Communicate With Your Auto Mechanic
Summary: Good communications with your auto mechanic is critical to ensuring an efficient repair of your vehicle. Read below for advice on how to talk to your auto repair shop.
Today's cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past.
But when it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. What ever type of repair facility you patronize--dealership, service station, independent garage, specialty shop, or a national franchise--good communications between customer and shop is vital.
The following tips should help you along the way:
Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service. Today's technician must understand thousands of pages of technical text. Fortunately, your required reading is much less.
* Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and components.
* Follow the recommended service schedules. Keep a log of all repairs and service.
When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals.
Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for:
* Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings.
* Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels.
* Worn tires, belts, hoses.
* Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations.
When you call for an appointment, make sure you explain the problem, any noises or symptoms your vehicle is exhibiting. Make sure you ask for an estimate of all repairs and insist that they ask for permission before doing any work. Also make sure that they have a phone number where you can be reached for additional authorizations for work needed.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask me.
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