HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1980-10-23, Page 42Piinesl'.
can. re
pleasant
repairs
There's something
about .cars - no matter
what goes wrong, repairs
are almost always a.
surprise. When problems
do crop up, dread,
frustration, shock and
resignation are common
reactions. There's little
that can be done about
the first two, although a
little preventive main-
tenance can make their
occurrence less frequent.
You can reduce the last
two, however, by doing
your - homework and
knowing exactly what
you're getting yourself
into.
PAY ATTENTION
TO REPAIRS
Most auto service shops
operate honestly and
effectively. Unfor-
tunately, some do take
advantage of the con-
sumer Who is uninformed
in this area. With this in
mind, you should take a
number of precautions
when dealing with repair
facilities:
• - Review . the car
warranter ,carefully. If it
still 'applies, ` determine
exactly who pays for
what , and discuss this
with the service person
before any work is done.
Know whatLyou're getting
under the warranty.
- Check the owner's
manual; the solution to
the problem might be
right there.
- Be as specific as
possible when describing
the problem. Don't be
afraid to ask questions.
It's much easier and less
costly to have repairs
done when the mechanic
knows what to look
- Never sign a blank
order form. Ask for a
written cost estimate
before authorizing major
repairs and specify that
the cost shouldnot exceed
this amount without your
permission. Be sure to
get a copy of the work
order.
Get full details on
repair warranties. Ask if
the warranty applies to
both- parts and labor.
Find out if there is a
restriction on where
guaranteed repairs are to
be done.
PRACTICE
PREVENTIVE
MAINTENANCE
Of course, a little
preventive maintenance
will go_ a long way in
keeping your car out of
the service garage.
Because of the trend
toward self-tervice
gasoline outlets, many
motorists forget about, or
-s mp F, dam'+' bother- -with-
tl routine engine checks
that are Usually provided,
on request, at full-service
outlets.
1f you've gotten.. into
the pump -it -yourself
routine, you should be
prepared either to do
these cheeks yourself, or,.
occasionally fill up at a
service station that will
do them for you. Check
these items on a regular
basis:
- motor oil level,
- power steering fluid -
- windshield washer
fluid '
- lights and turn
signals, : .
coolant level in the
radiator (only when the
engine is cold)
- transmission fluid
(with the engine running)
- brake and battery
fluids
- battery cables, wiper
blades, drive belt . and
hoses, and
- tire pressure. (A tire
gauge is inexpensive and
it's the best investment
ou can make to extend
're life. Underinflated
tires can also decrease
gas mileage.)
A complete tune up
should be done at least
once aear. This •
y s .'es
everything from engine
tune-up and tire rotation
to lubrication, suspen-
sion, brake and cooling
system checks. Keeping
your car regularly tuned
saves both gas mileage
and wear and tear on the
engine. Engine oil and
filter should also be
changed regularly, ac-
cording
to recom-
mendations in your
owner's manual.
LEARN THE
BASICS
Naturally, the better
you take care of your car,
the longer it will last. The
ministry of consumer and
commercial relations has
published an information
sheet entitled "Car
repairs: it pays to pay
attention" available
through its Consumer
Information Centre at 555 '
Yonge Street, Toronto,
Ontario M7A 2H6. It,
covers the simple
maintenance routines
you should follow, as well
as giving more detailed
information on car
repairs.
When you do need work
done and,„ you're fairly
certain what the problem
is, shop around for
estimates. Consult
friend's whose judgement
you trust. Once you've
decided where you're
going to take your car,
establish a rapport with
the person doing repairs.
If you're satisfied with
the job being done,
become a regular
customer. Let the •
mechanic become
familiar with the
idiosyncracies of your
car. Remember, it's your
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