It all comes down to doing some simple research, says Natalie Pataky, owner of Sunnyvale Foreign Car Service. “A quick check of the basics will tell you a lot about the shop you’re considering,” she says. “How long has it been in business? What does the shop look like? Is it clean and inviting, or is it dirty and shabby? How does the staff treat you when you walk in the door? Do they welcome you and really listen to you? Those small things say a lot about a shop and can really make you feel comfortable with your choice.”
Ms. Pataky also stresses that it’s smart for consumers to reference third-party reviews and check with the associations to which the auto repair shop belongs. “Diamond Certified, the ASCCA, AAA and the Better Business Bureau are all good places to start your research,” she says. “Those organizations list previous problems and complaints, and professional memberships show you the shop is serious about customer service and quality repairs.”
A good auto repair shop should give you an estimate upfront and be willing to answer any questions you have about what’s wrong with your vehicle and what your repair options are. Ms. Pataky adds that, as a customer, you have the final say as to where you take your vehicle and what repairs the shop makes. “You always have the right to take your vehicle to another shop if you don’t feel you’re receiving the service or attention you deserve,” she says.
You should also keep current on your car’s maintenance to avoid costly problems down the road. With proper preventive care, your car can last much longer than you might expect. Here are some tips:
Keep up with your tires. While your tires won’t directly impact your engine, they can significantly affect your wallet. Make sure to keep them properly inflated and inspect their treads on a regular basis. To avoid unbalanced wear, have them rotated at least every 5,000 miles.
Inspect belts regularly. Your car’s belt system helps your alternator and air conditioning compressor operate correctly. When these break, they can cause costly damage, so inspect them regularly for wear and replace them as needed.
Check fluids regularly. Keep up with your car’s oil, water, power steering fluid, and other important liquids. Check them regularly and have them refilled or replaced as needed.
Use the proper gasoline. Pay attention to your owner’s manual and only use the gasoline it recommends. Using “super” when the car calls for “regular” won’t make it perform better.
Go in for routine maintenance. Make sure to get regular oil changes and other maintenance as spelled out in your owner’s manual. Even if your vehicle is operating fine, these appointments can be vital for preventing later problems. Pay attention to warning lights. Don’t ignore dashboard warning lights if they come on. Take your vehicle to a mechanic to pinpoint the source of the problem.
Inspect exterior lights frequently. Check signals, brake lights and headlights on a regular basis. When these lights fail, driving can be dangerous.
