Car Repairs: Automobile Repairs And Service
Posted by admin at 24 December 2015, at 11 : 12 AM
No matter what type of vehicle you drive, it is important that you get it serviced properly. You probably paid, or are still paying, a large amount for your “baby”, and you don’t want to turn it over to some backyard mechanic without the proper training or experience. Uncle Joe may know how to change a tire or two, or change oil, but when it comes to the newfangled computer parts and systems, that is something else.
Sure, you will probably save money to have Uncle Joe try his hand, but it is not worth the risk. You want a qualified mechanic. Consult your friends and relatives for a recommendation about someone they have used. Don’t go in to the chosen repair shop uninformed, as you don’t want to be taken advantage of. Consult your owner’s manual to at least get an overview of how the vehicle operates. And there is usually a section which shows troubleshooting information. The more detailed information you give the mechanic, the easier your problem will be solved.
Hopefully you have followed the schedule for service to the vehicle and if not, begin doing that now. Write down what service the vehicle has had and when. Note when the problem began, and under what circumstances. Note how long the problem lasted, if it is just temporary or a consistent problem. Has it happened to your vehicle before? Have you noticed anything strange as a strange noise, some sort of leak or dripping, overheating, using too much gas? Does the problem happen when first starting the vehicle or upon acceleration? Is there an unusual odor? Is it difficult to steer or brake? Do certain lights come on on the dashboard? Does the vehicle vibrate?
As you can see, we want you to be a real Sherlock Holmes, so when you walk into the repair place, you will appear as if you know what you are talking about, and the mechanic will be hesitant in ripping you off for repairs you do not need. Sometimes it is advisable to even go to the library and do further research on your particular problem. Or ask a friend or neighbor who has had a similar experience and what was done to correct it. You will be impressed as to how much information you can learn with minimum effort.
Choose a repair shop which has diagnostic or testing equipment. It does not hurt to comparison shop if you know in advance what has to be done to the car. A little time on the telephone or talking to people can save a lot of deductions in your bank account.
When you enter the repair shop, take a list of the problems with you. Even attach it to the windshield. You will probably speak to a clerk or service manager, and you want them to understand. And write down the specific problem or problems as they exist. In a smaller establishment, it may be possible to speak to the service technician, but this is not always possible.