It's a classic situation: You take your car in for routine maintenance, only to have the mechanic tell you there is $500 worth of repairs. If you always wonder if you're being duped, here's how to find a mechanic you can trust, so you don't waste time and money on unnecessary repairs.

Ask For Referrals

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a really great mechanic. Ask your friends, family or co-workers who they would recommend. Once you get a few names, dig a little deeper. Ask if they let customers watch nearby while they work (trustworthy mechanics won't mind if you watch their handiwork). Find out if the mechanic is enthusiastic, friendly and interested in educating customers about their vehicles. Honest mechanics tend to be open with information, not secretive or unavailable.

Check Online Reviews

For consumers, by consumers — online business reviews of auto shops are an awesome resource when looking for a trustworthy mechanic. Do an online search of the mechanic's name and place of business to see what kind of reviews are out there. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if there are any outstanding complaints or consumer issues — if there are, go somewhere else. You're bound to find a mechanic that has good reviews and a solid record.

Verify Affiliations

Like doctors, lawyers and teachers, many mechanics have credentials and are certified by national organizations. Look for mechanics with certifications from either the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or the Automotive Service Association (ASA). Several are also affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA). Affiliations do not guarantee 100 percent honesty, but they do indicate a certain level of training and experience.

Ahhh, sweet memories. Remember when you got your very first car? Find out what your first car reveals about your innermost personality traits.

New or Pre-Owned?

Did your first car roll off the showroom floor in a pristine state, or was it an economical, pre-owned purchase? The condition says a lot about where you place your priorities.

• A New Vehicle

  You definitely know what you want when you see it. Yes, you love that "new-car smell," but there's much more to you than meets the eye. You are independent; you're a go-getter and have high standards for yourself.

• A Pre-Owned Vehicle

  You place value high on your list. Sure, comfort and style are priorities, but your bottom-line calls the shots. This choice shows that you're a level-headed thinker who plans ahead; you do your research, and take your time making big decisions. It also means you love getting a good deal on luxury items.

What's Your Style?

What shape was your first car? Big and boxy? Sleek and sophisticated? The body style of your first set of wheels may indicate how you view your career.

• SUV / Truck / Van

  You're a team player. You're trustworthy, reliable and dependable; people can count on you to get the job done. You don't quit until the job is complete — you're willing to work long hours for the good of the company.

• Sports Car

  In a nutshell — you put the "car" in "carpe diem." You're a thrill-seeker who calls the shots. An independent entrepreneur, you excel at multitasking and get bored easily when things slow down.

• Sedan

  You're calm, cool and collected. You take your job very seriously — you know what you want and work hard to get it. You're strong and independent, and you have rock-solid business ethics.

Which Hue Is You?

From black to white and everything in between, the color of your first automobile can reveal how you respond in social situations.

• Bright (Red, Yellow, Orange, Electric Blue)

  Hello, hot stuff! You are an extrovert and proud of it. You're a tried-and-true social butterfly and enjoy mingling with old friends and meeting new ones.

• Metallic (Silver, Gold, Champagne)

  Where flashy meets classy. One minute, you're debating world politics, the next minute, you're gossiping about pop culture. You are intellectual, engaging and have a sharp, witty sense of humor.

• Dark (Green, Brown, Black, Gray, Dark Blues)

  You sure like to leave people guessing. Dark colors indicate an air of mystery. You are guarded and grounded. Your calming nature and good advice make you an ideal confidant.

If you're a frequent driver, you're likely looking for simple ways to save a few bucks at the pump (we know we are!). These six tricks help you keep your wallet and your tank full.

1. Slow Down!

   Alright, speed demon. There's another reason to slow down besides the risk of getting a speeding ticket. Putting the pedal to the metal over 60 mph causes fuel efficiency to crash (no pun intended). Basically, every time you drive 5 mph above 60 mph, you add 24 cents per gallon for gas.1 And while you're slowing down, quit with the herky-jerky starts and stops — you'll increase your gas mileage by 5 percent.

2. Don't Be a Pack Rat

   More than likely, you're lugging around various items in your car that you don't even need (you know who you are). Remove extraneous items immediately; an extra 100 lbs. in your vehicle could reduce your miles per gallon by up to 2 percent.1 And you know those rooftop racks that you haven't used in years? Take them off — the lack of added weight will increase aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

3. The Pressure's On

   Pay attention to your tires — are they inflated properly? Under and overinflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency by 0.3 percent for every 1 pound-per-square-inch drop in pressure for all four tires.2 In a nutshell, you need to consistently maintain recommended tire pressure, so you'll get the most for your gas dollars.

4. Pop the Hood

   Okay, so maybe you don't have to pop the hood — but somebody should be performing regular maintenance on your vehicle. Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual — you'll increase gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.2 Services include regular oil changes and replacing old, clogged air filters and worn-out spark plugs.

5. Tighten Your Cap

   Believe it or not, it's estimated that 147 million gallons of gas are wasted each year through evaporation due to unsealed gas caps.3 Make sure you screw the gas cap on securely. A poorly fitting or loose gas cap could reduce your fuel efficiency. If you hear a hiss when opening your gas cap, you're getting a good seal.