up engine is turned off or before starting the engine after is has sat for a long period of time. Remove the engine oil dipstick, wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Reinsert dipstick until it fully seats in its tube. Remove dipstick and read oil level. Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD OIL mark.
• Power Steering Fluid: This check is done by removing and checking the dipstick. NOTE: The dipstick is attached to the cap of the power steering fluid reservoir. Use the dipstick to check fluid level in the same manner as you would check engine oil.
• Transmission/Transaxle Fluid: This check should be done while the engine is running in neutral with the parking brake securely set. The transmission should be at operating temperature. Remove dipstick, wipe clean, insert and remove again to check fluid level. CAUTION: DO NOT OVERFILL!
• Windshield Washer Solvent: This check should be done by removing the cap and reservoir and refilling with solvent.
• Antifreeze: This check is done by removing the radiator cap from the cool engine and refilling, if needed, with antifreeze.

Source: Automotive Service Association (ASA)
Nothing's a big deal in the summer. You break down? So what? It's a nice night out. Look at all those stars! But break down when it's minus jaw-freezing outside, and that's a different story. Since bad hoses, belts, water pumps and spark plug wires can leave you stranded in the winter, it's better to bite the bullet and fix them.

Nothing's a big deal in the summer. You break down? So what? It's a nice night out. Look at all those stars! But break down when it's minus jaw-freezing outside, and that's a different story. Since bad hoses, belts, water pumps and spark plug wires can leave you stranded in the winter, it's better to bite the bullet and fix them. It's better than spending the same amount of money after you've been sitting in your stalled car for three hours waiting for AAA. (Just kidding, Triple A! No one has ever had to wait three hours for one of your tow trucks, have they?)

Here's one service item that's often forgotten: tire pressure. Ask your mechanic to check it, or do it as soon as winter arrives. Why? Because tire pressure drops by about one pound per ten degrees of temperature. So, if it's -10 now, and the last time you checked your tire pressure was back during that sweltering heat wave in July, your tires will be dangerously low and will jeopardize your car's handling.

Many newer vehicles have tire pressure monitors, which alert you to dangerous changes in tire pressure. In fact, as 2008, tire pressure monitors are required on all new vehicles. But older cars don't have them and the pressure needs to be checked manually.