No matter what you drive-sports car, family sedan, pick-up, or mini-van, when You go in for repairs or service, you want the job done right. The following advice should take much of the guesswork out of finding a good repair establishment.

I. Preliminaries

Read your owner's manual to become familiar with your vehicle and follow the manufacturer's suggested service schedule.
1. Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.
2. Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is still valuable.
3. Check with your local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the shop in question.
4. If possible, arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a facility solely on the basis of location.

 

 
 
 
 




Once you choose a repair shop, start off with a minor job; if You are pleased, trust them with more complicated repairs later.

 II. At the Shop

1. Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with, vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
2. Professionally run establishments will have a courteous, helpful staff. The service writer should be willing to answer all of your questions.
3. Feel free to ask for the names of a few customers. Call them.
4. All policies (labor rates, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) should be posted and/or explained to your satisfaction.
5. Ask if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and model. Some facilities specialize.
6. Ask if the shop usually does your type of repair, especially if you need major work.
7. Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, customer service awards.
8. Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certification - national standard of technician competence.

III. Follow-Up

1. Keep good records; keep all paperwork.
2. Reward good service with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.
3. If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to another shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager or owner. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business.

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. Whatever 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.

Do Your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service.
 

• Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and components.
• Follow the recommended service schedules. E Keep a log of all repairs and service.

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.

Note when the problem occurs.

 
1. Is it constant or periodic?
2. When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
3. At all speeds? 
4. Only under acceleration? 
5. During braking? 
6. When shifting?
7. When did the problem first start?

Once you are at the repair establishment,
communicate your findings.

• Be prepared to describe the symptoms. (In larger shops you'll probably speak with a service writer/service manager rather than with the technician directly.)
• Carry a written list of the symptoms that you
• can give to the technician or service manager.
• Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. Just as you would with your physician, tell where it hurts and how long it's been that way, but let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy

Stay involved... Ask questions.

• Ask as many questions as you need. Do not be embarrassed to request lay definitions.
• Don't rush the service writer or technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. Ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins.
• Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.
• Leave a telephone number where you can be called.