A good car owner is one who digs deep in his owner’s manual. The car owner manual is your car’s bible. Knowing where to dig for information as quickly as possible is an easy way of identifying causes when trouble comes up. It might even save you the trouble of visiting the auto repair mechanic for you will be able to maintain your car therefore need for repairs is minimal. It helps to not only the make and model of your car but also to have the specific trim level on hand for the service technician. Be well aware of your vehicles identification number, as this code is most likely being required when you need servicing.
BE SURE TO DECIDE BETWEEN THE INDIPENDENT CORNER GARAGE AND THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT.
The professional technicians that are at the dealer service department shop are specialists. They have been manufacturer trained and they work exclusively on the make of your vehicle. Most dealers that are there have an ongoing training program for all their service staff and this program includes the service technicians and also the service manager, advisors and the support staff. The dealer service department is however the most expensive route of getting the service for your vehicle. Previous dealer employees who have ventured out and decided to start their own repair shops have actually started many auto repair services that are independent. The fact that the dealer service department shops are expensive does not necessarily mean that they are the best technicians.
HAVE YOUR RECORDS IN ORDER AND DON’T LEAVE THEM BEHIND.
With everything you do to your car have and keep the records. This well kept records can be a very useful instrument in correctly diagnosing a vehicle problem for the first time that it shows up. A car that has well documented repair and auto repair service history then it will be easier for your mechanic to tell the value first rate work at all the recommended intervals and also works well in helping you do your part of keeping your vehicle in tip top shape. If you have incomplete records then it could lead to redundant auto repairs that will only be a loss of your time and money.
IS THE MECHANIC TRAINED ON YOUR PARTICULAR VEHICLE MODEL?
The car and also trucks are now extremely complex machines and have very unique features and characteristics from brand to brand. Therefore you need to make certain that your mechanic who will handle your vehicle is properly trained to handle your specific vehicle since different brands require different types of specific tools and repair procedures. The mechanic should also be certified to handle such repairs and should also have received training and if possible should be well experienced to handle the vehicle repairs. Seek to see his or her credentials as this ensures you know if they are competent to handle this job well and professionally.
INQUIRE AND ASK QUESTIONS.
Begin by asking about the prices they charge and any labor charges that come about in the final fee. If you are finding it hard to add up these prices then you could visit various shops so that you are able to have various estimates to choose from. Don’t necessarily go for the cheaper rates as this might mean they are offering shoddy work. Also do not just assume since the costs in a particular shop are a bit higher it means they are the best technicians. Consider various factors before settling with a particular shop. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Ask why a certain area needs to be repaired or how a particular technology works. You absolutely have a right to be educated about your vehicle.
It is important to go with your gut, too. If you are uneasy with a particular shop or technician then keep off them. Take your vehicle to an area where you feel comfortable to leave your vehicle in their hands for them to do their repair jobs.
Written by Marc Laferierre, owner of Dents Unlimited. Dents Unlimited has the best auto repair Columbia MO has to offer, where their expert staff can get your car back on the road in no time.
