It is important to be prepared as well as you can be when your car breaks down, or you find it is in need of a repair or service. A few ground rules can be the difference between a small bill or a large whole in the wallet or purse.
Firstly make sure you have an idea of the reputation of a service before you think of approaching them. Ask friends and family if they can recommend someone, or failing that look for a service that will give you a free quote for any work that may be required. Enquire if the service is open at weekends, and if not ensure that you have a back up service that does open at weekends. Cars do have a habit of breaking down at the most inconvenient times.
It is important to have some rudimentary knowledge of your car. Get the vehicles handbook manual out and try to make a mental picture of where all the parts are under the bonnet, their names and what they are for. This may not be of any actual help when you break down, but if you can show even a little understanding about the workings of your vehicle, the repairer may think twice about trying to pull the wool over your eyes. As the saying goes, a little knowledge can go a long way. It is obviously helpful if you can perform simple tasks such as filling the oil up, or the washer fluid, changing a light bulb or a tyre. Check your spare tyre is in good condition and you have all the tools needed to change it.
When you have broken down, and if you have to leave it with a repairer while he checks it out, always ask him to contact you before they start any work to give you an estimate, so you can decide if you want to go ahead with the repairs or conversely get another quote.
Very often it is the parts that can be extortionate to obtain, as the dealers have a monopoly and can charge pretty much what ever they wish. One possible way around this is to obtain a second hand part for your car, which can often be just as reliable at a fraction of the price. Ring around the local yards and ask if they have the part, what condition it is in and the price. If this isnt possible it is always worth ringing the dealers yourself to check on the price of the part to see if it tallys with the repairers quote.
Always ensure the repairer knows you will be asking for an invoice with a detailed breakdown of parts and labour. It is less likely they will try it on with you if you let them know what you expect from them.
Lastly, act in a confident and relaxed manner with the repairer, never let him feel you are at his mercy. Stay in charge of the situation!
Follow these simple rules for a stress free service.
Des Ingham, website, http://www.advicetipsinfo.com/car/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Des_Ingham
Firstly make sure you have an idea of the reputation of a service before you think of approaching them. Ask friends and family if they can recommend someone, or failing that look for a service that will give you a free quote for any work that may be required. Enquire if the service is open at weekends, and if not ensure that you have a back up service that does open at weekends. Cars do have a habit of breaking down at the most inconvenient times.
It is important to have some rudimentary knowledge of your car. Get the vehicles handbook manual out and try to make a mental picture of where all the parts are under the bonnet, their names and what they are for. This may not be of any actual help when you break down, but if you can show even a little understanding about the workings of your vehicle, the repairer may think twice about trying to pull the wool over your eyes. As the saying goes, a little knowledge can go a long way. It is obviously helpful if you can perform simple tasks such as filling the oil up, or the washer fluid, changing a light bulb or a tyre. Check your spare tyre is in good condition and you have all the tools needed to change it.
When you have broken down, and if you have to leave it with a repairer while he checks it out, always ask him to contact you before they start any work to give you an estimate, so you can decide if you want to go ahead with the repairs or conversely get another quote.
Very often it is the parts that can be extortionate to obtain, as the dealers have a monopoly and can charge pretty much what ever they wish. One possible way around this is to obtain a second hand part for your car, which can often be just as reliable at a fraction of the price. Ring around the local yards and ask if they have the part, what condition it is in and the price. If this isnt possible it is always worth ringing the dealers yourself to check on the price of the part to see if it tallys with the repairers quote.
Always ensure the repairer knows you will be asking for an invoice with a detailed breakdown of parts and labour. It is less likely they will try it on with you if you let them know what you expect from them.
Lastly, act in a confident and relaxed manner with the repairer, never let him feel you are at his mercy. Stay in charge of the situation!
Follow these simple rules for a stress free service.
Des Ingham, website, http://www.advicetipsinfo.com/car/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Des_Ingham
Labels: Auto Part
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