Automobile repairs are inevitable if you own a vehicle. Knowing where you will take your vehicle when a breakdown occurs can not only save you money but also make the inconvenience a little less stressful.
Reputation: Asking friends and family where they take their vehicle. Inquire about their experiences and whether they would recommend them.
Mechanic Qualifications: Ask the shop manager if the mechanics are certified, such as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Do they have special certifications for items like brakes, electrical, transmission, etc.?
Warranty: If your vehicle is under a warranty, make sure the shop is authorized to perfrom the repairs. Any unauthorized repair may void your warranty and require you to pay for the repair.
Appearance of Service Area: Is the shop clean & well-maintained? Is the equipment and tools modern and applicable to your needs?
Customer Service: Do you require a loaner vehicle, a ride to work or special hours? Do you require a tow truck?
Cost: Ask for an estimate. Compare hourly rates among shops. Even parts can differ.
Being prepared for the inevitable breakdown is worth the time and effort. Not only for your checkbook but also for your peace of mind.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
Are You Up-to-Date?
Have you been postponing general maintenance on your vehicle? Short of cash? If you do not keep up with general maintenance it could end up costing you a lot more in the long run.
Many parts of your vehicle are inter-related, so not keeping up with general maintenance could lead to bigger problems. Failing to complete simple maintenance such as changing the oil and checking your coolant can lead to poor fuel economy, unreliability, costly breakdowns and could also invalidate your warranty.
Following the manufacturer's recommendations is the best way to keep your vehicle in good condition. They can be found in the owner's manual and if you do not have one, you can contact the manufacturer to get the recommendations.
Many parts of your vehicle are inter-related, so not keeping up with general maintenance could lead to bigger problems. Failing to complete simple maintenance such as changing the oil and checking your coolant can lead to poor fuel economy, unreliability, costly breakdowns and could also invalidate your warranty.
Following the manufacturer's recommendations is the best way to keep your vehicle in good condition. They can be found in the owner's manual and if you do not have one, you can contact the manufacturer to get the recommendations.
Friday, February 02, 2007
When Should I Change My Antifreeze?
Manufacturers generally recommend coolant changes every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles. Some do change theirs every year for maximum corrosion protection, especially if your vehicle has aluminum heads, blocks or radiators.
The life of antifreeze depends generally on it's ability to prevent corrosion. Once that ability is gone, corrosion will begin and start eating away the metal inside the engine and radiator. To find out if should to change your antifreeze you need to test it. You can purchase test strips that indicate the condition and whether it should be changed.
Reverse flush is the ideal way to change coolant because if you only drain and add, it can leave a significant amount of the old coolant in the engine block. It will also help removing deposits and scale which will interfere with good heat transfer.
The life of antifreeze depends generally on it's ability to prevent corrosion. Once that ability is gone, corrosion will begin and start eating away the metal inside the engine and radiator. To find out if should to change your antifreeze you need to test it. You can purchase test strips that indicate the condition and whether it should be changed.
Reverse flush is the ideal way to change coolant because if you only drain and add, it can leave a significant amount of the old coolant in the engine block. It will also help removing deposits and scale which will interfere with good heat transfer.
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