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Today's
cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels
with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody
construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently
than models of years past.
But
when it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. Whatever type
of repair facility you patronize--dealership, service station, independent
garage, specialty shop, or a national franchise--good communications
between customer and shop is vital.
The
following tips should help you along the way:
Do
your homework before taking your
vehicle in for repairs or service.
Today's
technician must understand thousands of pages of technical text.
Fortunately, your required reading is much less.
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Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and
components. Follow the recommended service schedules. Keep a log
of all repairs and service.
When
you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You
drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything
is right. So don't ignore its warning signals.
Use
all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for:
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Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge
readings
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Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid
levels.
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Worn tires, belts, hoses.
Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations.
Note
when the problem occurs.
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Is it constant or periodic?
When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
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At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting?
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When did the problem first start?
Professionally
run repair establishments have always recognized the importance
of communications in automotive repairs.
Once
you are at the repair establishment, communicate your findings.
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Be prepared to describe the symptoms. (In larger shops you'll
probably speak with a service writer/service manager rather than
with the technician directly.)
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Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give to the
technician or service manager.
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Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair.
Just as you would with your physician, tell where it hurts and
how long it's been that way, but let the technician diagnose and
recommend a remedy.
Stay
involved... Ask questions.
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Ask as many questions as you need to, to understand the problem.
Don't be embarrassed to request lay definitions.
Don't rush the service writer or technician to make an on-the-spot
diagnosis. Ask to be called and with a description of the problem,
course of action, and costs before work begins. Before you leave,
be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates,
guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment. Leave a telephone
number where you can be reached.
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