Car Repair Advice by Professional Automotive Experts
Common Car Maintenance and Service Information Questions
Introduction
When taking your car in for repair there are some things you should know. As
in all repair procedures the more knowledge you have in your arsenal the better
informed decisions you can make. Below are some common questions we have been asked
by "AllYou" a woman's magazine published by Time Magazine.
Common Car Service Questions
- Question: Let’s say you know what’s wrong with your car,
you need new brake pads, for example: Is it advisable to get estimates from
multiple shops? Do you get them over the phone or should your bring the car
in to the shop and have them look at it?
Answer: On any repair or service it is advisable to get up
to three estimates from various repair shops. In these estimates make sure to
receive a detailed list of parts and labor charges that is clearly described. While
receiving the estimate ask if the current service request could be accompanied
by additional services and if so what those repairs would entail.
Some shops charge an “environmental” fee for handling the waste oil and filter,
so request information for any additional charges that might occur during the
service or repair that are not directly related. Anytime you can bring the
car to the repair shop
for an estimate it is beneficial, this “hands on” inspection can give the
technician the ability
to detail all services needed without the element of “surprise” which nobody
likes but is a reality in the car repair industry. For example: If you take
your car in a front brake job and when the technician is replacing the front pads
he notices one of the front brake calipers is leaking. In this case both calipers
must be rebuilt or replaced which can add a couple hundred dollars to the job.
You would avoid this surprise and gain the ability to receive additional estimates
for the repair work. The quality of parts used in a particular job can greatly
very. This quality standard can cause a part to fail prematurely. Always insist
on top quality replacement parts, preferably OEM (original parts manufacturers)
for example if you own a Honda you would purchase the parts from Honda.
- Question: Once you have a couple of estimates in hand,
how do you pick which one you should go with?
Answer: When the estimates are in your hand, choose the estimate
that is the middle to upper end of the road. The old adage “you get what pay
for” is well related to the car repair industry, but at the same time you don’t
want to over pay for anything. Most repair shops understand what it takes
to stay in business and any repair shop that is undercutting the job will either
make it up on other services or they will be out of business soon, in either case this
scenario does not benefit the customer. Also check the warranty with respect
to parts and labor; this will help you determine who will stand behind the work
after you have driven out of the driveway. Certifications are a good clue on
who takes pride in their profession and who does not. Today’s automobiles are
more technologically advanced and some training is required. A certificate gives
verification of advanced training.
- Question: I’ve been told that a good practice is to ask
to be notified if the job will cost more than the original estimate. Even if
you are notified, how do you know that the reasons for the overrun are valid?
Answer: By Law the repair estimate cannot cost more
than 5% of the original estimate not including tax. All cost overruns must be
approved by the customer before the repair can proceed. To be informed on how
a car works is the only way to know for sure if what they are telling you is
the truth. The internet is one of the best tools to achieve this, websites such
as 2carpros.com can help you understand the repair in question. Always ask for
all parts involved and also have them explain why the particular part has failed.
- Question: Another tip I’ve heard is that if a part is replaced,
ask for the old part. What will having the old part tell you or show you?
Answer: Yes, always inform the repair shop that you would like
to have the parts returned to you at the time the work order is placed. Also
ask for the old part(s) in the box of the new part that was installed on your
vehicle. This will help you determine the quality level of the replacement part.
Ask them to explain in detail why the part has failed. Some parts cannot be
returned such as gaskets that need to be scrapped off to be replaced, you would
just get back a handful of gasket shavings with no evidence of failure. In this
case a personal inspection is required before the work has begun.
- Question: If you don’t know what’s wrong with your car
and take it in for a diagnosis, do you have to pay for that?
Answer: Sometimes diagnosis time is needed depending on the
repair shop and the problem involved. For example: If you take your car in for
a coolant leak, the technician performs a quick evaluation and determines the water
pump has failed; this would be a free diagnosis in most cases. On the other
hand, if you take your car in because the battery continuously goes dead over
night even though a new battery has been installed. The technician will perform
many tests to determine the electric seat control switch has become stuck and
is draining the battery of its electrical charge. Even though the actual repair
only took a few seconds to clean out the sunflower seed shell from the switch
it took real time to find the problem.
- Question: When I have gone to an oil-change place and even
my Subaru dealer, technicians there have tried to sell me an engine flush. However,
I have heard that this can be dangerous because it can dislodge debris and damage
the engine. What’s your take?
Answer: The best course of action in this situation is to service
your vehicle on the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule. But if the
car has been neglected and the engine has developed excessive deposits inside
an engine flush can be good to remove debris. If there is extreme build up the
excess debris left behind from the flush can become dislodged clogging the oil
pump pickup. This condition can be serious by stopping the oil pump from working
causing a major engine malfunction. In the case of extreme engine sludge build
up two separate flushes could be in order. If an engine oil and oil filter service
is performed with an engine flush but the oil still looks dark and dirty it
could be a sign of extreme build up and a second flush is required.
- Question:
Any other tips for saving on car repair and maintenance?
Answer: When servicing your car prevention is your best weapon against repair costs.
Today’s’ automobiles are subject to higher temperatures and harder driving conditions
than ever before. Clean fluids such as engine oil and coolant help the engine
run efficiently for many miles down the road. Servicing other components such
as the transmission, air conditioner and differential will help your car live
a long and happy life. It is also beneficial to find a repair shop you
can trust, you can do this by contacting the better business bureau in your
area and inquire about any complaints the shop might have filled against them.
Check Manufacturer Specific Car Maintenance
Questions and Answers
Additional "How to" Car Repair or Services
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