Taking your car to the repair shop can be a stressful and sometimes intimidating event. When your vehicle is in disrepair or is due for service you shouldn’t find yourself in the lobby with your fingers crossed or worse yet, worrying if the shop is taking advantage of you. The following are a few simple steps you can take to feel more confident on your next visit to the garage.
Step One: Look for a shop that hires ASE certified technicians. Why you ask? The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 to help consumers find competent, professional technicians. The significance of this to you is that it’s voluntary for the technician to become an ASE certified professional. Unlike a lot of other service people such as plumbers or electricians, auto mechanics aren’t legally obligated to become certified. Those that go through the process of obtaining ASE certification are the ones who are dedicated to their craft and have the experience to do a quality job.
Step Two: Make the shop earn your trust and get an education. When a technician or service advisor recommends a repair or service, ask them if you can see what they’re recommending. An honest shop won’t mind showing you those worn out brakes, that dirty air filter or cracked up belt and you’ll probably learn a thing or two looking over your car with a professional. If they aren’t willing to show you what’s wrong with your car then how can you trust them to fix it?
Step Three: Know your vehicle’s service history and read your owner’s manual. As crazy as it sounds, that mysterious little book in the glove box actually does contain some valuable information. If the manufacturer lists service intervals for maintenance on your vehicle and you know the service history then you will already have an idea of what you need (aside from the results of an inspection) when you get to the shop. There’s no use paying for a service that isn’t due right? If the technician or service advisor insists on performing a service despite the manufacturer’s recommendations or your vehicle’s history, it may be for a good reason. Simply refer to step two and find out for yourself what’s going on with your car.
A little preparation can create a lot of peace of mind and save you money.

Photo: National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

For more information on ASE, visit http://tinyurl.com/5cxyyd

For more auto advice and info, check out my Examiner articles.

Choosing tires for Chicago winter driving

In a mid-western city like Chicago, maintaining your tires or choosing a reliable set of replacements is important as the weather transitions from the warm summer sun to the cold winter wind. Just as people begin trying on old winter jackets to make sure they don't get caught freezing during the first snow fall, your car needs a little preparation for the change in season. Your tires are the only point of contact with the road so it is vital to make sure they are the proper type and in road-worthy condition because let's face it, even with a warm jacket on, the side of the road is a dangerous, cold and generally miserable place to be.
The condition of your tires is the first consideration when preparing for the snow and ice. If your tires have cracks in the sidewalls or treads, excessive uneven tread wear patterns, shallow tread depth (less than 4/32 inch), leaks or other factors that compromise their integrity, now is the time to repair or replace them. The possible problems associated with neglected or worn out tires all directly affect your safety and the safety of the folks sharing the roadways with you. If you’re not comfortable or are ill-equipped to inspect your tires, take your car to a professional technician and have it done.
If you have determined your tires are not fit for the winter roads, it’s time to look at replacements. The most popular types of tires for winter applications are All Season (A/S) or Mud and Snow (M+S). All Seasons are just as their name implies a good general purpose tire that will handle well on most terrains and weather types. If you can maintain proper tire pressure, tread condition and drive at speeds proportionate with the weather, these tires will work well for you. If you like to drive more aggressively or off the beaten path, M+S tires may be a better choice due to softer rubber treads that more efficiently conform with and adhere to the road but please bear in mind, you still have to stop so take it easy on the gas pedal. If you do go with an M+S style tire, you may want to have a set of All Seasons to keep in your garage to swap with when the snow melts in the spring because M+S tires will wear faster and run hotter on dry roads.
As cornerstones of your vehicle, proper maintenance and consistent attention to your tires will save you money, keep you safe and provide peace of mind as you travel through the elements this winter.

Photo: LizMarie (Everystockphoto.com) 
 For more automotive advice and information, check out my Examiner articles.

The Good ol' Days

Click the pics below to see what it cost to almost rebuild your Model T in 1928. If only...