Many women are “taken to the cleaners” when they bring their vehicle to an auto mechanic. If you don’t know anything about vehicles, you may want to educate yourself about auto mechanics. If you’re waiting for Prince Charming to “sweep” you off of your feet so you don’t have to deal with your vehicle, you may be waiting for awhile. In the meantime, learn the “ins and outs” of your vehicle. This is a great way to protect yourself when you car needs to be repaired.
27 Questions
- What is an estimated dollar amount for repairs?
- What references do you have? Listed with the BBB?
- How many years have you’ve been in business?
- How many of the auto mechanics are ASE certified?
- Where did the auto mechanics receive their certification?
- What can I do to maintain my engine?
- When will the hoses need to be replaced?
- When will I need to change the battery?
- What is a serpentine belt?
- What exactly do “fuel injectors” do?
- When should the air filter be changed?
- What is the best oil for my car?
- Where will you keep the PARTS that needed to be replaced? Look at them!
- How much coolant is required in my car?
- What does it mean if the coolant seems to be disappearing?
- When is it a good time to be fuel injector cleaner in my car?
- When will it be necessary to change the spark plugs and injectors?
- How do I keep my engine clean?
- What parts are under warranty? For how long? Labor?
- Where did the parts come from? (Manufacturer)
- How long do brakes, shoes, and pads usually last?
- How long does a battery last?
- What kind of test can I do to check the TREAD on my tires?
- What type of tire is right for my vehicle?
- What battery is good for my car?
- What money back guarantee is there?
- What kind of test will you perform on my car to make sure it was properly serviced? Road test? Other?
Here are some tips and tricks to maintaining your vehicle.
Tips & Tricks
- Take your car to a REPUTABLE auto mechanic. Get references! If you’re new to an area, it’s imperative to find a good auto mechanic. Ask co-workers and neighbors where they take their car;
- Change your oil every 3,000 to 7,000 miles. The rule of thumb is 3,000 miles; however, some people “push it” to 7,000 miles;
- Keep the proper amount of air in your tires. The normal pressure is 35 lbs. of air. Make sure to check your car’s manual or the inside of car door (drivers side);
- If you live in the “desert states” of Arizona and New Mexico, you’ll probably be changing your hoses more frequently than the rest of the U.S. Make sure your hoses are in working order — ask your mechanic to check them out IF this is not included in a service package.
Ladies, it pays to know a little about cars and vehicles in general. The next time you take your car to be serviced, you’ll feel confident that you KNOW something about your vehicle.
Get to know and “tune” into your vehicle. This is just like being “tuned” into your body. Let’s say you go to the doctor for a checkup. You KNOW when something is off in your body. But, the doctor may say your fine. Your “intuition” will tell you when something is off. It’s the same with your vehicle. The more you know about your vehicle, the better you’ll be able to tell if the auto mechanic is trying to take you for a ride or brushing you off!
Rebecca
BONUS!
When you buy a car ask the following questions.
- Where was my vehicle made?
- How long is my vehicle under warranty?
- What day was my vehicle made on?