DIY Saturday: A Look at Check Engine Lights

Check engine light - it’s just a very small light found on your dashboard, but it can cause panic and a lot of worry among car owners every time it illuminates, so much so that some drivers rush to the nearest mechanic shop whenever they see this light come on. Some drivers associate this light with engine trouble, and they can be correct in some degree. But, understand that the most innocent car owner can be ripped off because of this check engine light. This is especially true if you do not know anything about this light. The mechanic can easily tell you that the light means a huge repair and a lot of replacements, which mean more dollars for you.

But what is this light, really? Well, the check engine light is a simple indicator that will tell you when your vehicle computer notices a problem that it cannot fix on its own. But, understand that the said problem doesn’t always have to be critical or one that will cause engine breakdown. In fact, as simple as a loose fuel cap can cause the check engine light to come on. To find out what the exact problem is, auto repair shops use a scan tool. But, you should know that you can also DIY the code finding because there are available code readers that you can buy. The code will point you out to the specific issue.

Once you know the problem, you can take a look at the other symptoms until you determine which part is acting up. Once you already know that, you’ll be able to determine whether you can DIY the repair or replacement or whether you will need to bring your vehicle in for repair. By being sure of the problem, you can ascertain the cost and your risk of being ripped off will be reduced.

Friday’s Advice: Asking the Three Questions You Dread

If you’ve ever had a car repair rip-off experience in the past, chances are you almost always think you’ll be ripped off every time you bring your car to the mechanic for repair. But, a one-time rip-off experience doesn’t actually need to stand as a representation of all mechanics and shops out there—your previous experience doesn’t really have to happen again.

And, you have control over that. There are certain things that you can do to be able to avoid a future rip-off, and one of these things would be being upfront with your mechanic when it comes to issues that you want clarified. Yes, there are issues that are a little awkward and a little uncomfortable to discuss with your mechanic, but these issues are better left out in the open from the start so that they won’t cause trouble later on.

It’s good advice that you already ask certain questions and clarify some things with your mechanic the first time even before you have to bring your car in for the actual repair. One, ask about the shop’s use of “used parts.” Ask whether it installs used parts in vehicles and how it charges customers for used parts mounted. Once this is clear, the shop will have no need to hide you the fact that a used part is mounted in your car should it fail to find a new part as replacement sometime soon. Two, ask about warranty before any job is started. Ask what kind of warranty it provides to its repairs, and if there are warranties from manufacturers for all parts mounted in your car (in case the shop is the one that provides the replacement). Have the warranty in writing to back you up in case you need to file a claim later on. And three, ask about supply charge. Ask what the shop includes in the supply charge and how much it usually costs.

In all of these questions, it’s easy to gauge whether a shop can be trusted or not, not only according to its answer but as well as to the way it delivers that answer. The shop should be direct and should not appear as if it is hiding something. Once all the issues are clear, you’ll be at peace during the car repairs.

Refilling with the Wrong Fuel: How Dangerous?

There are some vehicle problems that drivers have already learned to tolerate, and there are also others that can cause instant panic among drivers. You have engine overheating as an example of the latter. Another panic-inducing problem (more like a mistake) that a driver can encounter is refilling the gas tank with the wrong kind of fuel.

There’s diesel fuel, and there’s petrol fuel, and each car is built to run using only one fuel type. So, you can’t refill your car with just about any type. But, there are instances when mistakes happen—you’re distracted, perhaps, or if you’re in a hurry and you overlook that fact. You run a few miles and you suddenly hear your engine sputtering and you realize with horror: you filled up with the wrong fuel!

The tendency for most drivers here is to panic and have their car towed to the nearest auto repair shop. And why not, we’ve all heard about complete engine damage and thousands of dollars for repair brought by this simple mistake. And, some auto mechanics take advantage of your fear and panic to rip you off.

Well, before you start to worry and panic, there are some facts that you must know so that you can avoid getting ripped off. One, refilling with the wrong fuel doesn’t ALWAYS lead to a damaged engine. And two, there are instances when a simple draining can already solve the problem.

The biggest factor that affects the outcome of this is the distance you have traveled after filling in with the wrong fuel. As long as you don’t start your engine after refill, in case you realize the problem immediately, you’ll be on the safe side. In case you have already driven your car, you can still be safe provided that you have only driven for a short distance. In this case, simply drain the tank and then refill with the correct fuel type.

Revealing Too Much May Work to Your Disadvantage

Many of my latest posts have been about effectively communicating with your mechanic in order to avoid possibilities of rip-off and to ensure the success of any auto repair. We’ve talked about what not to tell your mechanic and what questions not to ask your mechanic to avoid giving him a chance to rip you off.

In connection to watching what you say and not say to your mechanic, it’s very important to remember that you shouldn’t reveal too much details to your mechanic—whether it’s about your car or about your life in general.

I’ve mentioned in one of my posts before that it’s not a good idea to mention your own assumption about a problem to your mechanic because he can use that assumption to rip you off. He could just take on that suggestion and build up on it, and you may well spend a lot more than you should simply because of your suggestion or “idea.”

It’s always important that you give your mechanic the space to make his own diagnosis and observation, and let him find out the real problem. All you should do is to help him in the diagnosis by pointing out symptoms that you have observed.

Other than this, you shouldn’t also clue your mechanic in on your activities and on the amount of money that you can and are willing to spend on the repair (more on this next week). Yes, it’s important to build a good relationship with your mechanic. But, while you have not built that up just yet, stick to the basics of the conversation and simply observe. Only when the mechanic has already proven his honesty and only when you have already developed trust on the person should you take the relationship farther than the work level.

Most Common Victims of Rip Offs

Auto repair rip-offs can happen to anyone, but there are people who are more prone to rip-off than others. If you are included in these categories or if you get into the situation mentioned here, you must be doubly careful when dropping your car off to a shop for an auto repair.

Check below for the most common kinds of people who fall into a rip-off:

1. Those who don’t know anything about their car. People who are not familiar with their vehicle are easy to see—in the way they act and in the things they tell their mechanic. These people are very easy to deceive because they’re clueless. Sometimes, they also get intimidated, so they have the tendency to simply say “yes” to everything the mechanic says.

2. Those going on a trip. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. Don’t tell your mechanic when you’re going on a trip because he may just get ideas knowing that you’re concerned about your car’s condition, your safety, and your convenience—and you’ll more likely to agree when the mechanic sells you stuff related to these.

3. Those who are only visiting the area. Again, don’t let your mechanic in on the fact that you’re not from the area and are only visiting. Translation: This is your first and last time in the shop. So, even if the shop rips you off, there’s little chance that you’ll go after it.

4. Those who are not involved in the repair process. This includes people who are careless about their car, those who do not really care that much about how the process goes as long as it’s done. If the mechanic suspects this, he could use this to rip you off.

5. Women. Need I say more? Many mechanics think that women are easier to rip off. So if you’re a woman, always be on the lookout.

DIY Saturday: Testing the Radiator for a Leak

A coolant leak might not be a serious problem at first. When neglected, however, this can lead to serious and expensive engine damage. Therefore, it’s very important to pay attention to leaks. If you notice that your coolant level is always low, there’s a very good chance you have a leak somewhere. Check your garage floor underneath the car to see whether there’s a pool of coolant, especially in the morning after you leave your car there overnight. If there is, the radiator is one of the parts that you must inspect.

Do a visual inspection of the radiator to see whether there is any visible sign of damage, crack, hole, or even coolant leftover from which it leaked. If you can’t see any of these, you can resort to water testing. What is this? Well, you will need to fill the radiator with air—employ a pressure test kit for this and refer to the cap as to the amount of air needed. Then, you will have to immerse the radiator in water and see whether there is water getting into the radiator through holes. From outside, you’ll see this because air bubbles will escape as water gets through any hole in the empty radiator.

When you notice this, you can go for any of the three solutions available. One, if the holes and cracks are very small, you can simply plug them using specific additives that you simply pour into the radiator for self sealing. If the holes are larger, then you may need to solder these to seal them off. Meanwhile, if you have a serious radiator defect, you may want to simply discard the worn radiator and get a new one. Sometimes, this is better than fixing the said part and then having to deal with damage sometime soon.

Friday’s Advice: Questions Not to Ask Your Mechanic

In my post last Friday, the discussion was about the things that you shouldn’t say to your mechanic if you want to avoid a rip-off. It’s important to watch out what you tell your mechanic, especially if you don’t have full trust on him just yet—what you say could be all that your mechanic has been waiting for to rip you off.

Other than what you tell your mechanic, it’s also important to think about the questions that you ask him. Your questions could be dead giveaways that could make you vulnerable to a rip-off or fraud. Here, let’s look at a couple types of questions that you shouldn’t ask your mechanic.

1. Very general questions. I’ve mentioned this in my last Friday’s post. Questions like “what does my car need?” could be the opening lines that your mechanic has been waiting all along, opportunities that will allow him to suggest parts more than what your car really needs. Instead of asking your mechanic this question, you can first do a research yourself and then narrow down the problem so that you’ll have an idea about the parts that your car may need—no need to completely rely on your mechanic.

2. Dumb questions. These questions are what you would really consider as dead giveaways about your lack of knowledge regarding your car. As a vehicle owner, it is your responsibility to know when certain procedures and services are already needed—that’s what your car manual is for. If you have to ask such questions to your mechanic, it will be like “hey, I don’t know anything about my car and I’m at your mercy.” Your mechanic will know that he can suggest anything and you’ll believe him.

Knowing all these, you must be careful about what you ask your mechanic. Do your job and familiarize with your car so that you’ll know how to deal with your mechanic when you come in for repair.

Asking for Warranty and Putting it in Writing

Our previous discussions here have revolved around auto repair secrets and how some auto repair shops resort to fraud when dealing with customers, employing several techniques that rip off people who bring their car in for repair. But, added to these, we have also discussed means by which we can avoid being a victim to these scams and how we can avoid being ripped off.

In this post, we’ll take a look at the importance of asking a warranty during a repair. Yes, you don’t only ask a warranty when you get your car from the dealer. During a car repair, you should also pay attention to the warranty provided by the shop that conducted the service or repair. A warranty will serve here as an assurance that the service performed is efficient, and that your car will remain in top shape for a specific amount of time.

There are two kinds of warranty that you can ask from a shop: warranty on labor and warranty on parts (in case the part is from the shop). Asking for a warranty will deter any mechanic from performing inefficient or loose work on your car, because they’ll still be the one to do it should it fail before the warranty is up—and you’re not going to pay them.

When asking for a warranty, however, remember that you don’t simply ask for the word or the assurance of the mechanic. Have the warranty placed in writing as your proof someday should you find the need to go back to the shop early on due to a problem with the service performed or due to the premature failure of the part installed.

This is especially important in cases when a shop tells you that it has installed a brand new part when in fact it didn’t. A written warranty is your shield against a rip-off.

Paying with a Check or Credit Card for Car Repair

Auto repair rip offs are so common nowadays, so you always have to look out for mechanics and shops out to trick you into spending more than you should. As an added level of protection, you must familiarize yourself with and practice some ways that will keep you away from rip off. Do you know that many people advice paying check or credit card to an auto repair shop when you bring in your vehicle for a service?

Why?

Well, it’s very easy to pay cash to your mechanic for a repair and then forget about it afterwards. But, should you encounter a problem, should you realize later on that you’ve been ripped off, you will have no way of getting back the cash that you threw away.

When you pay check, on the other hand, you can simply cancel the payment should a rip off occur. Meanwhile, when you pay using credit card, most credit card companies offer automatic protection against fraud. When the shop personnel know that you’re paying through check or credit card, they might be deterred to rip you off.

You have to be sure, though, that the shop accepts credit cards or checks. Before you authorize the shop to do any repair or service, you must have a clear agreement with the shop manager as to your mode of payment.

Some drivers relate instances when a shop refuses credit card after the repair, asking cash instead even if the initial agreement was to pay using credit card. To avoid something like this, try to get your agreement into writing even before the job is started. This way, the shop won’t be able to refuse you and you’ll have something to hold on to in case problems occur and you find the need to file a complaint. By doing this, you’ll have an edge over the shop.

Dealing with a Shop for the First Time

The first step to avoid an auto repair rip off is to find a mechanic and shop that you can trust. Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Check forums and get feedbacks from other car owners. But, remember as well that while this is the ideal, there might be times when you may find yourself needing to take chances with a shop or mechanic that you have never tried before. What if you’re new to a place and you don’t know a mechanic in the area? Who do you trust? How do you deal with a new shop or mechanic?

Well, it is advised that you never bring your car to a new and untrusted shop for any major repair. If you’re new in an area and you have to try out a particular auto repair shop, start with small automotive tasks and repairs. This is the time to check out the new shop, look into its surroundings, have a feel of its staff and mechanics, and see how they treat their customers. It’s the best time to have an overall assessment of the shop.  By starting out with a small automotive task, you don’t take such a huge risk. Even if the shop proves out to be inefficient and bungles the repair, or if it proves out to be one that observes fraudulent acts and rips off their customers, you won’t have such a big problem. The smaller the repair you had, the less your headache in case problems occur. Once you have already tried the shop and saw that it can be trusted, only then should you go for it on major automotive works.

When dealing with an auto repair shop for the first time, you have to look into all the aspects of their service. From the main job to their customer service to their rates, check all of these out. Should you find the shop good and honest, then you have discovered one great partner in auto repair and maintenance.

DIY Saturday: How to Change a Tire

A flat tire is one of the most common things that car owners and drivers encounter every now and then. And while your first impulse during a flat tire incident may be to have your car towed to the nearest auto repair shop, you’ll be glad to know that changing a tire is very simple. As long as you have basic tools, and a spare tire of course, you’ll have no problem doing the task.

Things you’ll need:

·        Spare tire

·        Jack

·        Lug wrench

Some reminders:

·        Park your car in a flat surface before beginning the job and engage the parking brake.

·        Familiarize yourself with the area in your car where you can place the jack to support your car up. You can find this in your owner’s manual.

1. Once your car is already parked and stable in place, check whether it is equipped with a wheel lock, hubcap, or wheel cover. You will need to take these off. You can use the lug wrench for taking off the cover, or you can pry it off with something like a screwdriver.

2. Then, loosen the lug nuts using the wrench (in a star pattern as advised). There are cases when the nuts will not budge at once, in which case you can step or stomp on the wrench until the nuts are loose. Do not remove just yet, though.

3. Then, support and lift your vehicle with the jack (slowly). Safety is of utmost importance here, so be sure your car is stable when lifted.

4. When your car is already lifted, you can now remove the lug nuts (be sure you keep them where you can easily retrieve them afterwards), and remove the flat tire.

5. You can now install the new tire. Align it with the bolts, and then replace the lug nuts.

6. Let your car down and then tighten the nuts. Put back the hubcap and you’re all set, ready to drive again.

Friday’s Advice: Things Not to Say to Your Mechanic

In my previous post here, I mentioned some things that you should and should not tell your mechanic when you bring in your car for repair. In this post, we’ll expound more on the things you shouldn’t tell your mechanic if you don’t want to give him any chance to rip you off.

As I have mentioned before, some mechanics are on the lookout for indications that you may fall into a scheme easily, and when they see that, they grab the chance to pull their tricks on you. So, never allow them to see any opportunity to rip you off. One way to ensure this is to watch what you say to your mechanic and what you say around him.

1. I have to prepare my car for a travel. This means you want everything in good shape, and that you want to be safe in your travel, so the mechanic can rip you off by telling you there are problems with your car parts such as the brakes – you don’t want to travel with busted brakes, after all.

2. What does my car need? Don’t ask as general a question like that, because you’re giving the mechanic a huge door into which he can enter and rip you off. (More on asking questions on my post next week)

3. Any plan involving money – car related or otherwise. For some mechanics, the first criterion that will categorize a person as a candidate for rip off is the fact that he has a lot of money to spend. So, don’t give your mechanic a clue.

4. Do everything you have to do to fix the problem. Again, you’re opening a wide door for rip off. (More of this here.)

5. Give me the cheapest option available. Though this may sound valid, it isn’t. (Find out why here.)

Auto Part Conditions that Require Immediate Attention

Yesterday, we elaborated on immediate car repairs and repairs that you can postpone for later, looking at specific systems such as the suspension and the brakes. Today, let’s take a look at specific parts instead. And instead of discussing the two types of condition mentioned in my last post (those that require immediate repairs and those that don’t), let’s focus only on conditions that necessitate immediate attention.

TIRES:

It is advised that these components be replaced every 6 years, but that’s not the only measure. The real criterion to check would be the tread of the tires. If they have gone too thin (the given figure here is 1.6mm or less), then that is a great indication that the tire is already nearing its lifespan.

BELTS:

Belt damage and failure is not easy to detect, mainly because it doesn’t manifest any symptom. So, the only preventative maintenance that you can do to ensure that it won’t break is to replace it before or on the given period interval. You will find this in your manufacturer’s manual. Once the belt reaches its replacement period, you should get a new one immediately. Otherwise, when it breaks, you’ll be facing a more serious trouble as this can lead to a damaged engine.

LIGHTS:

Whether it’s your headlights, tail lights, or signal lights, they need to be replaced at once when damaged—not only because of the safety threats that they pose but as well as the road regulations being imposed today. A damaged lens could be tolerable for a while, but a completely busted bulb spells trouble.

Automotive problems in general have to be addressed at once. But, there are more important problems that should be addressed now as may be suggested by your mechanic. By familiarizing yourself with these problems, you’ll know how to deal with repair suggestions.

Car Services That Can Wait and Car Problems that Need Immediate Attention

I had a previous post discussing an overview of the categories of repairs that your mechanic may suggest when you bring your vehicle to the shop for repair, namely immediate repairs and repairs needed as preventative maintenance. Today, let’s talk about the car services that you can pass up when your mechanic suggests them, services that you can schedule for next time, and those that you need to perform ASAP.

BRAKES

Problems with brake parts almost always require immediate attention, simply because brakes are safety components. Pads that have lost their friction materials, calipers that stick, and rotors that are damaged should be repaired immediately because failure to do so could lead to life-threatening accidents.

SUSPENSION

When to say yes to repair: When the suspension problem is causing extensive wear on other components or when your handling is already affected. Sometimes, suspension problems accelerate such things as tire wear, and neglecting them can lead to more expenses in the end.

When to pass up: If the repair is suggested only to improve your ride quality, make it smoother and make your ride experience more convenient, then it is not an urgent need.

IGNITION, FUEL SYSTEM, and INTAKE

These three systems are directly concerned with the amount of power that the engine generates. Fuel, air, and spark are the primary ingredients in combustion, and it’s important that the systems handling them be in top shape at all times. Problems encountered in these systems require immediate attention, or your engine’s performance may be affected—sometimes, even your vehicle’s gas mileage.

The next post will be a continuation of this post, but we’ll be looking at individual components rather than entire systems, and then focus on conditions that should not be ignored once they are observed in order to avoid further problems in the future.

The Power of Communication When Dealing with an Auto Repair Shop

When you bring your car to an auto repair shop, you expect it to be fixed—nobody expects problems or rip-offs. Do you know how important proper communication is if you want the repair or replacement process to be accomplished fast and successfully? By communicating with your mechanic well, you get down to real business smoothly. Now the question: what is the proper way to communicate with your mechanic when you bring in your vehicle for a diagnosis and fix of a problem?

Be factual.

First off, don’t panic about the problem. And don’t rant. The problem’s already there; you can’t do anything about it. What you should do is tell your mechanic what you’ve observed about your car when the problem occurs. Enumerate the symptoms. Don’t exaggerate. You want as accurate a diagnosis as possible, so be factual and objective down to the last detail.

Be direct.

Tell your mechanic what you want done. If there’s anything not clear with you, ask. Don’t beat around the bush and don’t avoid any detail that you feel may not be received by your mechanic well but can help in the diagnosis. And don’t hold back: your mechanic will need your help in diagnosing the problem.

Be honest.

In relation to the last pointer, it’s important that you be honest (a more elaborate discussion is posted HERE) when dealing with your mechanic. If you have any part in the damage that happened to your vehicle, say so. The mechanic can even help you in avoiding a similar incident in the future.

You never know how much hassle you can avoid and how much time you can save on repairs by communicating with your mechanic well. By being factual, direct, and honest with your shop technician, repairs become smoother and faster to accomplish.

DIY Saturday: How to Replace Your Oil Pan

The oil pan in your vehicle serves as the storage container of the oil used to lubricate the engine as it works. It is the main oil reservoir, so it’s carefully placed underneath your ride to secure the oil inside it. There are instances, though, when the pan gets damaged and leaks. And during these instances, it’s but normal for drivers to panic and come running to their trusted mechanic for a replacement. After all, an unattended pan that’s damaged could cause more serious damage on the engine.

But, before you think of going to an auto repair shop, you might want to know that you can actually replace the pan on your own—the process is easy if you have the right tools. Check these out:

You will need:

* The new oil pan and gasket

* Wrenches for removing the oil pan plug and the oil pan bolts

Procedure:

1. Gain access to the oil pan and drain all the oil in the said container by removing the oil pan plug.
2. Once all the oil has drained, it’s time to remove the pan. Remove all the bolts that connect the pan to the engine using the wrench.
3. Clean the engine surface and remove any remaining gasket before preparing the new pan and gasket for installation.
4. Carefully line up the gasket with the oil pan.
5. Line up the pan (with gasket) with the engine, and replace the bolts in their proper location.
6. Fill with oil and inspect for leaks.

The process is easy and does not take a lot of time to finish. And with the basic tools needed, it’s one task that you will have no problem doing in your garage. All you need to spend on would be a high-quality replacement pan and gasket.

Friday’s Advice: Things to Do before Rushing into an Auto Shop for a Repair

You’re ready to go to work and you head to the car inside your garage, whistling your favorite tune in your head. You open the door, get in front of the wheel, insert the key, turn on the ignition, and none—the engine wouldn’t crank. Panicky thoughts run in your head, and your first impulse is to reach for your phone to call your local auto parts shop to have your car fixed.

Wait! Not so fast! An attitude like that is an invitation to a rip-off. If you’re getting panicky, with stress mounting up and with your “do what you can to fix my car” attitude getting in control, it’s so easy to throw away money even when you don’t have to. So, before you let your panic overwhelm you, focus your energies first into these things:

Look for symptoms. Okay, your car won’t start. Are there other symptoms that you can observe? Does your car crank, only to die right after? Or does it remain dead no matter how many times you turn the key? Check for other symptoms as these can help in diagnosing the problem later on.

Look into possible problems. After you’ve taken note of the symptoms, you can now do some research about the possible problems. In case of a starting issue, one possible reason would be a spark plug failure. It could also be your battery. Look into all the other possibilities and narrow down from there depending on all the other symptoms that you can observe. You can also do some DIY tests if you’re familiar with the process so that you can pinpoint the problem.

Research on repair rates and repair shops. Check the ongoing repair rates or replacement prices online. This way, you’ll have a rough idea of the amount you need to spend when you bring your car for repair. Plus, it pays to have something to compare to when the shop already gives you an estimate. And if you don’t have a trusted shop yet, it’s time to look around.

How Some Shops Find Customers to Rip Off

You know by now that there are shops that try to squeeze as much as they can from their customers. This is done in many different ways: by suggesting parts to be replaced or services to be performed, when these are not actually necessary; by charging their customers with fees for services that were not actually performed or parts that were not actually installed; and the list could go on and on.

Now, what are the tactics that some mechanics use in order to determine their victim or to know whether a customer can be ripped off?

1. They gauge whether the owner is knowledgeable or not. They know that those who don’t know anything about their car are easier targets, so they look for clues that will tell them whether the client has some knowledge about his car.

2. They look for information about the owner. Some information about the owner (whether he is a performance enthusiast, whether he is a family man, whether he is going on a long travel, or whether he is not from the area and is only passing by) are some things that certain shops look into in order to find some ways to rip off their client. For instance, if they know the customer is not from the area and might not come back after the service, then they see it as an opportunity for a rip-off—they can get away with it easily afterwards.

3. They take the time to feel their client. People who are intimidated by cars and by auto repairs give off some vibes and signals that serve as red flag for mechanics who are on the lookout for customers to rip off. It is because of this that you should feel confident about your car, and that can only happen if you familiarize yourself with it and with the problem.

A Look at ASE-Certified Mechanics

Similar to being a doctor or being a teacher, being a mechanic is also a serious profession that requires skill and specialty. And while other professions have board examinations, there’s an ASE certification offered for mechanics. This certification is one proof of a mechanic’s competence and experience in the particular field in which he specializes.

There are different fields in automotive in which a mechanic may want to specialize. Tests are offered focusing on several systems such as the brakes and suspension, and a mechanic may want to take a test on any or all of the systems. Other than passing the test given, at least two years of experience is also needed if a mechanic wishes to be a Master Technician.

Many shops today require ASE certification when employing a mechanic, although there are still others that don’t. The good thing about having an ASE-certified mechanic work on your car is the fact that you know your car is in competent hands, one who knows what he is doing and one whom you can trust to do the job well. Plus, you can be sure that an ASE-certified mechanic is serious about his career and would not do something that will jeopardize it.

If you are looking for a shop with personnel who are good at what they do, you may want to look for an ASE seal in the shop. This would mean that the shop has mechanics who have ASE certification. Take note, though, that it doesn’t mean all mechanics in the shop are ASE-certified, only that there are some. If you want your car to be handled by a mechanic who has the certification, you may want to ask for that. ASE-certified mechanics also have different specialties. So, it doesn’t necessarily mean that a technician with ASE certification is good for all your needed automotive repairs.

Paying for Diagnosis

Think that the money you spent on car repair was only for the actual part and for the time it took the mechanic to fix the problem? Not in all cases. In many instances, part of the work that you pay for is vehicle diagnosis. In fact, in some situations, a great part of the number of hours that you pay for is spent on checking your vehicle in order to find just what the problem is. Sometimes, depending on the problem, it may take a long time for your mechanic to do the correct diagnosis, so you pay more.

When it is right: Paying for diagnostics is but fair. After all, your mechanic spends a lot of time determining what the exact problem is, something that is necessary to find the right solution and bring your vehicle back to life. It is only right that mechanics be paid for doing a good job. After all, if they do not take diagnostics seriously, they may simply resort to guessing and trial and error, the result of which could be more problems for you.

When it is wrong: Paying for vehicle diagnosis becomes unfair if you find out later on that the mechanic actually failed to pinpoint, and solve, the problem. Consider this: the mechanic tells you that the problem has to do with the spark plugs and persuades you to have the plugs replaced, only for the problem to recur when you’re back on the road. When you bring in your car the second time, you find that it’s actually the coil and not the plugs, so that means you paid for nothing during the first time.

If the latter situation happens, you can ask for a refund from the mechanic or shop, or you can ask that they perform the correct repair free of charge, depending on what your arrangement is.