Recently I took a basic course in auto mechanics so that I could become
more wheels-savvy. Plus, I wanted to bond with my teenage son. Hey,
I didn't grow up doing wheelies in parking lots or tooling around under
the hood, learning car repair. This was all new to me.
Our professor, Vittorio Principe, who owns Vittorio Auto Repair in
Bronx, New York, called the owner's manual to our vehicles the "forgotten
bible" and used it as our basic auto repair guide. Having previously
viewed the owner's manual as an oversized book that was way too complicated,
I was delighted to learn that it was both user-friendly and full of
valuable information.
Principe, who tunes Ferraris for Michael Schumacher and hosts the Auto
Lab audio program, clued me in to what you should (and shouldn't) look
for when you need auto repair service. Following, 10 tips to get you
started, in no particular order because all are helpful:
Dog-ear your owner's manual.
Yes, it's your car's bible! Knowing where to find information quickly
can help in identifying causes when trouble arises. You may even be
able to avoid a trip to the auto mechanic in the first place if you
discover that your "problem" stemmed from not understanding
your car's controls. Beyond knowing the make and model of your vehicle,
it also helps to have the specific trim level on hand for the service
technician, as that often identifies the engine size and configuration,
transmission and other included features that vary across the model
line. Be aware of your exterior paint and interior color codes in case
body or upholstery repair is necessary. Keep your vehicle identification
number (VIN) available, as this code will likely be required when scheduling
service.
Decide between the independent corner garage and the dealership service
department.
Technicians at the dealer are specialists; they are manufacturer-trained
and typically work exclusively on your make of vehicle. Most dealers
have an ongoing training program for the service staff, which includes
not only the service technicians but also the service manager, advisors
and support staff. (See "Roles of the Dealership Service Staff...Who
Does What".) But the dealer service department is usually the most
expensive route.employees who want to operate their own repair store.
For help deciding which is right for you, see "Corner Garage vs.
Dealer Service Department."
|
|
And it doesn't mean that the dealers always have the best technicians.
Many independent auto repair service facilities are started by previous
dealer
Keep your records in order, and take them with you.
Have records available on everything you do to maintain your car —
and keep them in the car if possible. Well-kept records can be instrumental
in correctly diagnosing a vehicle problem the first time. Incomplete
records can lead to redundant auto repairs that waste your time and
money. A vehicle with a well-documented repair service history also
tells your mechanic that you value first-rate work at the recommended
intervals, and have done your part to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.
Is the technician trained on your specific vehicle make?
Cars and trucks today are extremely complex machines, and their unique
characteristics vary heavily from brand to brand. Making certain that
your technician has obtained the proper training for your specific vehicle
is crucial since special tools and procedures — many of which
are not easily available to the "average" auto mechanic —
are required to correctly service your auto.
Is the service technician A.S.E.-certified?
Twice annually, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
offers auto service industry professionals the chance to become A.S.E.-certified.
By passing a written test and having at least two years of work experience
in auto repair service, auto mechanics earn A.S.E. certification, placing
them among the top practitioners in the industry. Inquiring about A.S.E.
credentials is important, as the designation better ensures the competence
of your prospective car mechanic.
Inquire about pricing and labor rates.
Before you surrender your keys to the service department, be sure to
determine the labor rate. Shops typically post the rate in a conspicuous
place, so be observant and ask questions if you're confused. Make sure
you understand the
|
|
way in which you will be billed
for an auto repair. Many shops bill according to estimated repair times
established by the manufacturer. A repair that the service tech deems
"minor" could indeed be an all-day job according to the manufacturer's
specifications.
Ask questions. Lots of them.
Don't be intimidated. Ask questions about why something needs fixing or
how a technology works. As the customer, you have a right to become more
educated about your vehicle.
Request Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts
Whenever parts need to be replaced, be sure to request genuine OEM components
rather than generic pieces. Maintaining exact manufacturer specifications
is important in achieving optimum performance. The low-price allure of
aftermarket parts often prompts customers to forgo OEM quality, but spending
the extra dollars on factory-approved equipment now can make a big difference
down the road, especially in terms of vehicle longevity.
Ignore the myth of the 100,000-mile tune-up.
"It doesn't exist," states Principe. "Each vehicle has
a specific tune-up schedule recommended by the manufacturer. The more
you keep the systems clean, the better the vehicle will run."
Variations in climate and driving style also dictate
the necessity for maintenance. Commuting in dusty desert conditions will
quickly clog air filters, while driving short distances repeatedly can
wear out the exhaust system, as moisture is never completely evacuated.
Extremely hot and cold conditions require more attention paid to radiator
fluid and engine oil.
Look for warning signs.
Finally, taking a car in for service is always a case of caveat emptor
— let the buyer beware. "If a car mechanic doesn't look you
in the eye, speed talks or tries to brush you off — beware,"
noted Principe. "He's either trying to hide something or is just
interested in the receipt at the end of the week."
|
