Keep in mind that getting your car for repair services in a reliable commercial garage is only half the battle. You have to deal with the automotive technician assigned to the job in a manner that will generate the best results. You should keep these tips about getting the best possible service in mind.
Communicate Properly
Your ability to communicate the symptoms of troubles that you have observed about your car can mean the difference between effective diagnosis and treatment of its problems. You are well-advised to note relevant matters, such as the current signs of trouble (e.g., specific sounds, leaks, and sensations while driving it) and the past issues that plagued it.
You vehicle’s diary should ideally include terms that both you and your auto technician can understand, a common ground on which to start working together. The most common terms include:
- Backfire – A sound akin to a gunshot coming from either the tailpipe or engine
- Bottoming – An excessive noise usually coming from the steering wheel when driving over bumps
- Bucking – A sensation of the transmission slipping or the engine hesitating when changing gears
- Knocking – A rapid rattling heard during acceleration
- Dieseling – The engine continues to burn fuel, perhaps with the car even running briefly, after the ignition has been turned off
- Shimmy – A side-to-side motion typically felt through the steering wheels and/or tires
- Surge – A sudden change in the engine’s speed
- Sluggish – A feeling of the car’s apparent inability to accelerate smoothly or strongly
The more you and your auto technician can communicate at the beginning, the faster the issue can be identified and resolved. You will even save money for this reason.
Set Realistic Expectations
Unless you own the commercial garage, you have to be prepared to wait for the job to be finished, which can range from a day to a week depending on the required repairs. You should also be prepared to pay for satisfactory service, quality parts, and good results since you will get what you pay for. You must also ask for a cost estimate before any repairs and replacements of parts are made since you don’t want unpleasant surprises.
You must also make yourself available for inquiries, such as whether you want a certain part replaced. You have to leave your phone number so that you can make decisions ASAP or else your car can sit in the garage longer than expected.
These tips apply for both brand-new and second-hand cars bought from reliable dealers, such as Addison GM. You may want to have a commercial garage’s contact information on speed dial, too, just in case of emergency repairs.
