Road ready
By MELISSA NANN BURKE for Smart
Mechanics these days say they prefer to be called “technicians.”
No matter what you call them, you need one who’s consistently honest, hard-working and reliable.
So, what should you look for?
Here are some tips from two local gear-heads: Tom Zech, owner of Zech’s Service Center in West Manchester Township, and Chad Fadely of Fadely’s Auto Masters, who also teaches at William F. Goodling Advanced Skills Center.
Technician tips
Check for a proof of competence, such as manufacturer training or certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
ASE master technicians must have at least two years of experience and take a hands-on exam every five years to prove their proficiency. It’s not a guarantee of skill, but it’s a good sign.
Find someone who takes the time to explain the vehicle’s trouble spots in plain English. This employee might not be the mechanic but the service manager.
Don’t be intimidated. Ask why something needs to be fixed or how a certain technology operates. Keep in mind you don’t want to be rushed into decisions — especially if a major repair’s going to cost big bucks.
Request references. Your friends and neighbors know their mechanic’s reliability intimately.
Ask whether the shop diagnoses the problem correctly, test drives the car before returning it, honors warranties and sticks to its price estimates.
An organized, computer-savvy shop will keep a detailed history of repair work on your car. The technicians will consult that history to see what they’ve done previously, so as not to repeat any unnecessary work. They will also become familiar with your vehicle and how you want things done.
Costs should be posted. Ask about what the shop’s warranties cover and how long the coverage lasts (time and mileage). Are additional warranties available upon request? Does it cover parts only or both parts and labor?
Keep in mind that you won’t get the cheapest service in town if you want quality parts and top-notch labor.
Check to see if your car is still under warranty. If so, the dealership service department will probably perform repairs for free.
Tidiness and professionalism are key. Don’t expect a repair shop to look like the ER. Do check to see if tools are put away, and the service bays are stocked with modern-looking electronic or digital equipment.
Expect the service manager to call you back in a timely manner with a diagnosis of the problem, how long it will take to fix and what it will cost.
If you’re confused, ask for a detailed breakdown of the pricing and parts needed.
Doing it yourself?If you’re a novice willing to learn, try these do-it-yourself fixes (in order of increasing difficulty).
The idea is to start simple. With experience, you’ll learn to use the tools and begin to understand how your car fits together.• Replace the wiper blades
• Change the air filter
• Change a headlight
• Change a battery
• Replace the spark plugs
• Change the oil
• Change beltsSource: CarTalk
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