Tag Archives: Vehicle Diagnostics

1. Vehicle Operation:

Understand that spending a few minutes a month checking your car can prevent 70% of problems that cause a roadside breakdown.

DON’T:

• Overfill the gas tank
• Ever put anything other than APPROVED brake fluid in the brake master cylinder
• Leave your car idling without having a window partially open

DO:

• Read the owner’s manual or secure good advice on things you don’t know.  Such as, how to open hood, operate the Air conditioning, and instrument cluster warning lights, just to mention a few things
• Check the engine oil and coolant level with each full tank of gas
• Again, Read the Owner’s Manual, specifically regarding maintenance requirements and recommendations

2. Vehicle Maintenance & Ownership:

DON’T:

• Follow maintenance recommendations from, “loss leader repair shops”
• Mix brands or sizes of tires on AWD vehicles
• Neglect changing the timing belt as recommended if your vehicle has one (Interference Engine)

DO:

• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. (Retain records for manufacturer’s warranty)
• Establish the oil change regiment you intend to follow, and then do so
• Insure your car at an appropriate level (If you can’t lose car without great hardship)

3. Purchasing A Used Car:

DON’T:

• Drive the car without insurance
• Purchase a used car with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Purchase the car without diligent research.  Check google for common problems for the car model.  Don’t be shy ask for advice

DO:

• Understand the need for a pre-purchase inspection and what it should show you
• Practice changing the tire, if you intend to do so.  “Does the car have a spare tire?”
• Read the owner’s manual regarding, the safety features of your new used car
• Check on the cost of insurance for the car before you buy it.  i.e.  That sporty Corvette

4. Responding To Roadside Car Problems:

DON’T:

• Drive to the next exit with a car that is overheating, or the low oil pressure light on
• Drive a car with a loose battery or no air cleaner
• Be without a cell phone and those phone numbers you wish you had

DO:

• Pull over and shut car off if you ever smell gas
• Get your car checked out as soon as possible, if it exhibits strange sensations.  Evan consider pulling over now
• If your check engine light is strobing at you, you need to stop very soon.

5. Responding To The Check Engine Light Coming On:

DON’T:

• Purchase parts predicated solely on a scan of the codes. Very common with free scanning at the local parts store.
• Clear the codes because some causation data will be lost. A technician may need the data to properly troubleshoot your car

DO:

• Have the check engine light diagnosed ASAP if the car now runs poorly, differently, misfiring, or no power Pull
• Get a firm price for diagnostic charges.  Leading to written estimate for repairs
• Look on the internet for cars similar to yours and see if they are having the same problem and what may have caused it and what the repair cost them.
• Fully understand why the light is on if you elect not to repair the car

6. Finding & Dealing With A Good Mechanic:

Understand the differences between independent shops, franchise and chain stores

DON’T:

• Leave a blanket authority for the repair.  Require a written estimate and notification of any cost changes as the repair progresses
• Tell the shop what to fix.  Be concerned if you are telling the shop what to fix, are you sure?  Who trouble shot the car?
• Leave the shop with the impression they have all week to fix the car

DO:

• If you’re not comfortable with the estimate, get a second opinion
• Ask to see the old defective parts
• Pay by credit card, if this a new shop to you

7. Talking To The Automotive Service Writer/Mechanic At The Garage:

DON’T:

• Pass up the opportunity for a test drive so that your observations are being more closely observed and addressed
• Show up without a written list of your observed symptoms, needs, and desired services
• Be bashful, if you desire a specific technician to work on your car, ask for it!

DO:

• Provide the clearest information you can regarding the symptoms, but refrain from diagnosing the problem yourself
• Keep copies of the repair orders for future reference and or warranty discussions or issues
• Call to get an appointment even if you’re just looking for some advice