DIY Saturday: Wiper Blade Replacement

For this Saturday’s DIY post, we’ll be looking at one of the simplest automotive replacement tasks that you can perform on your own with no need for the mechanic to do it for you—replacement of the wiper blade.

You’ll often find that a complete wiper blade set will have several attachments or clips. In most instances, you won’t have to use everything. You just have to select which attachment is for the wiper blade in your ride. You can inspect your old wiper arm set-up to see the type of attachment used and determine which of the clips provided you can employ. You’ll also find a complete guide included in the package, provided for the specific make and model of your ride, so you’ll have additional help for the job.

Once you have read the guide, just locate the attachment between the wiper arm and wiper blade. Then, release the blade from the arm. Depending on the set-up, you may see a tab that you only have to push or lift in order to remove the blade. Once the old blade is removed, you can compare it with the new one to ensure that the new one is the right one for your ride. Then, attach the new blade using the clip that comes with the package. Afterwards, check to be sure that the blade is properly secured. To ensure that the process is easy, you will need to lift the wiper arm off the windshield when performing the replacement. Simply lower it back once you are done.

Regular replacement of the windshield wiper blade is crucial to keeping your car windshield clean and clear. It affects your vision of the road ahead, so it’s just vital to keep the said front window free of dirt and debris. By properly replacing the wiper blades in your vehicle, that’s achievable.

Friday’s Advice: Dealing with a Suggested Repair that Doesn’t Sound Good

This post is in continuation of yesterday’s post regarding repairs suggested by mechanics. Every time you bring in your car for a repair or service, you must always expect to deal with additional suggestions from your mechanic—from a simple oil change to complete part replacements. If the mechanic suggests something that you’re not comfortable accepting, there are some things you can do about it.

1. Ask. As I have mentioned in my last post, you need to know fully well what the implications of the said service is, and what might happen if you don’t let the mechanic perform that service. Don’t be afraid to investigate. You have the right to know. How important is that repair or service? What might happen if you don’t take up the mechanic’s suggestion? How long until your car fails if you don’t let the mechanic do the service now? Once these questions are answered, either you’ll finally be convinced to have the service done or you will realize you are not really up to it.

2. Schedule it for a later date. If you’re still not convinced about the suggested service, postpone the service to another date. This way, you can still do some research or ask friends until you’re sure whether you really need the service or not.

3. Refuse. It’s your right to say no to your mechanic. Just tell him you haven’t decided yet, that you will inform him once you have already decided to have the service done. This is better than allowing your mechanic to do the service and having the feeling that you were only ripped off afterwards.

Suggestions from your mechanic will always be there every time you go in for a car service—you do not have to take them all the time, though.

Immediate Repairs vs. Preventive Maintenance

When you bring your vehicle to a shop for a repair, it seldom happens that a shop will only deal with the repair needed. In most cases, you’ll have to deal with mechanics telling you that you also need to replace this particular filter, or a technician saying that he found this particular part also damaged and needing some fixing. Needless to say, the hundred dollars you plan to spend could very well go up to a thousand dollars after the mechanic inspected your car.

So, how do you deal with things like this? Well, keep in mind that not all mechanics telling you this are actually planning to rip you off. Some of them are only trying to do their job. They find something else that needs fixing, and they tell you about it—just so you will consider the suggestion. If you want to know which suggestion to take and which to refuse, one best means would be to determine which of the suggested services needs immediate attention and which can be dealt with later on.

Immediate repairs and services are needed for parts that might break down anytime and cause damage or endanger your life when not replaced at once. These include damaged brakes, not paying attention to which can lead to accidents. However, services performed as preventive maintenance, those that will prevent the fast wearing of some parts but are not actually critical, may be postponed at a later date.

If you’re not sure which services have to be immediate and which can be performed later without grave consequences, ask your mechanic. Ask what might happen if the suggested repair will not be performed. Any good mechanic will tell you that. Now if you notice the mechanic is trying to hide something, well that’s another story.

A Look at Some Auto Repair Services that May Cost Thousands of Dollars

Do you always suspect that you are being ripped off every time you bring your car to an auto repair shop for a service? If you’ve had several experiences of car repair rip-offs in the past, it is but normal to be paranoid every time you get into a repair shop again. But, for you to ease your worries, you might need to familiarize yourself with the ongoing rates of each auto repair service. This way, when you bring your vehicle to a shop, you’ll have an idea how much the work will cost you.

Below are some of the works that usually cost big:

* Engine repair. Naturally so. The engine being the main powerhouse of your vehicle, its damage can lead to the entire failure of your ride. And, servicing the engine is a labor-intensive task that consumes a lot of time, depending on how serious the problem. In some instances, it will also be best to replace other parts during this servicing, just to save on labor. So, it’s no wonder an engine repair can get expensive.

* Transmission repair or rebuild. Servicing the transmission is another high-cost job. This involves taking off the entire transmission assembly, and in some instances the project could take a few days.

* Fuel injector replacement. The high cost of an injector repair can be attributed to the high cost of a new injector. The usual injector starts at $60, and that can even get higher when it comes to some higher performance injectors.

* Extreme corrosion. The usual corrosion can be easily fixed. But, when the problem has already gone too extensive (i.e. if already a large area of your vehicle is affected), then you might be in for a huge replacement or repair job.

Should you find the need to bring your vehicle to the mechanic for any of these jobs, don’t be surprised if you will be charged with a higher fee.

Buying Parts and Having a Shop Install Them

Auto repair shops get their revenues from several things—mainly from the labor involved in doing a repair or replacement and from the part that they install. If you will notice, parts offered by these shops are more expensive than those that you will find in your local store or in online auto parts shops. Given, the parts that they offer are already available, so you don’t have to wait for a few days unlike when you shop online. But, the mark-up on these parts can sometimes be considerably huge.

One solution that many drivers try is to buy their own parts from the local shop and to bring the parts to the auto repair center for installation. Many shops and mechanics are okay with this, with some mechanics even favoring this practice in case the needed part is not available or is not easy to find. But, there are others who are not into this practice. Some of them will perform the job, but they will not provide you with a warranty for the part, sometimes even for labor. So, you will be at the mercy of your car. There are also some shops that will totally refuse to install a part that is not bought from them.

I haven’t heard of any rule or regulation that prosecutes auto repair shops that refuse to install a part because it isn’t bought from them. So, if you’re someone who wants to save on the high cost of replacement parts offered by shops by buying a cheaper one from your dealer, you need to be clear with the shop that will perform the service. If the shop will not agree, then you can always take your car to another shop that will, or do the installation yourself if you’re familiar with the process.

DIY Saturday: Tire Pressure Check

Last Saturday it was oil change. Today, we’ll be talking about how to check the pressure of the tires in your vehicle.

Tire pressure affects a lot of things in your drive. The correct pressure does not only improve the lifespan of the tires (by not wearing abnormally) but also affects the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. Improperly inflated tires need more energy to rotate, so they use up a lot more power. As a result, your fuel is consumed fast.

Fortunately, checking your tire pressure and keeping it at the correct level is easy. All you need to get an accurate reading is the correct tire pressure gauge, a device that is designed for reading tire pressure.

Precaution:

1. The tires should be cool (the car should not have been driven for 2km or more prior to the process).

Process:

1. Check for the right tire pressure by looking at the sidewall of each tire, at the driver’s side door, or in your vehicle manual.
2. Check the valve on the tire and remove its cap.
3. Press the gauge into the valve and look at the reading. Pay attention to the sound of hissing air as this may indicate that the connection has leaks. Once you ensure that the connection is secure, that’s the time you check the data.
4. If the reading is correct, replace the cap on the valve. If not, fill with air until the right level is achieved.
5. Do this in all four tires, and even in your spare tire.

Tire pressure check is a simple process, but it can help a lot in keeping your vehicle tires in good shape. Make it a habit to check the pressure in your vehicle tires every now and then, especially before you go on a long travel.

Friday’s Advice: How to Help Your Mechanic in Making a Diagnosis

When you bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop because of a problem, the first step to solving that problem would be to determine its cause. And, this is where diagnosis comes in. The mechanic will have to look at all the symptoms of the problem until it can pinpoint its origin. After this, only then can a solution be arrived at.

Diagnosis can be time-consuming. But, as a vehicle owner, you can often help your mechanic during this stage of the repair. By doing so, you reduce the time it will take before you can arrive at a solution.

Now, how can you help your mechanic in diagnosing the problem of your vehicle?

1. If you notice the problem, pay attention to the symptoms. Use your senses to do this. Try to hear any abnormal sound originating from the area where the problem seems to be. Pay attention to weird smells such as burning. Feel any vibrations coming from your vehicle systems. Plus, do some visual inspection to see if there’s any leak somewhere. By telling your mechanic any of your observations, he’ll be able to correlate that fact to his knowledge about automotive problems.
2. If the problem is hard to explain, you can show the problem to your mechanic instead. This is what mechanics called as recreating the problem. You can go on a drive and recreate what you’ve done when the problem occurs (you were navigating a sharp turn, for instance).

Helping your mechanic in the diagnosis of a problem will also be like helping yourself. You will not only shorten the time it will take for the problem to be solved but you will also reduce chances of a misdiagnosis. Besides, participating in the diagnostic process will help you know more about your vehicle.

Saying No to a Mechanic’s or a Shop’s Recommendations

Mechanics are there to fix your car, but they’re also there to earn money. So, it’s not surprising that some of them go to the extent of offering or suggesting extra services every time you bring in your car for a particular repair or replacement (check out my previous post about common add-ons that some shops insist).

However, you can always say no to the suggestion of the auto repair shop. After all, it’s your money that will be spent on the repair, so you have the right to decide on which to use it. But, how do you know whether the suggested add-on or service of a shop is valid or if the mechanic you have talked to is only upselling?

1. Familiarize with your vehicle manual. Your manual consists of all the information that you need to know about your car. It lists all the maintenance intervals for given parts, as well as the interval for performing such services as a tune-up. If you are familiar with your vehicle manual, you’ll know when it’s really time to perform a certain service on your car, and you can easily argue with your mechanic when he suggests something that is not in accordance with your manual.

2. Take note of the last time when a service or replacement has been performed in your car. This will help you decide whether the tune-up that the mechanic is offering is already needed, or if the replacement filter suggested by the technician will actually be helpful.

3. Don’t trust anything you do not understand. Is a mechanic suggesting that you purchase a cleaner for a specific part of your vehicle? If you’ve had your vehicle with you for many years and you’ve never had to use that cleaner, chances are you don’t actually need it. If you want to consider the offer, be sure that it is clear with you what that is for before you agree to anything and shell out cash. 

Money Talk with Your Mechanic

Do you know how to discuss money and payments with your mechanic without alerting him and giving him any opportunity to rip you off? Sure, there are many honest mechanics out there, but there are also unscrupulous ones looking for every opportunity to rip you off. And if you’re not yet so sure of your mechanic, you need to be careful when it comes to discussing anything money related.

Your attitude towards money may just be the needed invitation of your mechanic to perform his deceiving tricks on you. So, which type of money attitude is so appealing to a mechanic?

The first, most appealing money attitude for a mechanic is the “I could care less” attitude. When it comes to auto repairs, this attitude is evident among people who would say things like “I don’t care how it costs—just fix my car” or something like “Do everything that needs to be done to fix the problem.” These statements show a mechanic that you don’t care how much you spend and that you are capable of paying a lot, and this is one huge invitation for a rip-off.

Another attitude would be the opposite extreme of this, the so-called “I want the cheapest” attitude. Statements like “I want the cheapest part that you have” or “What’s the cheapest way to do this?” will tell a mechanic that you’re not so concerned about the quality of the part to be installed or the work to be done as long as it’s cheap. And, this could lead to the use of substandard components or subpar services.

Although we all want to get the cheapest rate, the way to talk to your mechanic about money is to express that you want the best service at a reasonable rate. Talk confidently and be honest about your budget. Talk openly about the options. This way, your mechanic will see you as a responsible vehicle owner and will most likely treat you with respect.

Auto Repair Shop Quota: What Is This All About?

Are you aware of the work policies in your trusted auto repair shop? Have you heard of such things as quotas from your mechanic? Chances are, you haven’t. Things like this are not openly discussed in these shops.

The fact is, most shops implement a quota or incentive system that pays their mechanics according to the number of hours billed. What does this mean? The more the number of hours billed from customers (meaning, higher expense), the higher the fee to the mechanic. Most mechanics have to meet a daily or weekly quota, the failure of which can lead to their termination.

And what is the implication of this? Well, this policy forces mechanics to prioritize the quantity of work accepted over the quality o f work performed. Because mechanics have to meet a quota, they need to have more customers. As a result, it pushes them to rush their work and to focus less on the efficiency of the task accomplished.

Although you may think that this is unintentional on the part of the mechanic, this is still a form of rip-off. This is one of the reasons mechanics resort to offering services that a car doesn’t really need, or billing you for a service or job that they will not actually perform.

This practice often happens in flat rate auto repair shops. And, it leaves a lot of space for questioning and suspicion. If there’s any way you can find whether your trusted shop is a flat rate shop, do it. And when you find that it is, be wary and be observant about possible practices that you may not know are already ripping you off.

To be or not to be ripped off—sometimes, you can put the decision in your hands. By being cautious and observant, you eliminate the chances of being deceived.

DIY Saturday: Doing an Oil Change

An oil change is probably the simplest automotive task that you can do on your own - no need to take your chances bringing your vehicle to a shop and probably getting ripped off.

Oil change involves three major processes, and it only requires simple tools (wrench, container for catching oil, and funnel). Shall we start?

Precautions before starting:

1. Park your vehicle in a flat and solid surface and be sure that it’s stable.

2. Don’t let the oil spill. Have the container ready to catch the old oil that you’ll drain.

3. Be sure that the engine is cold when you do the task.

4. You’ll need a new oil filter to replace the old one.

1: Drain the old oil.

·         Find the oil pan and its plug underneath your car. Open it to allow the old oil to drain. Just be sure you have the container ready to catch the oil.

·        Once all the old oil has drained, replace the plug and tighten to the correct torque specs.

2. Replace the oil filter.

·        Remove the filter (often accessed from underneath your vehicle, depending on car make and model) using a wrench and be careful not to spill the oil inside it.

·        Place the new oil filter (apply oil on the filter’s gasket) and fill it with oil – not too full.

3. Fill your engine with oil.

·        Use the funnel when filling up to avoid spill.

·        Check your manual to determine the amount of oil that your engine needs. Don’t fill it up to full capacity. After filling up, measure the oil level using a dipstick and add oil as necessary.

Doing your own oil change is not only cost saving, it’s also empowering to a vehicle owner. So if you’re someone who’s planning to start doing some of the tasks required in your vehicle so that you can avoid instances of having to bring your ride to a shop, an oil change is a good way to start.

Friday’s Advice: Why Being Honest With Your Mechanic Pays

So, you have a mechanic that you always turn to whenever you encounter problems with your vehicle. But, there are some things that you think you can’t tell your mechanic because of certain reasons.

Most vehicle owners get into this kind of situation once in a while. For instance, some people would feel afraid telling their mechanic just what the entire scope of the problem is, due to the fear that their mechanic will charge them higher. Others are ashamed to admit that they forgot to perform the needed maintenance, leading to the problem, or that they tried to improvise a fix for a vehicle problem that they experienced and the improvised fix failed. Or even more, that they brought the car to another repair shop.

Yes, admitting these things to your mechanic may have repercussions. You may have to pay higher because of a problem that you caused, or a tension may develop between you and your mechanic when you tell him you brought it to another shop or entrusted it to another specialist. But, in the end, being honest is still the best option. Why?

It is in honesty from which you will be able to establish a good relationship with your mechanic. For one, you want your mechanic to be honest with you, so you need to be honest with him as well. Besides, no matter how much you keep something from your mechanic, he is sure to find out later on. Being honest about a problem will save more time on diagnosis, and will even reduce the possibility of misdiagnosis, therefore saving you on unnecessary costs.

And, if you want your mechanic to take you seriously when you get his advice about vehicle issues in the future, you need to show him that you’re being responsible in maintaining your car – being honest is one way to do that.

The Benefits of a Trusted Mechanic

While we’ll find many stories of auto repair shop or mechanic horrors, accounts from people who have been ripped off, there are also plenty of positive stories about good shops. There are people who take pride in their mechanics and in their skills and work attitude. A good mechanic can be a great automotive resource, plus a good friend.

The following are some other benefits that a trusted mechanic can give you:

1. Cost savings. You can be sure that a trusted mechanic won’t rip you off. So, you won’t need to spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs and replacement parts. Everything you spend will be used on tasks and parts that your car actually needs. Therefore, you know you can save a lot.

2. Proper maintenance. A good and trusted mechanic truly cares about you and your car, not just about profit. So, you can trust him to help you in keeping your vehicle in tiptop condition, providing valid advice when it comes to correct service interval, as well as proper means to maintain your car and avoid frequent shop services. So, your car will work and last for a long time.

3. Free advice. Are you planning to dump your existing vehicle and get a new one but you’re not sure which ride to go for? Why don’t you ask your mechanic? He can tell you which is best, which requires less maintenance, and which will meet your needs.

A trusted mechanic can be a good friend and a good adviser when it comes to all things car-related. Aside from their practical benefits, they can provide you with all the support you need in maintaining your car. They can also open you up to the world of automobiles (in case you’re not mechanically inclined). So, it pays a lot to find a good mechanic.

How to Spot a Good Auto Repair Shop

Yesterday’s post was about the two characteristics of a good auto repair shop. But, you know that it’s not easy to see these two characteristics from your first encounter with the shop. Therefore, when dealing with a shop, you need to have some sort of third eye when it comes to detecting the good one. How do you do these? Here are three tips:

Problem-centric. A good shop focuses only on the problem and the issue that you’re having with your vehicle. You need to watch out against a shop that offers a lot of extras just a few moments after you’ve brought your car in. If the shop begins to offer what seems like a lot of services other than what you have brought the car for, beware. A good shop will deal with the problem first, and then suggest additional services, if at all, once the main issue has been addressed.

Willing to discuss the problem with you. A good shop will be open about discussing the problem with you in full detail, exploring all options and possibilities to arrive at a correct solution and diagnosis. If the shop seems to be hiding something, is hesitant to completely talk about the problem with you, or is deviating your attention from the main issue, that could indicate something wrong.

One that you trust. No matter how efficient you think the shop is, or no matter how much it exhibits the qualities of a good shop, if you can’t find yourself to trust it, find another shop. You need to feel at peace and at ease with the shop and its personnel. You need to be able to completely entrust your vehicle with the shop. If you leave your car to the shop and you’re worried the whole time your car was there – that’s not good.

What’s A Good Auto Repair Shop?

The past year, we’ve been talking about repair rip-offs and fraudulent shops, plus secrets that auto repairs keep in order to rip off their customers. Well this year, let’s start with something good, something positive. Let’s give some form of commendation to auto repair shops that do their work well and mechanics that are honest with their clients. And let’s start this off by defining just what a good auto repair shop is.

As I have always stressed in my posts last year, not all auto repair shops are out to rip their customers off. There are some that are genuinely good, focused on the welfare of their customers. And this is what distinguishes a good shop from a bad one. While the latter is solely focused on revenues no matter what it takes, a good shop prioritizes service to its customers.

1. It operates on honesty. A good auto repair shop will not keep anything from you. Whether it’s the fact that a certain component has just been misaligned and everything will be back to normal after a realignment is done, or the fact that they plan to use a rebuilt replacement instead of a brand new part, it will keep you fully informed of everything that’s done to your vehicle.

2. It shows you all the options available. A good auto repair shop will recognize your right as the vehicle owner and keep you fully in charge of all that needs to be done in your vehicle. It will provide you with all possible means to solve your problem, with their recommendations, but will give you the right to decide in the end.

Good auto repair shops are still around these days, together with good mechanics. The key is to shop for them. These shops can be your great partner when it comes to vehicle maintenance.

DIY Saturday: Three Basic Automotive Tasks that You Can DIY

It’s Saturday once again, and it’s time for our DIY post. This Saturday, let’s talk about three of the different basic car maintenance tasks that are easy to DIY, no need to go to the shop and pay the mechanic just to do them. Plus, of course, fewer instances of shop visit, less chances of getting ripped off.

In your vehicle, there are certain tasks that have to be performed periodically in order to keep certain parts and systems in great working order. And, frequent visit to mechanics for these jobs can mean more expenses. So, better do them yourselves, right?

1. Oil change. Oil is used for lubricating metal engine parts in order to keep their operation smooth and prevent friction-caused problems. As the oil circulates around engine components, it collects particles that may clog metal parts. Plus, the changing temperatures in the engine make the oil lose its viscosity over time. So, it has to be flushed and replaced after a while. The flushing and filling process is simple and can be done by any average DIYer.

2. Tire pressure check. Maintaining the correct pressure of your tires is crucial before your every drive, especially if you’re going on a long travel. Improper pressure on the tires can cause poor fuel efficiency and affect the speed by which your car moves. Plus, in certain instances, this can lead to accidents. Fortunately, checking your car’s tire pressure is easy with the use of an air pressure gauge.

3. Wiper blade replacement. The wiper blades are important components that keep your windshield clean and clear, ensuring that you see the road ahead with full clarity. The blades are made of rubber, and they can deteriorate over time. But, replacing them is actually easy, so you should have no problem doing that.

The mentioned tasks are easy to do, and they’re a good project even for those who just want to start practicing DIY in their vehicles. Let’s start looking at the procedures involved in doing these maintenance tasks in the upcoming Saturdays.

Friday’s Advice: Approaching a Service Manager for a Complaint

Most people are peaceful by nature. We avoid confrontations. We want to live in harmony.

But, all that could be lost when dealing with an auto repair rip-off. Much as we would like to be peaceful, we sometimes have to stand up to those who are taking advantage of us.

However, when it comes to automotive rip-offs, there are still positive ways to approach the issues. When complaining to the management of an auto repair shop, there are some steps to take to make the process as smooth and as peaceful as possible:

Prepare your receipt and paper works. You’d want to be ready and you’d want to have all the proof that you need to back up your complaint, so have everything prepared. Complaining without proof of your complaint is like going to a battle without a sword, so it’s almost always bound to fail.

Be objective. Keep to the facts – what the problem is and what you’re complaining about. Sometimes, you may have the tendency to exaggerate or overreact because of your anger towards what happened, but that won’t help. That will only intensify the argument and the heat. Keep your emotions at bay so that everything will be smooth.

Clearly state what it is that you want. Do you want a refund? Do you want the service to be performed again free of charge? Be direct. Sometimes, all it takes to get what you want is to ask for it. Most auto repair shops would want to make amends and reclaim their destroyed reputation.

Remember: it is your right to complain if you are not satisfied with the service that you get. But, to be sure that your complaint will have a good result, do it the right way – you and the repair shop should be both satisfied at the end of the negotiation.