Older Car Care
There are few things as frustrating as car troubles. In addition to not being able to get around, you are often looking at expensive bills and a struggle to understand what’s wrong.
Older cars have these issues more frequently, making the owners of these cars question whether the trouble is worth not having a car payment. You already know that regular maintenance is crucial to keeping an older car on the road; we identify 6 ways to get the most out of car maintenance and necessary auto repairs, making it easier to save time and money on your car.
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How to get the most out of your auto repairs
Provide a detailed description of the problem to service writer
First and foremost, make sure you fully explain the problem your car is having to the service writer. Try not to guess as to what the problem might be. It might seem like a problem with your alternator to you (for example), but you don’t want to send your mechanic looking for an alternator problem if the issue is really an overdraw on your battery.
- Get a second opinion If the cost or complexity of the repair suggested by your mechanic seems off to you, consider taking your car to another mechanic for a second opinion. Tell the second service writer exactly what you told the first one, and try not to include the diagnosis from the first shop.
- Research your repair and your mechanic When you have a diagnosis that you’re satisfied with, do a quick search to familiarize yourself with the issue and the repair. And always make sure you’re working with a mechanic you trust! Use an auto repair shop that hires ASE certified mechanics.
- Go over repair order with mechanic When you’ve settled on a mechanic and a repair process, be sure to ask all your questions before work begins. You want to feel comfortable with what procedures and repairs you’re paying for. A good mechanic should be able and willing to explain the process to anyone.
- Ask for OE parts While it can be cheaper to buy new parts from a company that makes equivalent parts, you may end up replacing those parts again in the future because of their lower quality. Original Equipment from your manufacturer is what is recommended by your warranty, despite the potentially higher price for parts.
- Ask about discounts Some auto repair facilities offer discounts and coupons for return customers, new customers, or as a monthly special for certain repairs. Make sure you’ve asked if there are any ongoing deals that your repair could qualify for.
With these simple steps, you're well on your way to car success. If you have more questions, give Convoy Auto Repair a call today at (858) 560-9131 to speak with an auto professional today!