Archive for February, 2009

How to Choose a Car Repair Shop

Getting your car repaired; hurts. Routine oil changes and tune ups are things you are prepared and budgeted for. But car repair is a thing you cannot anticipate – breakdowns and accidents can happen at any time. When these things happen we curse our luck and are torn between two urges –first to get the car back on the road as quickly as possible and secondly to spend as little as we can (insurance is something we are not considering here) on auto repair services. These are two contradictory but valid demands and you need to balance both to make sure that you get the best auto repair done.

Understanding Auto Repair Estimates

There is a common perception that auto repair shops rip off customers and that it all begins by tricking the car owner into accepting an inflated car repair quote. This is not completely true and there are many honest and sincere auto repair shops. But the reputation exists for a reason. Unless you are an automobile engineer, it’s easy for a motor mechanic to give a lot of impressive sounding technical gobbledygook that can convince car owners that they need to spend more than they really have to for car repairs. The trick to not getting ripped off is not in knowing all about the car’s workings but in knowing how to read an estimate and what to look out for.
First of all get to know some of the key terms used:

Foreign Car Repairs

The term “foreign car” is a much misused one. Just because a car is not made by one of Detroit’s big three, it does not mean it is a foreign car. Japanese and Korean cars made in factories here in America are not really foreign cars. Foreign cars are those which are manufactured abroad and imported into this country. Getting these cars repaired requires special care on the part of the car owner. The reason for this is foreign car repair shops depend on parts coming from overseas sources and use bases of expertise that are not local but comes from another country. Finding local car repair facilities with motor mechanics familiar with the unique requirements for import car repairs can be time consuming and difficult.
But it’s not impossible. There are millions of foreign car owners in the country who use and maintain their cars with no major problems. What is important is to know what to look for when finding a foreign car repair shop that will provide both the expertise and the right spare parts.
The first thing you need to do is look for proper certification. Of course, that is desirable even for American cars, but with generations of experience in the repair of American cars, even non certified repair shops can usually handle most commonplace repairs fairly adequately. This is because all American cars are built using the same concepts and design features, meant to cater for the domestic market. Foreign cars, and here we are talking mainly of European cars, are on the other hand, built to European requirements and markets. Many have engines and electrical systems that are completely different from American cars. To understand and repair these requires specialized training in foreign auto repair services. Even the best car mechanic, who is an expert on American cars; may through a lack of familiarity with foreign technology and design concepts, do more harm than good when it comes to foreign auto repair.
The first thing you need to do when looking for a car repair shop for your foreign car is to know the reputation it has. If you can get a reference from someone who has the same make car as you, that’s great. If not, check with your local Better Business Bureau to see how the car repair shop is rated. Also ask if the auto repair shop can give you some testimonials. If they have nothing in writing, ask for the contact details of some of their customers whom you can contact. Auto repair shops that are unwilling to provide this information may have something to hide!
Contact some local car clubs and ask for references. You will often find either region specific clubs – German or British car owners for example, or make specific clubs – Fiat, Audi and so on. Owners will be happy to provide you with car repair information on the car repair services they have used. Since members of these clubs are usually very involved and knowledgeable about the best auto repair services, the inputs they can provide you on car repair shops and spare parts suppliers will be invaluable.
If you can’t find an auto repair shop that is certified for the make you own, the next best thing is to find on that specializes in cars from the country yours is from. It’s better to avoid repair shops that say they are specialized in “foreign car repair” or “European cars.” German and Italian cars are very different in the engineering used in manufacture and a one size fits all approach can leave you with more problems than you started out with.
Getting spare parts for foreign cars is often a problem. The best thing you can do is shop around and when you find a place that sells genuine spare parts, keep a stock of frequently required spares such as belts, hoses, spark plugs, bulbs etc. with you for when you need them.
In many cases even certified auto repair shops will not have some parts in stock and you will be left with the option of either waiting for a long time for the part to become available or to use non original parts that the repair shop has in stock. If you decide to go in for the non original parts, make sure that the shop gives you a long term warranty on the parts they provide. They may be fine, but since they are not original equipment, you need to be sure not only that they will give you good service, but also that any future problems with them will not result in further damage to your car.
Most foreign car manufacturers’ will have details of their American auto repair services on their websites. If there is one near you, that’s always the best way to go. Whether you go to a certified car repair center or a non certified one, make sure that you get a detailed car repair quote, with parts and labor given separately, before you commit to any repairs. Even with certified auto repair shops, ridiculous mark ups on the spare parts prices are not unknown. Compare the estimate with the prices from other car repair shops and look for any huge price differentials. Certified auto repair shops will normally be more expensive because they will have spent on special equipment, on spare parts stock and specialized training for their auto mechanics to meet the manufacturer’s requirements. It’s always better to pay a bit more for the peace of mind you will get from going to these car repair shops for your repairs. But large price variations; especially on labor, is something you need to watch out for.
Be careful of a car repair center that offers to modify mechanical or electrical parts so that the car can use cheaper and more easily available domestically made parts. A car is a holistic piece of engineering with each part made to work is a specific way in concert with others. Modifications of this type will frequently result in damage to other car systems and components.
You bought your foreign car because of the drive, performance, features and style it offers. Just because car repair services may be a little more difficult or expensive does not mean that you should compromise on the repair standards and end up with less of a car than what you want.

Auto Repair Estimates – Negotiation Tips

The biggest problem with auto repair estimates is that there is no guarantee that what is on the estimate is what you will end up paying for your car repair. Once in a while you will find a motor mechanic telling you a part thought to be defective is not and does not need replacement. But far more often you will find that once you approve the auto repair estimate and work on your car starts, much more than was initially thought has to be repaired or replaced and all your repair budgets go out the window. In some cases this because you are being ripped off and in others the reasons maybe genuine. Even the best car mechanic can’t be sure of the full extent of engine damage till they open it up.
But before you even come to the stage of additional costs, you need to be sure that the auto repair estimate you get is as accurate as possible. Many auto repair shops start by giving you vague ideas of the amount of work and parts that are needed and then quote you the minimum figure, knowing full well that they will end up charging you more than that. The reasons for this, even with the best and otherwise most honest of car repair shops, is basic selling techniques. Car owners tend to get put off when the see large figures for auto repair given to them up front. Car repair services often tend to quote the lowest possible prices just to get the business and once they do, and the work has begun, reveal the true picture knowing that in most cases the customer won’t tell them not to do the work and will agree to the revised car repair quote.
Luckily, there are resources available today that can help you to negotiate not just the estimate cost but also the actual final repair cost. Nothing is set in stone, especially auto repair estimates. Before going further, please keep in mind that if you are able to negotiate lower prices, it does not necessarily mean that the auto repair shop was trying the cheat you with their first figures. They are a business and even the best car repair shops will try to maximize their profit without really cheating you, but by charging what they think the market (meaning you) will bear for the required auto repairs.
The firs thing you need to do is differentiate between necessary car repairs and cosmetic ones or those that can be put off for some time. Look at your car as functioning on three levels. First of all there is the essential level that comprises of engine, suspension, brake and transmission repairs. These are essential auto repairs, not just to keep your car running, but also for your safety. These are repairs that you should not put off. Additionally, if you do, driving your car with say, a damaged suspension can result in other parts of the car also getting affected and inflate your final repair bill.
Next is the driving enjoyment level – repairs to the music system, the heater and air conditioner. These are things that you may like, but if your budget does not permit these car repairs to be done immediately, they can be postponed. Your car will run safely without them. After all, why get an estimate on a heater repair in summer?
The third level is minor body car repair – dents, scratches and chips in the paint work. These are only cosmetic and if you want to, you can put them off for a while. However, please remember that these need to be done as soon as your budget allows because damaged paint work can result in rusting of the body work. And once rust forms on one part of the body, it spreads to other body parts, even under undamaged paintwork.
Ask your auto repair shop to categorize the repairs you need on this basis. That will give you an estimate that will tell you what car repairs you need to do now and what you can put off for a while.
Go on the internet and start searching the numerous sites offering auto repair estimate databases. These databases have collected information on labor and parts costs from a variety of sources and will be able to provide if not the exact figures of what the repair should cost you, at least a figure that you can use for budgeting your car repairs.
Secondly, try contacting your local auto clubs or finding them online. There are clubs for both the general car owner and for specific car and truck makes and models. Members of these clubs are usually people who are interested in the cars and take trouble over the maintenance and car repairs. They will be able to provide you first hand experience of what auto repair costs should be and the best places to go for car repair services.
Once you have this kind of information at your disposal, you can talk hard numbers with the auto repair shop. Remember that the car repair shop is a business and you are a customer who has a right to getting a fair deal. Getting this deal is easier if you have the numbers with you and know what to ask for. Car repairs shops who find that potential customers have done their research and know what they are talking about will refrain from trying to take the customer for a ride because they are likely to lose the business. Any businessman worth his salt will accept a reasonable profit if he finds he can’t get a very high one.
Most auto repair estimates also contain a lot of technical jargon designed to confuse customers. Ask for explanations of any terms you don’t understand and go back to your data base or other sources of information and see how good the cost estimates for the work is. If it’s high, go back and tell the motor mechanic that it’s high and not acceptable. Most car repair shops, once they find a customer is willing to take the trouble to verify the prices given in an estimate, will fall into line soon enough.
It’s important that you don’t let even the small things go. Get details on even the minor components of auto repair costs like the miscellaneous charges which are usually for things like rags, cleaning fluids and other consumables. You may feel hesitant to ask about the quantity of rags used for cleaning, but the fact that you do emphasizes that you have an eye for detail and will ensure the mechanics think twice before trying to pull a fast one on the bigger car repair costs.

How to go about A Car Repair?

Whether your car has been in nasty mishap or not, it’s essential that you take it to an auto repair centre on a regular basis. This would increase the life of the car and also ensure that an issue is addressed before it snowballs into something bigger. If you think it’s time to take your car for the annual auto repair, it’s essential that you look at what fellow customers have to say about the many different car repair shops you’re considering; if the car mechanics are reliable and the car repair centre uses genuine spare parts. You also need to see if the auto repair cost isn’t too high. This is the primary reason why you need to get car repair quote from different car repair shops and then see which of the many in the neighborhood would suit your requirements.
Sometimes, the cost could be covered by your insurance provider, especially if your car has been in an accident. You have to first make a list of all the repairs you need to and want to get done. Get this to-do repair list verified by an auto mechanic. Alternatively jot down all the troubling symptoms your car is exhibiting and this could include a squeaking noise when you apply brakes or too much gas consumption or the vehicle swerving slightly off the road. Take this to a certified auto repair shop; they would give you an approximate auto repair estimate. You could even do this online—submit the car’s “problem behavior” to one of the many online auto repair services; you’ll be mailed the auto repair cost with a detailed break-up.
Once you have a list of repairs and also an idea about the auto repair cost from many auto repair shops, you can decide on a particular place after checking out the garage or the auto repair shop. You could even speak with the auto mechanic and get all your doubts clarified. Dents are a big issue after an accident. Even though your insurance may cover the cost, you have to ensure that the car repair shop does more than a decent job; you don’t want to spend quite a bit and then realize that the repair was a half done job and looks more like tinkering than a repaint. Some places only remove the dents while others even offer a paint job. Often there are car health diagnostic camps organized by manufacturers. Sometimes, you may have to pay a certain amount as the checkup fee. This would be a great place to identify the repairs needed. Also, many auto repair shops would be giving out special discounts and you could avail these. You could also consider different auto repair shops if one place offers better service in fixing the air conditioner and another does a better job in the upholstery department. This may not be the cheaper option but it could work out if these centers have a partnership.
After you have zeroed in on a few auto repair shops, it’s time to negotiate to get the best deal. The key is to be informed and consider the possibility of walking out of a particular garage if you aren’t satisfied with the final car repair quote. Be firm in your tone and ask as many questions as you want to, until you’re convinced that their price is justified. Often, customers get cheated simply because they aren’t aware of the costs that could be eliminated. There is a lot of information available online. You could even post queries and expert mechanics would reply. From the wiper blades to engine parts, you should know what you want and how much it would cost you. You could subscribe for the newsletter that gives out car repair quote from many car repair centers. You can even get OEM products as this not only reduces the amount but is also known to be strong on performance.
A car that is bought from a showroom or a certified second-hand dealer generally has a few free services at a specific car repair centre. You could see if the work done is to your satisfaction and then go to the same place for your car repair, subsequently. As a regular customer, you could even be a part of their loyalty programs, if any. This could result in substantial cost savings. However, you need to realize that it’s always nice to have other options. Shop for car repair quote; look online or walk into a car repair centre in your locality. Speak with others who have recently got their vehicles repaired. Generally an auto repair centre would cost you less than an exclusive showroom. You could also go to retailers or franchised service centers, especially when they have holiday offers. You can opt for an essential, advanced or a complete overhaul of the vehicle when you take it to the car repair centre. Also a foreign car repair would cost more than a general car repair or a local car repair. Remember that when you leave your vehicle at the auto repair centre you make a list of the scratches and minor dents that wouldn’t be taken care of in this particular repair; there should be no extra damage after the service.
You may think that a car repair is something you could handle. But it’s always a good idea to take the vehicle to a certified auto repair centre if you think that something is wrong. A regular check-up would ensure that the oil is changed when needed, brakes are monitored, and other such matters are taken care of. However, you should remember that a car repair isn’t something you can avoid especially if you drive long distances often enough. The cost not only depends on the nature of repairs, but also the availability of the parts, the make and the model of the vehicle, and finally how much you would like to pay for the car repair; the availability of tools and the number of hours required is also taken into account. Get a total auto repair estimate before you agree for the car repair. If you do your homework right, there is no reason why your car repair should be a nightmare.

Should You Buy A New Car Or Keep Fixing Your Old One?

In today's economy more people are opting to keep their older cars and have them fixed. For some this is easier than going to the expense of a new car payment. Used cars have larger payments also and in many cases your old car will give you better performance if you keep up with the maintenance.

How To Avoid Being Ripped Off With Car Repairs

Everyone hears horror stories about people getting ripped off with high priced car repairs. There are other stories about people having to take their cars back and forth to a car dealership after they have a simple repair. When you need car repairs you want a competent auto mechanic and a car repair center that will do the job right the first time.

There are many things to consider when you need auto repair. Sometimes you have the time to shop around for auto repair estimates and at other times you need a repair done quickly.

Choices For Auto Repair
Most people use one of three ways to get their automotive car repairs:

Should You Choose a Chain Auto Repair Shop?

When your car breaks down it is sometimes a problem finding the right auto repair shop to take it to because you do not want to be ripped off. There are many ways to go and many automotive mechanics to choose from. One option for many people is the chain repair shop.

You know who they are and what they charge. They are the Firestones, Goodyears, Midas and so forth. It used to be easy to make a decision on these because they were specialty shops. Everyone knew to go to Midas or Meineke for breaks, Goodyear and Firestone for tires. Today all of these shops to more and it's challenging to find which hones will do the best job for car repair services.

What To Look For In An Auto Mechanic

An auto mechanic is like a wizard when it comes to making your car run smoothly. They can be as important to the life of your car as a physician is to your life. Whether you have an older car or a new one a good auto repair mechanic that takes good care of you and your car is worth their weight in gold.

When you go into an auto repair garage most mechanics are certified although some of the smaller garages may have both certified and uncertified mechanics. You will want to talk to the garage manager and to the mechanic that will work on your car to make sure your care is in good hands.