In order to end up with the car servicing best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of car servicing are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, specialities and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in car servicing.
Research the market: Car Servicing essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the car servicing market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Diagnostic Equipment: Modern cars all contain computer chips. Up-to-date mechanics have diagnostic equipment that uses chips to pinpoint problems. If you are having a simple servicing done, you really do not need this equipment. A mechanic who does not have this expensive equipment should charge less than the one who has it.
Other Equipment: Check that the mechanic has a hoist and pit for easy access to the undercarriage. Does he have all the tools needed to correctly do the job? He should be able to dispose of hazardous materials such as used oil, tires and batteries safely. Find out if there is an extra charge for the disposal service.
Replacement Brands: A dealership will use only the recommended brands of oil and other fluids. But anyone else may use a house brand. Be sure anything being replaced is replaced according to the specifications in your owner's manual.
Replacement Options: A range of options will often fit the specifications in your owner's manual. For example, tires can vary greatly in price and quality. Does the service provide a good range of options from which you can choose?
Credentialed Professionals: Some localities require licensing of mechanics. Specialty shops, especially those that belong to chains, do have training for their mechanics, and those diplomas should be posted. Feel free to ask any mechanic what training he has had. But remember that some of the best “shade tree” mechanics were taught “on the job” by experts outside a formal school.
Loaner Car: Few services take so long that you need a loaner car. But if you do, and if the shop offers one, do check into the age and model and general condition of the car. Do not expect the quality of car you would get at an auto dealership.
Warranty: Tires and other parts should have a manufacturer's warranty. Specialty shops also offer warranties. Ask other mechanics what kind of warranty they offer.
Price: Shade tree mechanics will normally charge the cheapest hourly rate, but they may have to pay more for any items that need replacing. Specialty shops are usually the most economical, since they have the equipment they need for the job and purchase whatever they replace regularly on a large scale. Further, since their mechanics do the same work day in and day out, they are very efficient. Service stations often charge more than specialty shops. Schools should charge the least, but you will want to be sure a qualified professional oversees the work. As a guide these operators charge between half and two-thirds the labor charge of a dealership.
Research Your Needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in car servicing. For example, will you use the car servicing only for things you cannot do yourself?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used car servicing before? |
| | If you have used a car servicing center, work out what you did or didn't like about it. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or trying to avoid any particular aspects that you found inconvenient. |
| What specific services to I need? |
| | You may be looking for a mechanic who can look after all your automotive needs or just one to do your regular oil change. |
| What type of warranty do I have on my car? |
| | If you car is new or just a few years old you may have a service agreement with the dealership where you bought the car. Any repairs needed under warranty should be fixed by the dealership otherwise you could void your warranty. |
| Can I do any of the work myself? |
| | You may find it easy to give you car a simple oil change and save yourself a few dollars. If you are unsure, it is best to use a professional service. |
| Am I willing to purchase gently used parts? |
| | Automotive repairs can be costly and some car servicing centers will offer you reconditioned parts at a cheaper price. This can be quite a saving and work out well. Find out if there is a warranty with these used parts. |
| What is my car-servicing budget? |
| | Everyone who owns a vehicle should have a budget for car repairs, especially if you drive your car everyday. Obviously, the older your car the more you may need to budget for repairs and servicing. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the selection process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of car servicing and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
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