I would say most of my experiences were doing Driveability Problems. Driveability problems consists of for examples, a car comes in missing, hard to start, or no start at all, bad gas mileage, Check Engine Lights, you know the hard stuff. lol
I was equipped with scanners, lab scopes oscilliscopes,volt ohm meters,and the 4 Gas reading machine which measures the amount of pollutiants coming from your tailpipe. It is also a good Diagnostic Tool.
I really enjoyed the days of rebuilding the C-3 carbuerators back in the day! Now I think they left around 1984-85. This type of work was really rewarding to me. I could see the before and after results of my carbuerator rebuilds.
But let me get back to the point. I cannot believe what a tuneup consists of these days! In my opinion, its just changeing your sparkplugs for $80. Higher on some models! Of course thats when the mechanics have your car in the shop and looks for somthing else to Increase their Ticket averages.
I knew one shop who gave away a Big Screen TV just for selling the most parts for that month! It wasnt me. lol
So in short, when you go in for a tuneup, take your time and ask for the list of the Items they want to sell you. (with estimates) And do them one at a time. Unless your well off or going on a trip and need it all done today. Some services may be legitimate but then others may be just parts thrown at you to increase ticket averages. This Tech. most of the time will do a good job. Thats the guy who will win the Big Screen!
AUTOMOTIVE
As you can see there's alot more than just kicking the tires!
I would like to opine on a few myths I have heard about auto mechanics. I heard that we are always bad people. The fact is from experience, during a routine inspection, if we recommend to many services that we will see cause a problem down the road for you, we are labeled as a rip off artist. If we don't recommend all the services that will cause you problems we are labeled as incompetent. As you can see being an auto technician can be very frustrating and difficult at times.
One other tip I can give you, If your happy with your car repair after a few weeks go back and thank the mechanic personally. This is almost never done. The few people that did, I as an auto technician personally took care of these people every time they returned for other services. I gave these people special attention on going that extra mile that you normally don't do. I know its hard some times but try and be nice to your auto mechanic!
I would like to opine on a few myths I have heard about auto mechanics. I heard that we are always bad people. The fact is from experience, during a routine inspection, if we recommend to many services that we will see cause a problem down the road for you, we are labeled as a rip off artist. If we don't recommend all the services that will cause you problems we are labeled as incompetent. As you can see being an auto technician can be very frustrating and difficult at times.
One other tip I can give you, If your happy with your car repair after a few weeks go back and thank the mechanic personally. This is almost never done. The few people that did, I as an auto technician personally took care of these people every time they returned for other services. I gave these people special attention on going that extra mile that you normally don't do. I know its hard some times but try and be nice to your auto mechanic!
Used Cars
Buying a used car can be alittle scary if you don't posses a little mechanical knowledge. The first thing I would recommend is take it to a reputable shop. Inform them that you are considering buying this car. Ask them for a complete list of everything they see that can cause you a problem in the near future. And make sure they give you an estimate.
The things that you would want checked out are front end suspension components, brakes, electrical system, (blinkers, lights etc.) leaks such as antifreeze, oil, power steering, brake fluid, and gas leaks. You'll most likely get charged for one hour of diagnostic time.
With the estimate in hand you can let the seller know that the vehicle needs some work performed. You can either have him fix the vehicle or have him knock it off the price of the car. Ive personally used this strategy and it worked Very well. If you don't have the time, then take someone with you with a little mechanical knowledge.
The things you should do are first drive the car around town and down the highway. Listen to any noises when braking and going over bumps. Make sure all your lights and blinkers work. I’ve noticed in the past most used car dealers would have the engine compartment steam cleaned. With that in mind, I would drive the car a good ten or fifteen miles and then have the engine compartment inspected for leaks. (Engine oil, transmission fluid, rack’n pinion and power steering components).
After driving the car around town pop the hood open see if you smell any fluid burning or see any leaks. These leaks should show up now after driving the car awhile. After the test drive if you noticed any of these problems then have your mechanic inspect the vehicle.
Advance Auto Parts
Brakes should be inspected every twenty to thirty thousand miles in my opinion. Most big brake franchises offer a free brake inspection. With that being the case, I would go out and get two or three free brake inspections. Then choose which one you feel comfortable with and the lowest estimate.
If they offer you a lifetime brake warranty at an additional cost ask the store manager to explain the warranty in detail. There are so many brake components that are not covered. I will talk a little further in upcoming posts.
Exhaust shops also most of the time offers a free inspection. If you think your car sounds a little louder than normal they will inspect your muffler, exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, and hangers and give you a free estimate.
I would bring another estimate from another shop and ask if they can beat this estimate. If you catch them on a slow day, no or little cars in the parking lot, they might work with you. You'll find this strategy will work with any repair, you need.
Another important point to remember, most big auto parts chains such as Advance Auto Parts offer free alternator, starter, and battery checks. Going there first could save you a diagnostic check out fee someplace else.
If they offer you a lifetime brake warranty at an additional cost ask the store manager to explain the warranty in detail. There are so many brake components that are not covered. I will talk a little further in upcoming posts.
Exhaust shops also most of the time offers a free inspection. If you think your car sounds a little louder than normal they will inspect your muffler, exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, and hangers and give you a free estimate.
I would bring another estimate from another shop and ask if they can beat this estimate. If you catch them on a slow day, no or little cars in the parking lot, they might work with you. You'll find this strategy will work with any repair, you need.
Another important point to remember, most big auto parts chains such as Advance Auto Parts offer free alternator, starter, and battery checks. Going there first could save you a diagnostic check out fee someplace else.
Car Specifications
This mostly applies to American made vehicles. Once again check your warranty and owner’s manual for details and don't be afraid to ask questions.
The things you should have when calling repair shops are the year, make, model and engine size. When calling about tires, check your owner’s manual for your specific tire size. Some times this can be located on the inside driver's door. Repair shops need this information to give you some type of estimate over the phone. Remember every car and truck have different prices on parts and labor. Don't forget to ask what their shop hourly rates are.
Tune-ups in my opinion are either minor or major. Minor tunes up on today’s cars are basically just spark plugs replacement. The reason I say that is, most of the newer cars, idle speeds and timing are computer controlled. There are no adjustments needed. So if you are having a problem such as missing, hesitating, stalling, and hard to start, ninety percent of the time a tune up wont help it. Now if you are having any of these problems ask for a diagnosis first and find out what the problem really is and get an estimate. A major tune-up is one that will cost you more money and you will need to determine if you are going to keep the car another 100,00 miles.
I will go a little deeper in my future posts. Happy Driving!
The things you should have when calling repair shops are the year, make, model and engine size. When calling about tires, check your owner’s manual for your specific tire size. Some times this can be located on the inside driver's door. Repair shops need this information to give you some type of estimate over the phone. Remember every car and truck have different prices on parts and labor. Don't forget to ask what their shop hourly rates are.
Tune-ups in my opinion are either minor or major. Minor tunes up on today’s cars are basically just spark plugs replacement. The reason I say that is, most of the newer cars, idle speeds and timing are computer controlled. There are no adjustments needed. So if you are having a problem such as missing, hesitating, stalling, and hard to start, ninety percent of the time a tune up wont help it. Now if you are having any of these problems ask for a diagnosis first and find out what the problem really is and get an estimate. A major tune-up is one that will cost you more money and you will need to determine if you are going to keep the car another 100,00 miles.
I will go a little deeper in my future posts. Happy Driving!
Enviromental Protection Agency
The web site I went to was http: //www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/warr95fs.txt It says
federally required emission control warranties protect you, the
Vehicle owner, from the cost of repairs for certain emission related
failures that result from manufacturer defects in materials and
Workmanship or that causes your vehicle to exceed federal emission
Standards.
I would go there and see if the emission part is covered first before you give the go ahead and fix the vehicle at your cost.
All these years as a auto-repair technician I was surprised to see this information, and to see how many parts are covered under this emissions warranty. I would have never known this information if it weren’t for the World Wide Web. These emission control parts are so expensive, please go ahead and check it out. That information should be kept along with your vehicle for future references.
I used to inform customers to check with the dealer or their extended warranty company to see if it was covered. So the next time that little light comes on that says Check engine or Service engine soon, have these documents ready. If a customer asked me if these were covered under the EPA’s emission warranty I would do my homework so that I don't get in trouble with the EPA.
This sight also informs you the process in filing a complaint if you are being sold a part that is covered under this warranty. Whether you were the first second or third owner, it didn't matter.
federally required emission control warranties protect you, the
Vehicle owner, from the cost of repairs for certain emission related
failures that result from manufacturer defects in materials and
Workmanship or that causes your vehicle to exceed federal emission
Standards.
I would go there and see if the emission part is covered first before you give the go ahead and fix the vehicle at your cost.
All these years as a auto-repair technician I was surprised to see this information, and to see how many parts are covered under this emissions warranty. I would have never known this information if it weren’t for the World Wide Web. These emission control parts are so expensive, please go ahead and check it out. That information should be kept along with your vehicle for future references.
I used to inform customers to check with the dealer or their extended warranty company to see if it was covered. So the next time that little light comes on that says Check engine or Service engine soon, have these documents ready. If a customer asked me if these were covered under the EPA’s emission warranty I would do my homework so that I don't get in trouble with the EPA.
This sight also informs you the process in filing a complaint if you are being sold a part that is covered under this warranty. Whether you were the first second or third owner, it didn't matter.
Car Warranty
I understand that brakes, tune-ups, oil changes, and preventive maintance services are not covered with your car purchases. But you will want to check with your dealer to be sure what is covered and what isn’t.
Things you should have inspected are any smoke emitting from your tailpipe, any type of leakage problems that could worsen after a while, any internal engine noise, or transmission shifting irregularity. These would be covered under your Power train warranty, and should be fixed.
Fuel and emissions warranties basically are any thing having to do with either your check engine light or on some models your service engine soon light. My understanding is the Environmental Protection Agency; (E.P.A) closely monitors the air qualities and wants every vehicle running smooth so that it doesn't produce any pollutants in the air. Most vehicles with the light on would be covered under this warranty. The last time I checked it was 7 years or 70 thousand miles which ever occurs first. According to the EPA (environmental protection agency) ruling you may be covered under this warranty.
I was surprised to see what was all covered and for how long. In another words, if your pesky engine light should come on it might be covered under this type of warranty!
Things you should have inspected are any smoke emitting from your tailpipe, any type of leakage problems that could worsen after a while, any internal engine noise, or transmission shifting irregularity. These would be covered under your Power train warranty, and should be fixed.
Fuel and emissions warranties basically are any thing having to do with either your check engine light or on some models your service engine soon light. My understanding is the Environmental Protection Agency; (E.P.A) closely monitors the air qualities and wants every vehicle running smooth so that it doesn't produce any pollutants in the air. Most vehicles with the light on would be covered under this warranty. The last time I checked it was 7 years or 70 thousand miles which ever occurs first. According to the EPA (environmental protection agency) ruling you may be covered under this warranty.
I was surprised to see what was all covered and for how long. In another words, if your pesky engine light should come on it might be covered under this type of warranty!
Car Repair Advice!
Before you leave ask them to save your old parts for your own personal inspection. You don't really have to know what your looking at but just by asking this question shows them you are a conservative and careful shopper. And once again, some shops will think twice about selling you a part that you don't need.
The last thing you should ask before you go, are questions about your warranty. For example what is covered and for how long. I have seen many times over and over, people picking up their cars and simply just leaving. This is ok if you are in a hurry, but you should know what you just purchased and if it happens again will they fix it for free?
I hope you will use this small bit of advice I have provided to you every time your car needs serviced. I will go into details in my future posts.You will find it could save you money and give you the confidence you need to leave your car in the hands of the repair shop guy.
The last thing you should ask before you go, are questions about your warranty. For example what is covered and for how long. I have seen many times over and over, people picking up their cars and simply just leaving. This is ok if you are in a hurry, but you should know what you just purchased and if it happens again will they fix it for free?
I hope you will use this small bit of advice I have provided to you every time your car needs serviced. I will go into details in my future posts.You will find it could save you money and give you the confidence you need to leave your car in the hands of the repair shop guy.
Hourly Rates
Ask what their SHOP HOURLY RATES ARE!
This information could save you money. For example, one shop prices a water pump job at 2.5 HRS. In labor. Their SHOP HOURLY RATE is $45.00 per hour. That means charging you $112.50 in labor. Another shop charges$70.00 per SHOP HOURLY RATE. That comes to $175.00 in labor. Just by asking what their SHOP HOURLY RATES are you saved $62.50. Every shop sets their own rate.
You will also appear as a careful shopper. They will think twice about over charging you. Ask them what are your chances of having your car serviced by a certified technician. In the auto repair industry mechanics are always coming and going. Training new people are always happening.
After all this is your money and vehicle you are entrusting this shop to. So don't be afraid to ask!
This information could save you money. For example, one shop prices a water pump job at 2.5 HRS. In labor. Their SHOP HOURLY RATE is $45.00 per hour. That means charging you $112.50 in labor. Another shop charges$70.00 per SHOP HOURLY RATE. That comes to $175.00 in labor. Just by asking what their SHOP HOURLY RATES are you saved $62.50. Every shop sets their own rate.
You will also appear as a careful shopper. They will think twice about over charging you. Ask them what are your chances of having your car serviced by a certified technician. In the auto repair industry mechanics are always coming and going. Training new people are always happening.
After all this is your money and vehicle you are entrusting this shop to. So don't be afraid to ask!
Frequently Asked Questions
After finding the right repair shop ask to speak to the store manager. Getting his name during the conversation is a good idea. Ask him if he has any specials or discounts for new customers. Just the idea of attracting new business he will most likely work with you.
What ever your situation is, tell him your not happy with your current mechanic or you are new to the area and are looking for a new place to start bringing your business to. I have seen this work many times over and over again. . Store managers are always under pressure to get their sales up. One shop I worked for was told to give at least 20% off repair services just to get the business up!
Ask what kind of warranty will come with your parts and services. And always ask to see your old parts! Bringing in coupons from other repair shops is another good idea. Ask if they can meet or beat this price. With the coupon in hand they will most likely do it. Happy Driving!
What ever your situation is, tell him your not happy with your current mechanic or you are new to the area and are looking for a new place to start bringing your business to. I have seen this work many times over and over again. . Store managers are always under pressure to get their sales up. One shop I worked for was told to give at least 20% off repair services just to get the business up!
Ask what kind of warranty will come with your parts and services. And always ask to see your old parts! Bringing in coupons from other repair shops is another good idea. Ask if they can meet or beat this price. With the coupon in hand they will most likely do it. Happy Driving!
SAVING MONEY ON YOUR CAR REPAIRS
Specialty shops (Tune-ups, brakes, exhaust, transmissions, tires, etc.) in my opinion are more experienced in what they do. They see the same problems over and over again.
Their prices are usually fair and can give quick and accurate estimates. Where as a general repair shop sees a different problemevery day. I sometimes compare this to lets say a general physician compared to a heart specialist. Who would you rather see for a heart problem? So as you can see finding the right repair shop could save you alot of time And money.
I have seen just recently there are auto repairs
referral services available in the phone books to help you locate a shop. I actually had this idea over 25 years ago! I should of ran with it! This is new and I can’t tell you how reliable they are.
Questions you ask could save you money After finding the right repair shop ask to speak to the store manager. Getting his name during the conversation is a good idea. Ask him if he has any specials or discounts for new customers. Just the idea of attracting new business he will most likely work with you. Whatever your situation is,
Tell him your not happy with your current mechanic or you are new to the area and are looking for a new place to start bringing your business to. I have also seen this work many times over and over again. .........
Their prices are usually fair and can give quick and accurate estimates. Where as a general repair shop sees a different problemevery day. I sometimes compare this to lets say a general physician compared to a heart specialist. Who would you rather see for a heart problem? So as you can see finding the right repair shop could save you alot of time And money.
I have seen just recently there are auto repairs
referral services available in the phone books to help you locate a shop. I actually had this idea over 25 years ago! I should of ran with it! This is new and I can’t tell you how reliable they are.
Questions you ask could save you money After finding the right repair shop ask to speak to the store manager. Getting his name during the conversation is a good idea. Ask him if he has any specials or discounts for new customers. Just the idea of attracting new business he will most likely work with you. Whatever your situation is,
Tell him your not happy with your current mechanic or you are new to the area and are looking for a new place to start bringing your business to. I have also seen this work many times over and over again. .........
AUTO MECHANIC "AUTODUDE"
I have over 25 years experience and am currently ASE
certified. My experience includes working on cars and assisting store managers with front deskwork. I've seen many times over the years a customer will not know what they need and say, do what ever it takes to fix my car. That’s not a bad idea, but some shops will take advantage of that statement. I'm not saying that all shops are bad but sadly to say there are shops out there that will. I’ve always wanted to write something to educate the public little bit about their cars. I will lose a lot of friends and future employers writing this manual, but if I can help somebody save money, it makes it all worth while. Now I won’t be able to teach you everything there is to know about how a car works but I can educate you a little about the automobile repair facilities.
certified. My experience includes working on cars and assisting store managers with front deskwork. I've seen many times over the years a customer will not know what they need and say, do what ever it takes to fix my car. That’s not a bad idea, but some shops will take advantage of that statement. I'm not saying that all shops are bad but sadly to say there are shops out there that will. I’ve always wanted to write something to educate the public little bit about their cars. I will lose a lot of friends and future employers writing this manual, but if I can help somebody save money, it makes it all worth while. Now I won’t be able to teach you everything there is to know about how a car works but I can educate you a little about the automobile repair facilities.
CHECK THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
Finding a repair shop with a good reputation is an excellent place to start. You might ask friends and family members for references. What I mean is whom would they recommend from past experiences. Most people have a family mechanic, somebody they trusted for years. Check with the better business bureau
to see if the shop you chose is a member. They should also tell you if they have had complaints in the past. I know this seems time consuming but it could save you some problems down the road. One important thing to remember is a busy shop usually indicates they do good work. This is most of the time true. Is a plus. This usually indicates they do good work. This is most of the time true. This indicates some or all technicians have gone through a training program and have passed the tests needed to become a certified auto technician. This is who I would want working on my car, wouldn't you? Specialty shops (Tune-ups, brakes, exhaust, transmissions, tires, etc.) in my opinion are more experienced in what they do. They see the same problems over and over again. Their prices are usually fair and can give quick and accurate estimates. Where as a general repair shop sees different problems every day.
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