Having a car break down can cause a lot of stress and money. There are several things that you can do to reduce the headaches and costly repairs of an automobile problem. Below are a few steps and guidelines to receiving good auto repair service.
Choose a repair shop before you have a problem
Choosing someone to repair your car immediately after a breakdown puts you at a distinct disadvantage because, usually, such problems occur unexpectedly and when you are away from home. Since you must frequently make some arrangement to have your vehicle removed from a public highway or a merchant’s parking lot, you may fall victim to an unscrupulous towing service operator who will attempt to direct you to a mechanic that is a personal friend or a business associate who will take advantage of you. If you already have a relationship with a mechanic, that mechanic is more likely to know you and your car and will be aware of any previous problems that may bear on your current situation.
Dealership or an independent auto service?
Since an automotive dealership, or “factory shop,” has a much higher overhead operating cost and must pass the charges on to their customers in the form of higher prices. Most dealerships will attempt to justify these higher charges by citing the costs of ongoing training for their staff. However, most independent mechanics are former employees of dealerships. Using an independent auto service sometimes means that you will get the same level of automotive maintenance and repair experience at a lower cost to you.
Ask your friends
Auto mechanics and auto service companies follow the same business logic as anyone else: they can’t stay in business if they don’t provide quality services to their customers. Although it is certainly no guarantee that you will get the same level of service as did your friends or business associates, a personal recommendation is a sign that a mechanic or auto service has provided acceptable services in the past and most likely will continue to do so for new customers.
Get to know your automobile
Many automobile problems can be prevented if you follow the recommendations given in your vehicle owner’s manual. Start to view these recommendations in the same way that you view advice from your doctor: take proper care of both your health and that of your automobile to prevent small problems from becoming a major crisis later on.
In summary, a little planning and forethought can go a long way toward preventing the emotional and financial stress that can follow an unexpected automobile breakdown.
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