Tuesday, October 21, 2014

How to Avoid Unnecessary Car Repairs

How to Avoid Unnecessary Car Repairs
Car repairs can be very costly and the good thing is that there are some ways to avoid spending money on expensive repairs. First, you need to take the car maintenance schedule very seriously. This schedule has been set by the manufacturer in order to help detect problems before they occur and require costly fixes. Following your car’s maintenance schedule also helps to ensure the automobile is always in perfect condition.
If the car has any issue, take it to a trusted repair shop immediately to have it checked. Sometimes repairs are less costly when handled immediately and they prevent bigger problems from emerging in the near future.
You should also consider upgrades that improve the performance of your car and also prevent future problems. For instance, you can upgrade your motor oil to better synthetic oil that will enhance engine performance. However, make sure you ask the auto technician for advice before you start using different motor oil. Some of the products available in the market are not as good as they have been marketed to appear.
Other routine maintenance requirements like changing the fluids and filters must be done as recommended in your owner’s manual. When the filters are left to clog, they will hinder the car’s performance. Making sure the tires are properly inflated is also very important. Too little or too much air can cause the tires to wear out. It’s also dangerous driving with an improperly inflated tire.
If your car is noisy, check with the owner’s manual for information. There are certain levels of noise that are considered normal. However, if the noise is on the extreme, consult your auto repair technician immediately.
Also make sure your car’s engine is properly tuned according to the factory specifications. This is usually done during routine maintenance but you need to consult your auto shop just to make sure. A well equipped shop with provide a reliable engine tuning service. Tuning helps to prevent engine misfire and even a mechanical breakdown caused by broken valves and cylinders.
After re-fueling the car, always place the gas cap tightly before driving away. This helps to prevent the EVAP (evaporation emissions system control) system from experiencing leakage or even failing. An EVAP leak can be detected by an auto technician using specialized equipment. If you suspect damage on this system, make sure you have it checked immediately because delays can cause costly repairs.
You also need to consider having a professional fuel system cleaning done after every 30,000 miles. Fuel system cleaning helps to prevent carbon buildup. When carbon accumulates in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, complications will arise. The EGR valve will begin to wear out over time and may have to be replaced. You can end up paying up to 700 dollars to repair this system so the best way to avoid this is by making sure the fuel system is cleaned thoroughly. If your car develops any issues, make sure they are addressed before leaving the auto shop.


Posted By: Faircloth Automotive http://fairclothautomotive.com

Monday, October 20, 2014

How Much Will You Spend On Auto Repairs?

You depend on your car for many things and when it breaks down, you need to get it repaired fast, effectively and at a reasonable price. You can only get this done by taking your car to a reliable auto repair shop. So the first and probably the most difficult process is to identify the right auto shop.

You can't afford to take your car to just any other auto shop. Check to see if the auto repair shop has any disciplinary action taken against them in the recent past. Verify their licensing information as well and make sure they are registered with the respective bodies. Visit the auto repair shop to check whether they are organized and offer great customer service. The shop should also have modern equipment as well as clearly laid out policies on the cost of labor, guarantees and payment methods.

When you visit your auto repair shop, make sure you describe the issue fully to the experts. Remember that you know your car better than anyone else. Some of the common signs of auto repair issues include unusual sounds or odors emanating from the car's interior. If the car has issues with braking or handling then consider taking it to the auto shop immediately. In case you've noticed a low engine performance or the car is using too much fuel, take it for expert assessment immediately.

Be very detailed when explaining the issue to a car repair expert. Some problems can be easily diagnosed whereas others require the expert to perform an assessment in order to determine the underlying issue.

When taking your car for repairs, make sure they provide you with a written estimate. All the information regarding the auto repairs to be done should be included in this estimate. This means that the method of repair, the costs of items used and any substitute parts that will be required should be stated in the written estimate. The auto shop has no right to change the method of repair or parts earlier agreed upon without your consent.

There are cases when the car repair expert will discover that the estimated cost is likely going to be lower than the cost of actual repairs. In this case, someone from the auto repair shop should contact you and give you this information even before the repairs begin.

Sometimes the auto shop may have to take a while before they can come up with a reasonable estimate for the repairs your car needs. For instance, if the extent of car damage is severe or your automobile is having serious problems like transmission failure, the auto repair expert will need more time to come up with an estimate of their service.

Once the repairs are done, the auto shop is likely to send you an invoice. Make sure this invoice consists of the labor costs, all work that was performed together with the parts that were replaced during repairs. You can even request the auto repair shop to return any old parts removed from your car.

Faircloth Automotive is a Crawfordville Auto Repair shop that provides service in the following areas, Alignments, Tires, Air Conditioning, Tires, Brakes, Transmission and more. http://fairclothautomotive.com