Have you ever asked your auto repair shop, “What do I need to do to take care of my car and avoid big repair bills?” Either way, you’ll want to keep reading. We have seen it all at our Tempe auto repair shop: folks who follow service interval schedules to a T and consistently come in for preventative car maintenance and other customers who waited too long and are now left to deal with major repairs that cost them a lot of money. Knowing how to maintain your vehicle and avoid expensive car repairs will make you a happier – and wealthier- driver for sure.
According to a recent article from The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, car care starts with you and ends with your trusted auto repair shop. The answer to avoiding major repairs and hefty bills is quite simple – you need to work with your auto technician to create and follow a regular maintenance plan. Just as the article states, preventative maintenance plans are essential for protecting your automotive investment and maximizing the reliability and safety of your vehicle. In fact, a vehicle properly maintained and kept three years after your payments end will save you $20,000 to $30,000! That’s a lot of money that you can save to spend on other needs or towards a new vehicle down the road and be debt free.
You can start by first researching your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for service and maintenance schedules based on your personal driving habits and patterns. Once you establish these, you can then search for the right auto repair shop for you. Start by talking to friends and family about their positive experiences. The BBB’s Auto Resource Center is a great place to start when looking for trusted auto mechanics, body shops or auto dealerships. Also, auto repair shops that maintain current automotive industry certifications provide evidence that staying on top of current repair standards is important to them. Find an auto shop that has certified technicians on staff. If they treat you right, they’ll treat your vehicle right, too.
Once you know who to turn to for repairs, you’ll need to communicate with your repair technician about costs for diagnostics and vehicle repairs. From oil changes to tire rotations or major repairs like engine system issues, you’ll want a written estimate ahead of time. Our auto repair shop takes pride in our customer service, honesty and vehicle service. Whether we’re working with you or your vehicle, we want to make sure you know how to stay ahead of major repairs and help you avoid costly repairs that can cause a shock to the system. Contact us today and let’s start your journey of preventative maintenance and a healthier, safer vehicle to drive!
