I Hate When That Happens

Getting your vehicle serviced and repaired can be a challenge. There are so many messages in the news and in the media at large. Various manufactures have all kinds of different warranties. If you purchase a new vehicle, all the different programs can be overwhelming. They say that with the economy like it is this may be the time to buy that new car if you really need one. Of course being in the auto repair industry, I still think “it’s cheaper to keep her”. Most people these days are realizing the same (much to the dismay of the car manufactures).

The average age and mileage of the vehicles on the road continues to go up a bit each year. Vehicles are so much better than they were even 10 years ago. If you want to get the most out of your current vehicles, just take care of them. I have seen this over and over again.

We have for years made recommendations to drivers on what there vehicles need and at what intervals. It only makes sense. It’s like your body, if you take care of it, do the preventatives care, chances are you will have a better quality of life into your senior years. I know, I have had high blood pressure for years. I know if I go to the gym like I am suppose to, my blood pressure goes down. We all know these things. It’s common sense. It’s like we know what to do, but fail to do it. I remember recently we had made a recommendation to someone that they should replace the timing belt in there car. The vehicle had 88,000 miles on it. The manufacture recommends it be replaced at 90K. Well the driver put if off. Low and behold, around 97,000 mile the belt broke, the pistons and valves got out of time, the pistons and valves collided and many of the engine valves were bent. So now the vehicle is disabled, and the cost of repair has quadrupled.

Another example, we installed a set of tires on a vehicle and found a loose tie-rod end on the steering linkage. We explained the consequences of delaying the repair, but the driver decided not to take care of it. Well, now the vehicle has been driven 11,000 miles and the front tires have significant wear due to a loose front end part. And of course, now the tie-rod end has gotten even worse and is likely to be a significant safety issue. I could go on and on. I also could report many stories of people who have done there maintainence on schedule and have really had very trouble free driving. Remember, when your vehicle breaks down, it not only costs more, but can be a serious inconvenience to life. In many cases the inconvenience is a bigger problem than the money.

In addition, I feel that having a professional shop that you know and trust is paramount. Like your doctor, they are looking out for your best interest I feel it is best to find a shop and then stick with them. Don’t be running all over, looking for the best deal, or whoever has a coupon. Most professional shops these days have computers that can track your vehicles histories, they know your vehicle like your doctor knows you. Your doctor has all your medical records in one place. He knows your history. This is a very valuable thing. I believe that auto repair, like going to your medical doctor is not a commodity. You can buy things in a lot of places. The price may vary greatly and the value of that service most likely will reflect the cost. There still is no such thing as a free lunch. I Hate When That Happens!