- Glove Box Tips from
- Ted the Technician
-
- How to Communicate for Better
Automotive Service
-
- Today's cars, light trucks, and
sport-utility vehicles are
- high-tech marvels with digital
dashboards, oxygen sensors,
- electronic computers, unibody
construction, and more. They run
- better, longer, and more efficiently
than models of years past.
- But when it comes to repairs, some
things stay the same.
- Whatever type of repair facility you
patronize--dealership,
- service station, independent garage,
specialty shop, or a
- national franchise--good
communications between customer and
- shop is vital.
- The following tips should help you
along the way:
-
- Do your homework before taking your
vehicle in for repairs or
- service.
-
- Today's technician must understand
thousands of pages of
- technical text. Fortunately, your
required reading is much
- less.
-
-
- * Read the owner's manual to learn
about the vehicle's
- systems and components.
- * Follow the recommended service
schedules. Keep a log of
- all repairs and service.
-
- When you think about it, you know
your car better than anyone
- else. You drive it every day and know
how it feels and sounds
- when everything is right. So don't
ignore its warning signals.
-
-
- Use all of your senses to inspect
your car frequently. Check
- for:
-
-
- * Unusual sounds, odors, drips,
leaks, smoke, warning
- lights, gauge readings.
- * Changes in acceleration, engine
performance, gas mileage,
- fluid levels.
- * Worn tires, belts, hoses.
- * Problems in handling, braking,
steering, vibrations.
-
- Note when the problem occurs.
-
- * Is it constant or periodic?
- * When the vehicle is cold or after
the engine has warmed
- up?
-
-
- * At all speeds? Only under
acceleration? During braking?
- When shifting?
- * When did the problem first start?
-
- Professionally run repair
establishments have always recognized
- the importance of communications in
automotive repairs.
-
- Once you are at the repair
establishment, communicate your
- findings.
-
- * Be prepared to describe the
symptoms. (In larger shops
- you'll probably speak with a service
writer/service
- manager rather than with the
technician directly.)
- * Carry a written list of the
symptoms that you can give to
- the technician or service manager.
- * Resist the temptation to suggest a
specific course of
- repair. Just as you would with your
physician, tell where
- it hurts and how long it's been that
way, but let the
- technician diagnose and recommend a
remedy.
-
-
- Stay involved... Ask questions.
-
- * Ask as many questions as you need.
Do not be embarrassed
- to request lay definitions.
- * Don't rush the service writer or
technician to make an
- on-the-spot diagnosis. Ask to be
called and apprised of
- the problem, course of action, and
costs before work
- begins.
- * Before you leave, be sure you
understand all shop policies
- regarding labor rates, guarantees,
and acceptable methods
- of payment.
- * Leave a telephone number where you
can be called.
-
- A Word about ASE
-
- Perhaps years ago, a shade-tree
mechanic whose only
- credentials were a tool box and
busted knuckles was enough.
- But today's quality-conscious
consumers demand more.
- The independent, non-profit National
Institute for
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
conducts the only
- industry-wide, national certification
program for automotive
- technicians.
- Consumers benefit from ASE's
certification program since
- it takes much of the guesswork out of
finding a competent
- technicians.
- ASE certifies the competency of
individual technicians
- through a series of standardized
specialty exams (brakes,
- transmissions, engine repair, ect.)
-
- ASE
- CERTIFIED
-
-
- We employ technicians certified by
the National institute
- for AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE.
- Let us show you their credentials
- Certified technicians are issued
pocket credentials
- listing their area(s) of expertise
and usually wear blue and
- white ASE shoulder insignia, while
employers often post the ASE
- sign on the premises. There are over
a quarter million ASE
- technicians at work in every type of
repair facility.
- This publication has been reviewed by
the Environmental
- Protection Agency. Distribution of
this document does not
- constitute or imply EPA endorsement
of any ASE service.
-
- National Institute for
- AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE
- 13505 Dulles Technology Dr.
- Herndon, VA 22071
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Don't Leave It To Chance!
-
- Choosing the Right Repair Shop for
Your Vehicle
-
- Glove Box Tips from
- Ted the Technician
- EPA
- National Institute for
- AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE
-
- Choosing the Right Repair Shop
-
- No matter what you drive--sports car,
family sedan,
- pick-up, or mini-van, when you go in
for repairs or service,
- you want the job done right. The
following advice should take
- much of the guesswork out of finding
a good repair
- establishment.
-
- I. Preliminaries
-
- Don't just drop your vehicle off at
the nearest establishment
- and hope for the best. That's not
choosing a shop, that's
- merely gambling.
-
-
- * Read your owner's manual to become
familiar with your
- vehicle and follow the manufacturer's
suggested service
- schedule.
-
-
- * Start shopping for a repair
facility before you need one;
- you can make better decisions when
you are not rushed or
- in a panic.
- * Ask friends and associates for
their recommendations. Even
- in this high-tech era, old-fashioned
word-of-mouth
- reputation is still valuable.
- * Check with your local consumer
organization regarding the
- reputation of the shop in question.
- * If possible, arrange for alternate
transportation in
- advance so you will not feel forced
to choose a facility
- solely on the basis of location.
- Once you choose a repair shop, start
off with a minor job; if
- you are pleased, trust them with more
complicated repairs later
-
-
- II. At the Shop
-
- * Look for a neat, well-organized
facility, with vehicles in
- the parking lot equal in value to
your own and modern
- equipment in the service bays.
- * Professionally run establishments
will have a courteous,
- helpful staff. The service writer
should be willing to
- answer all of your questions.
- * Feel free to ask for the names of a
few customers. Call
- them.
- * All policies (labor rates,
guarantees, methods of payment,
- etc.) should be posted and/or
explained to your
- satisfaction.
- * Ask if the shop customarily handles
your vehicle make and
- model. Some facilities specialize.
- * Ask if the shop usually does your
type of repair,
- especially if you need major work.
-
-
- * Look for signs of professionalism
in the customer service
- area: civic and community service
awards, membership in
- the Better Business Bureau,
AAA-Approved Auto Repair
- status, customer service awards.
-
-
- The backbone of any shop is the
competence of the technicians.
-
-
- * Look for evidence of qualified
technicians, such as trade
- school diplomas, certificates of
advanced course work, and
- ASE certifications--a national
standard of technician
- competence.
-
- III. Follow-Up
-
- * Keep good records; keep all
paperwork.
- * Reward good service with repeat
business. It is mutually
- beneficial to you and the shop owner
to establish a
- relationship.
-
-
- * If the service was not all you
expected, don't rush to
- another shop. Discuss the problem
with the service manager
- or owner. Give the business a chance
to resolve the
- problem. Reputable shops value
customer feedback and will
- make a sincere effort to keep your
business.
-
- A Word about ASE
-
- Perhaps years ago, a shade-tree
mechanic whose only
- credentials were a tool box and
busted knuckles was enough.
- But today's quality-conscious
consumers demand more.
- The independent, non-profit National
Institute for
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
conducts the only
- industry-wide, national certification
program for automotive
- technicians.
- Consumers benefit from ASE's
certification program since
- it takes much of the guesswork out of
finding a competent
- technicians.
- ASE certifies the competency of
individual technicians
- through a series of standardized
specialty exams (brakes,
- transmissions, engine repair, ect.)
-
- ASE
- CERTIFIED
-
-
- We employ technicians certified by
the National institute
- for AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE.
- Let us show you their credentials
- Certified technicians are issued
pocket credentials
- listing their area(s) of expertise
and usually wear blue and
- white ASE shoulder insignia, while
employers often post the ASE
- sign on the premises. There are over
a quarter million ASE
- technicians at work in every type of
repair facility.
- This publication has been reviewed by
the Environmental
- Protection Agency. Distribution of
this document does not
- constitute or imply EPA endorsement
of any ASE service.
-
- National Institute for
- AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE
- 13505 Dulles Technology Dr.
- Herndon, VA 22071
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Don't Get Stuck Out In The Cold
-
- Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Winter
-
-
- Glove Box Tips from Ted the
Technician
-
- EPA
- National Institute for
- AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE
-
-
- Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Winter
-
- Mechanical failure--an inconvenience
any time it
- occurs--can be deadly in the winter.
Preventive maintenance is
- a must. Besides, a well maintained
vehicle is more enjoyable to
- drive, will last longer, and could
command a higher resale
- price.
- Some of the following tips can be
performed by any
- do-it-yourselfer; others require the
skilled hands of an auto
- technician.
-
-
- First things first. Read your owner's
manual and follow the
- manufacturer's recommended service
schedules.
-
-
- * Engine Performance--Get engine
driveability problems (hard
- starts, rough idling, stalling,
diminished power, etc.)
- corrected at a good repairshop. Cold
weather makes
- existing problems worse. Replace
dirty filters--air, fuel,
- PCV, etc.
- * Fuel--Put a bottle of fuel de-icer
in your tank once a
- month to help keep moisture from
freezing in the fuel
- line. Note that a gas tank which is
kept filled helps keep
- moisture from forming.
- * Oil--Change your oil and oil filter
as specified in your
- manual--more often (every 3,000
miles) if your driving is
- mostly stop-and-go or consists of
frequent short trips.
- * Cooling Systems--The cooling system
should be completely
- flushed and refilled about every 24
months. The level,
- condition, and concentration of the
coolant should be
- checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of
anti-freeze and
- water is usually recommended.)
- DIYers, never remove the radiator cap
until the
- engine has thoroughly cooled!
- The tightness and condition of drive
belts, clamps,
- and hoses should be checked by a pro.
-
-
-
-
- * Windshield Wipers--Replace old
blades. If your climate is
- harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter)
blades to fight ice
- build-up. Stock up on windshield
washer solvent--you'll be
- surprised how much you use. Carry an
ice-scraper.
- * Heater/Defroster The heater and
defroster must be in good
- working condition for passenger
comfort and driver
- visibility.
-
-
- * Battery--The only accurate way to
detect a weak battery is
- with professional equipment. Routine
care: Scrape away
- corrosion from posts and cable
connections; clean all
- surfaces; re-tighten all connections.
If battery caps are
- removable, check fluid level monthly.
- Avoid contact with corrosive deposits
and battery
- acid. Wear eye protection and rubber
gloves.
-
-
- * Lights--Inspect all lights and
bulbs; replace burned out
- bulbs; periodically clean road grime
from all lenses.
- To prevent scratching, never use a
dry rag.
-
-
-
-
- * Exhaust System--Your vehicle should
be placed on a lift
- and the exhaust system examined for
leaks. The trunk and
- floor boards should be inspected for
small holes. Exhaust
- fumes can be deadly.
-
- Cold weather will only make existing
problems worse. A
- breakdown--never pleasant--can be
deadly in the winter.
-
-
- * Tires Worn tires will be of little
use in winter weather.
- Examine tires for remaining tread
life, uneven wearing,
- and cupping; check the sidewalls for
cuts and nicks. Check
- tire pressures once a month. Let the
tires "cool down"
- before checking the pressure. Rotate
as recommended.
- Don't forget your spare, and be sure
the jack is in
- good condition.
-
-
-
-
- Carry emergency gear: gloves, boots,
blankets, flares, a
- small shovel, sand or kitty litter,
tire chains, and a flash
- light. Put a few
"high-energy" snacks in your glove box.
-
- A Word about ASE
-
- Perhaps years ago, a shade-tree
mechanic whose only
- crededentials were a tool box and
busted knuckels was enough.
- But today's quality-consious
consumers demand more.
- The independent, non-profit National
Institute for
- Automotive Service Evcellence (ASE)
conducts the only
- industry-wide, national certification
program for automotive
- tecnicians.
- Consumers benefit from ASE's
certification program since
- it takes much of the guesswork out of
finding a competent
- tecnicians.
- ASE certifies the completency of
individual tecnicians
- through a series of standardized
specialty exams (brakes,
- transmissions, engine repair, ect.)
-
- ASE
- CERTIFIED
-
-
- We employ technicians certified by
the National institute
- for AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE.
- Let us show you their credentials
- Certified technicians are issued
pocket credentials
- listing their area(s) of expertise
and uually wear blue and
- white ASE shoulder insignia, while
employers often post the ASE
- sign on the premises. There are over
a quarter million ASE
- tecnicians at work in every type of
repair facility.
- This publication has been reviewed by
the Environmental
- Protection Agency. Distribution of
this document does not
- constitute or imply EPA endorsement
of any ASE service.
-
- National Institute for
- AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE
- 13505 Dulles Technology Dr.
- Herndon, VA 22071
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- It's Up to You: Dirty or Clean
-
- Keeping Your Vehicle in Tune with the
Environment
-
- Glove Box Tips from
- Ted the Technician
- EPA
- National Institutes for
- AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE
-
- Keeping Your in Vehicle in Tune with
the Environment
-
- Car care is definitely a win-win
situation. Besides
- helping the environment, a properly
maintained and operated
- vehicle will run more efficiently,
will be safer, and will last
- longer--up to 50% longer, according
to a survey of
- ASE-certified Master Auto
Technicians. The following tips
- should put you on the road to
environmentally conscious car
- care.
- * Keep your engine tuned up. A
misfiring spark plug can
- reduce fuel efficiency as much as
30%. Follow the service
- schedules listed in your owner's
manual. Replace filters
- and fluids as recommended.
- * Check your tires for proper
inflation. Underinflation
- wastes fuel--your engine has to work
harder to push the
- vehicle. Wheels that are out-of-line
(as evidenced by
- uneven tread wear or vehicle pulling)
make the engine work
- harder, too. Properly maintained
tires will last longer,
- meaning fewer scrap tires have to be
disposed.
-
- Every ten days, motorists who drive
with under-inflated tires
- and poorly maintained engines waste
70 million gallons of
- gasoline.
- Car Care Council
-
- * Keep your air conditioner in top
condition and have it
- serviced only by a technician
certified competent to
- handle/recycle refrigerants. Air
conditioners contain
- CFCs--gases that have been implicated
in the depletion of
- the ozone layer. According to the
Environmental Protection
- Agency, almost one third of the CFCs
released into the
- atmosphere come from mobile air
conditioners; some simply
- leaks out, but the majority escapes
during service and
- repair--so it's important to choose a
qualified
- technician.
- * Do-it-yourselfers: dispose of used
motor oil,
- anti-freeze/coolant, tires, and old
batteries properly.
- Many repair facilities accept these
items. Or call your
- local municipal or county government
for recycling sites.
- Never dump used oil or anti-freeze on
the ground or in
- open streams.
-
- Each year twenty times the amount of
oil spilled by the tanker
- Exxon Valdez in Alaska is improperly
dumped into America's
- environment by do-it-yourselfers.
- Automotive Information Council
-
- * Observe speed limits. Mileage
decreases sharply above 55
- mph.
- * Drive gently. Avoid sudden
accelerations and jerky
- stop-and-go's. Use cruise-control on
open highways to keep
- your speed as steady as possible.
- * Avoid excessive idling. Shut off
the engine while waiting
- for friends and family. Today's
vehicles are designed to
- "warm up" fast, so forget
about those five-minute warm ups
- on cold winter mornings.
- * Remove excess items from the
vehicle. Less weight means
- better mileage. Store luggage/ cargo
in the trunk rather
- than on the roof to reduce air drag.
- * Plan trips. Consolidate your daily
errands to eliminate
- unnecessary driving. Try to travel
when traffic is light
- to avoid stop-and-go conditions. Join
a car pool.
- Remember, how your car runs, how you
drive it, and how its
- fluids, old parts, and tires are
disposed of all have serious
- consequences on the environment.
-
- A Word about ASE
-
- Perhaps years ago, a shade-tree
mechanic whose only
- credentials were a tool box and
busted knuckles was enough.
- But today's quality-conscious
consumers demand more.
- The independent, non-profit National
Institute for
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
conducts the only
- industry-wide, national certification
program for automotive
- technicians.
- Consumers benefit from ASE's
certification program since
- it takes much of the guesswork out of
finding a competent
- technicians.
- ASE certifies the competency of
individual technicians
- through a series of standardized
specialty exams (brakes,
- transmissions, engine repair, ect.)
-
- ASE
- CERTIFIED
-
-
- We employ technicians certified by
the National institute
- for AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE.
- Let us show you their credentials
- Certified technicians are issued
pocket credentials
- listing their area(s) of expertise
and usually wear blue and
- white ASE shoulder insignia, while
employers often post the ASE
- sign on the premises. There are over
a quarter million ASE
- technicians at work in every type of
repair facility.
- This publication has been reviewed by
the Environmental
- Protection Agency. Distribution of
this document does not
- constitute or imply EPA endorsement
of any ASE service.
-
- National Institute for
- AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE
- 13505 Dulles Technology Dr.
- Herndon, VA 22071
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Don't Get Hung Up In the Heat
-
- Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Summer
-
- Glove Box Tips from
- Ted the Technician
- EPA
- National Institutes for
- AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE
-
- Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Summer
-
- Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go
traffic will take
- their toll on your vehicle. Add the
effects of last winter, and
- you could be poised for a breakdown.
You can lessen the odds of
- mechanical failure through periodic
maintenance...Your vehicle
- should last longer and command a
higher resale price, too!
- Some of the following tips are easy
to do; others require
- a skilled auto technician.
-
- Getting Started--The best planninG
guide is your owner's
- manual. Read it; and follow the
manufacturer's recommended
- service schedules.
-
-
-
-
- * Air Conditioning--A Marginally
operating system will fail
- in hot weather. Have the system
examined by a qualified
- technician.
- * Cooling System--The greatest cause
of summer breakdowns is
- overheating. The cooling system
should be completely
- flushed and refilled about every 24
months. The level,
- condition, and concentration of the
coolant should be
- checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of
anti-freeze and
- water is usually recommended.)
- DIYers, Never remove the radiator cap
until the engine
- has thoroughly cooled! The tightness
and condition of drive
- belts, clamps, and hoses should be
checked by a pro.
-
-
- * OIL--Change your oil and oil filter
as specified in your
- manual--more often (every 3,000
miles) if you make
- frequent short jaunts, extended trips
with lots of
- luggage, or tow a trailer.
- * Engine Performance--Replace other
filters (air, fuel, PCV,
- etc.) as recommended--more often in
dusty conditions. Get
- engine driveability problems (hard
starts, rough idling,
- smiling, diminished power, etc.)
corrected at a good shop.
-
-
- * Windshield Wipers--A dirty
windshield causes eye fatigue
- and can pose a safety hazard. Replace
worn blades and get
- plenty of windshield washer solvent.
-
-
- * Tires--Have your tires rotated
about every 5,000 miles.
- Check tire pressures once a month;
let the tires "cool
- down" first.
-
-
- Don't forget your spare, and be sure
the jack is in
- good condition. Examine tires for
tread life, uneven
- wearing, and cupping; check the
sidewalls for cuts and
- nicks. An alignment is warranted if
there's uneven tread
- wear or if your vehicle pulls to one
side.
-
-
- * Brakes--Brakes should be inspected
as recommended in your
- manual, or sooner if you notice
pulsations, grabbing,
- noises, or longer stopping distance.
Minor brake problems
- should be corrected promptly.
-
-
- * Battery--Batteries can fail any
time of year. The only
- accurate way to detect a weak battery
is with professional
- equipment. Routine care: Scrape away
corrosion from posts
- and cable connections; clean all
surfaces; re-tighten all
- connections. If battery. caps are
removable, check the
- fluid level monthly.
-
-
- Avoid contact with corrosive deposits
and battery
- acid. Wear eye protection and rubber
gloves.
- * Lights--Inspect all lights and
bulbs; replace burned out
- bulbs; periodically clean dirt and
insects from all
- lenses.
-
-
- To prevent scratching, never use a
dry rag.
-
-
- * Emergencies--Carry some basic
tools--ask a technician for
- suggestions. Also include a first aid
kit, flares, and a
- flashlight. Consider buying a CB
radio.
-
- A Word about ASE
-
- Perhaps years ago, a shade-tree
mechanic whose only
- credentials were a tool box and
busted knuckles was enough.
- But today's quality-conscious
consumers demand more.
- The independent, non-profit National
Institute for
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
conducts the only
- industry-wide, national certification
program for automotive
- technicians.
- Consumers benefit from ASE's
certification program since
- it takes much of the guesswork out of
finding a competent
- technicians.
- ASE certifies the competency of
individual technicians
- through a series of standardized
specialty exams (brakes,
- transmissions, engine repair, ect.)
-
- ASE
- CERTIFIED
-
-
- We employ technicians certified by
the National institute
- for AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE.
- Let us show you their credentials
- Certified technicians are issued
pocket credentials
- listing their area(s) of expertise
and usually wear blue and
- white ASE shoulder insignia, while
employers often post the ASE
- sign on the premises. There are over
a quarter million ASE
- technicians at work in every type of
repair facility.
