Traits of the Best Auto Repair Shops

                                                       

Traits of the Best Auto Repair Shops

By Dan Hinchee 

Having a car that needs auto repair can be nerve wracking, especially when you do not know, which auto repair shop to take it to. The truth is, many car owners wait until they require auto services to start searching for a reputable service provider. But what exactly makes a good auto repair shop? These are some of the things you should look out for:

Excellent customer service

It all starts with that first contact you make when you call to inquire about the services offered and the charges of the same. If it sounds as if the person on the other hand is genuinely interested in helping you, then you can go ahead and visit the auto repair shop. The best auto repair shops understand that satisfying the customer is key, and that professionalism, respect and open communication are part of that process.

Mechanics who are not just competent but personable as well

Before a mechanic can work on your car, you need to make sure they are ASE Certified. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence standards. Depending on the kind of work you need done, you might require the automotive technicians to have additional certification.

On top of the technical know-how, it is crucial that a mechanic have the personality required to interact amiably with the clients bringing in their cars for auto repair. The mechanics interact with the car owners on a one-on-one basis and as such must know how to do so well.

Reputable guarantees and warranties

Competent auto repair shops guarantee their work and offer warranties for at least 12 months and 12,000 miles. This way, you can put your mind at ease knowing that you are getting professional services from a competent provider who is confident in the kind of services they offer.

Great hours/Flexibility

Auto emergencies happen when you least expect them. Good auto repair shops understand this, and this is why they offer flexible working hours that allow you to call in when that emergency happens on a Saturday. They are open on Saturdays, offer towing and service your car on the same day that you bring it in.

Some of the services offered by reliable companies include mechanical services, electronic ignition, alignment, automobile A/C repair, tune-ups, major and minor engine repair, factory scheduled maintenance, oil changes, coolant system service among others.

Membership in a Cooperative Marketing Association

Before an auto repair shop can belong to a network such as NARPRO, it must pass quality and integrity tests, and also receive high customer satisfaction ranking.

If you are looking for an auto repair shop that understands your needs and strives to meet them, then look out for one with great services and great prices so you can rest assured that you will get all the work you need done without emptying your wallet. Whether you want some maintenance work done, or your car just broke down and requires major repairs, you have the right auto repair shop for you.

Copyright (c) 2015 Crawfordville Auto and Tire

At Crawfordville Auto Care, we recommend factory maintenance once every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first during which we advise you on any minor or major engine repair work. We also carry out systematic fuel system cleaning to help you get the best of your mileage. http://crawfordvilleauto.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Hinchee

Read Your Car's Owner's Manual

Read Your Car’s Owner’s
Manual

By Jason Green

Have you ever saw a light on your car’s
gauge display and wondered just what the heck that light meant? Today’s cars
are highly tuned, technically advanced machines. How are you suppose to know
what some light that you have never seen before is trying to tell you? Well the
answer should be painfully obvious, but most car owners seem to overlook the
best resource available to them to answer a question like this, the car’s
owner’s manual! That’s right, the owner’s manual. This beautiful book holds a
plethora of information!

I recommend reading the whole thing,
but if you are looking for a specific item or bit of advice, then turn to the
index. Most questions that you may have about your car can be easily found
using this tool as a quick guide to what page of your owner’s manual to turn to
for the answer to your question. As for
the question to “what is that light?” there it is, on page 34… “Instrument
Panel”! If the indicator light refers to
a serious issue the owner’s manual will even refer you to where to service your
car, usually the dealership (of course), unless not feasible given your
location at the time.

Categories vary in the owner’s
manual. Common sections include…

-Vehicle Maintenance (Oil Changes/Other Fluid Changes/&
Filter Changes)

-Audio System (Radio/CD/Satellite)

-Door Locks (Power/Remote/Manual)

-Instrument Panel (Check Engine Light/Other Indicators
Lights/Gauges)

-Climate Control (Heating/Air Conditioning)

-Airbags & Seat Belts

-Specifications (Fuel Type/Oil Type)

-Emergency Roadside (Spare Tire Location/& Towing)

And many more items are highlighted in
the index. Unlike the randomly picked
items above, the items in the index will be listed alphabetically for quick
reference. Chances are if you have a
question about your car, the answer will be here.

Indicator lights in particular are a
good idea to look up in the owner’s manual.
Did you know an illuminated airbag light may prevent the airbags from
deploying in an accident? Did you know
that if your check engine light comes on, you can first check to see if your
fuel cap is tight before taking the car in for diagnosis? This information is right there, in that book
in your glove box!

Over the years working in the
automotive service industry I have spent much of that time answering questions
over the phone and in person for people that had a question that was right
there in the owners manual. Job security
for me, but still there available to you first if read. Of course not everything can be solved with this
reference book, but you may be surprised!

Top 5 Reasons to Select an ASE Certified Mechanic to Repair Your Car

Top 5 Reasons to Select an ASE Certified Mechanic to Repair Your Car
By Ron Haugen

It’s time. Your car needs a repair and you didn’t plan for it ahead – tsk, tsk. Now you need to find a good, dependable, quality mechanic, stat! Where do you go? How do you choose? There are many ways to evaluate mechanics and compare one against another, but one key way is to select an ASE Certified Mechanic. You’ve probably heard the phrase “ASE Certified” in relation to vehicles before, but what does it mean and why is it good? It refers to the National Institute for Automobile Service Excellence. The certification has been in existence since 1972 and here’s all you need to know about why you should only select an ASE Certified Mechanic to repair your car.

1) ASE Certified mechanics have to pass a specialized exam. There are eight different specialties available for a mechanic to choose to be certified in. The specialization could be in specific areas such as: engine repair, automotive trans/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical / electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, or engine performance. Now, just passing an exam doesn’t necessarily make a mechanic qualified to work on your car; however, it does show that they have been educated in the specifics of how to diagnose and repair the components contained within their chosen specialty.

2) To be ASE Certified, you can’t just pass the exam. One is also required to have at least two years of ‘relevant’ work experience. Now we’re talking! So they have to pass a test and then work in the field for at least two years before they are eligible to be certified by the ASE.

3) The ASE also has higher levels of education, seriously, for mechanics. That’s something to be impressed with in any profession. The ability to, and the subsequent decision to pursue continuing education to become a Certified Master Mechanic shows me that this mechanic both loves his craft and appreciates that it’s an ever-changing field with these fast-paced technology advancements in the auto-making industry. [A] Master Mechanic has passed all eight specialty exams!

4) Ethics. In addition to the training and work-requirements, an ASE Certified Mechanic is held accountable to a commitment he or she has made to only engage in ethical business practices. Finally! A mechanic we can trust!

5) ASE Certified Mechanics are sought after by the most reputable dealerships and garages; why wouldn’t you demand the same level of professionalism and training that others in the industry require?

Seriously though, most mechanics are good honest citizens just trying to make a living doing something they enjoy or have always been good at. But we’ve all heard the horror stories of shysters and crooks in the auto mechanic industry, and quite frankly it’s made us gun-shy. Asking for a mechanics certifications and only choosing ASE Certified Mechanics to perform your auto repairs will save you a tremendous amount of worry and headaches down the road. It’s nice to just not have to worry about whether it’s being done right and whether you’re being treated fair. An ASE Certified Mechanic takes the stress out of car repairs.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go tohttp://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen

6 Steps to Finding and Selecting the Right Windshield Repair Company

By Leonard Paulsen

Looking for any type of repair service can definitely be a daunting task, and a windshield repair company is no exception.  As soon as you begin researching your options, you will notice huge differences in price.  Of course, the first question in your head is "why is there such a huge price difference?!" and "should I be worried if I go with the cheaper option?".

Well, to answer the second question first, yes and no.  If it is really a CHEAPER option, then yes.  If it is just a less expensive option, all while maintaining the same level of quality, then you may not need to worry.  So "how do I know?!"  you are probably asking.  First, and foremost, if you are looking for the least expensive, but reliable option, check to make sure that they have a business license (yes, there are many that don't).  Do they have liability insurance?  This is very important, especially since we are talking about the windshield of your car, which is a big safety concern!

Lastly, do they have a physical shop location?  Well, you may ask, is that really necessary if they are licensed and insured?  While not necessarily 100 percent necessary, it is definitely good for two reasons.  One, it shows the business is probably established enough to be able to afford a shop (which is not cheap), and even more importantly, you have somewhere to go if something is wrong with the repair afterwards!

Okay, so you have picked a few windshield repair shops that meet those three criteria, but there are still big differences.  Why?  At this point there are three more areas to evaluate.  The first two are direct impact on necessary overhead.  Number one is the size of the building that they have, and the location.  Obviously, a large, 30,000 sq/ft building has a way larger overhead, than say a 4-5k sq/ft shop.  Number two is, what is the brand of windshield that they will be installing.  Just like anything, there are premium brands, and less expensive brands.  Just keep in mind, that while there are some benefits to premium glass, the less expensive versions still meet safety requirements, and all glass will break if struck by a hard object.

The third item to look at before you choose a windshield replacement company, is their reviews.  Always check to see what other customers have had to say.  More importantly, recent reviews.  Employees can turnover in shops, just like any business, and there may have been hiccups in the past, but make sure that current reviews look good.  If you see something questionable, ask what type of guarantee they give.  If they are even half reputable, they should offer a lifetime warranty on the actual work performed.

So, what have we determined through these steps?  The first three allowed us to determine how legit each option was, as well as ensure that there is someone to hold accountable for their work.  The second three, allowed us to determine whether cost differences were from a company just having higher overhead (while offering the same product and service).  If you can find a reliable company, with good reviews, and offering you a product that satisfies you, by all means, go with that option.

Being that safety is a huge concern here though, I strongly urge you to not just go with the cheapest option, just because it is the cheapest.  Many people do, and while some are happy, many are frustrated and regretful afterwards.  But this doesn't mean you have to use the most expensive option either.  Just follow these steps while doing your research, and you will greatly increase your chances of getting a great deal, as well as great service!

Pro Tip:  Also make sure to ask companies about price matching, especially the local businesses (not franchise).

While we all hope that we will never have the need for a windshield repair service, the fact is that most of us will.  Follow these steps, and happy searching!

Article Source:  http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leonard_Paulsen

Timing Belt, Does Your Car Have One?

By Jason Green- WhereToServiceYourCar.com 

August 3, 2013

I came across this video, it has some good information about timing belts which are an important engine component on many engines. Check your owner’s manual to see if your car’s engine has a timing belt or a timing chain. If equipped with a timing belt it needs to be replaced at certain intervals, again refer to your owner’s manual! The audio is a bit dry, but it is a good visual demonstration of what the timing belt is and what it does.

Click here for timing belt video.

Lube Centers

Lube Centers

By Jason Green

July 21, 2013

Need an oil change? There are many places you could take your car to for one. When deciding where to service your car, lube centers are on the list. These places can be great for oil changes! No appointment needed and most of these places will have you on your way within half an hour or faster. During the oil change there will be an inspection done on your vehicle. This is done more for the lube center’s benefit than yours, but it can certainly be beneficial to you as well (or not).

A well run lube center is an impressive machine to watch. It starts with the greeter who you guessed it, greets you! The greeter is there to welcome you, ask what type of service you are looking for, and to let you know approximately how long of a wait should be expected for your service. Once in the building a team of technicians swarm your car. There is the hood tech that inspects the engine compartment, checking fluid levels and their conditions, filters, battery, and some other engine components as well, eventually ending with that hood tech adding oil to your engine.

Then there is the pit tech (the technician underneath the car). The pit tech will drain the oil from your engine and change the oil filter. The pit tech will also lube the chassis and check the fluid levels and fluid conditions of any gearboxes if the vehicle is four wheel drive. A lube is when a vehicle’s chassis grease zerks are filled with grease when the chassis boots get low on lubrication. Grease zerks are going the way of the dodo. Auto manufacturers are phasing them out with “sealed systems” which do not require the constant refilling of the boots to keep the chassis properly lubricated and connected. But a good pit tech will still keep a watchful eye out for any safety issues concerning your car’s undercarriage.

While the hood tech and pit tech are busy doing their jobs, there will probably be a courtesy tech whose job will be to check your tire pressures, wash your windows, lubricate the door hinges, and perhaps vacuum your car. Watching all of this attention being given to your car is impressive and it is meant to be. A well trained and managed lube center can be a fine place to have your car serviced at. The other side of that is a poorly trained and managed lube center can end up costing you a lot of money in missed inspection items or with improperly performed maintenance. Let your gut guide you when deciding if you are dealing with a quality lube center or not. If you get a feeling that something is lacking during your lube center experience don’t ignore that voice in your head.

Once the hood tech is finished with the inspection and getting any needed information from the other technicians, the hood tech will fill out an inspection form to present to you. A good hood tech will present all the information from the inspection to you starting with the things that checked out good to give you a sense of “this isn’t so bad”. Then undoubtedly will be the recommendations for services to be performed on your car. A well trained lube tech will not come across as pushy, but many of these lube centers put incredible pressure on their hood techs to maintain a certain dollar average amount in sales above the oil change per car. If that average isn’t met… guess what, that lube tech is expendable. It can be brutal. If the tech comes across as high pressure and pushy, decline any extra work on your car and let them know that you don’t appreciate their pressure tactics.

A typical inspection form will include the condition of the car’s different fluids, filters, battery, exterior lights, accessory belt(s), wiper blades, and the lube centers list of available services for your vehicle. Items and services such as…

• Engine cleaners and mechanical engine flush services
• Fuel system cleaner additives and fuel system cleaner services
• Engine air filter replacement and cabin air filter replacement
• Fuel filter replacement
• Transmission fluid change or flush
• Gearbox services for four wheel drive vehicles- front differential fluid, transfer case fluid, and rear differential fluid
• Radiator (engine coolant) fluid change or flush
• Power steering fluid change or flush

There are even more services available in some lube centers such as a/c system inspection and recharge along with other items and services I may have failed to mention. You get the picture. There is a lot of opportunity for these places to make money from you servicing your car. If recommended honestly and correctly additional performed work benefits you and the lube center.

Here are some common tactics used at lube centers to help increase their sales.

• Fluid samples comparing used versus new, they will use the terms “dirty” and “clean”
• Filter samples comparing your engine air filter or cabin air filter next to brand new ones
• Pamphlets regarding their offered services, such as fuel system cleaning and others
• Repeatedly asking for the sale

When considering to approve or decline these additional services keep these things in mind. Air filters will typically last 30,000 miles unless you drive in particularly dusty conditions. Lube centers will try to sell you these air filters every 12,000 to 15,000 miles regardless of the manufacturer recommendations. Unless the engine air filter looks dirty to you, it can probably wait. Unless you feel really comfortable with your chosen lube center I would hold off on more technical maintenance until after a few visits to the business satisfies you that the technicians are competent and well trained. Wiper blades or inserts are easy to see if they are needed. Streaks on the windshield or rips in the wiper inserts make okaying replacement a “cut and dry” (pun intended) decision!

After the hood tech finishes the inspection review, oil will be added to your car and before you know it, you are on your way. I recommend checking the final engine oil level before leaving as well as making sure there are not any indicator lights on your meter gauge display. If the oil level looks ok (ask the tech to show this to you if you do not know how to check your oil level) and there are no warning indicators on your display, you are good to go until your next oil change!

Choosing Between Synthetic or Conventional Oil

Image courtesy of jscreationzs at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Choosing Between Synthetic or Conventional Oil

By Jason Green

June 25, 2013

The argument over synthetic versus conventional oil has

raged for years on automotive forums.  In

this article we will give you some knowledge to decide which oil is best for

your car.

 What is the Difference?

Conventional lubricants are made from crude oil that is

refined in order to remove impurities. Other chemicals are then blended with it

before it is bottled up and shipped to your favorite auto supply store. Despite

the best of refining methods, conventional oil will still contain certain

levels of impurities such as waxes, silicon and even dirt.

Synthetic oils are manmade and are typically derived from

alcohol or natural gas which means they start out pure and stay that way. There

are no contaminants and they tend to stay stable at a wider range of

temperatures. Synthetic oils are also more consistent, not thickening as much

in cold weather or thinning in hot.

 There is also the

synthetic blends category which is made up of oils that combine synthetic oil

with conventional. They are usually less expensive than a pure synthetic but

also don’t last as long.

Which is Better?

When looking at just performance synthetic wins hands down

and some new cars recommend using only synthetic oil, in some cases using

conventional oil will actually void the warranty.

Synthetic oil has a more consistent molecular structure when

compared to conventional oil. Without getting into a technical scientific

discussion this means that the molecules do not burn off when they get hot,

which makes the oil last longer. They also are better at transferring heat

letting the engine run cooler.

Since synthetic oils are resistant to breakdown the interval

between oil changes is drastically improved. Experts say that going 10,000 to

12,000 between changes is common which is three to four times that of

conventional oil.

Is it best for me?

There are a thousand different answers to that question so

in the end you have to do what you feel is right for your vehicle. Start by

consulting the owner’s manual. Newer vehicle often recommend full synthetic

oil. While it is more expensive, the additional costs are usually recouped due

to the oil needing to be changed less often.

Some experts claim that fully synthetic oil will improve

your gas mileage but the increase is hardly dramatic, usually falling in the 2

percent range.

There are many rumors floating around about synthetic oil

that are simply not true. Just a few examples would be:

· 

You cannot switch to synthetic if it has been

running on traditional oil for a long time.

· 

Older cars should not be run on synthetic.

· 

Cars will often develop oil leaks when switched

to synthetic oil.

 While these rumors

have persisted for years there is no proof to back up the claims.

The majority of experts recommend running fully synthetic

oils in high performance vehicles. When it comes to other

vehicle types it is really up to you and your budget. Before looking for where to service your car check

your owner’s manual and talk to a trusted mechanic to see what they recommend

and then make a decision that makes sense for you and your vehicle.