Car Care Dos And Donts

With car care do’s and don’ts, it is not always what we don’t do that causes a car problem, but what we do. The first step in taking care of your car doesn’t directly involve the vehicle, it is choosing who will perform the work.

The cars we grew up with were easy to work on. You kept gas in the tank, air in the tires, and every so often changed the oil and they ran trouble-free for years.

Today’s cars have evolved into a high-tech vehicle that really needs a certified mechanic who not only has the right diagnostic equipment and tools, but has kept up with the latest advances in automotive technology.

One example is an oil change or servicing the engine. You either take the vehicle to an independent or chain quick service oil change shop or you do it yourself. The good old boys at the quick oil change shop are good at what they do.

Their job is to make money for the shop. Most of these business are reputable, but there are still a few that hire non-certified mechanics and don’t have the necessary equipment to do the work. They will tell you that your car either needs an extra, more expensive service or show you a bad part that needs replacing. A part that could have come from a different vehicle or worse, they replace a part with a used one and charge you for a new one. Another trick they can do is top off the fluid levels and not change the oil or the filter. You would never know until it is too late.

You can service the car yourself, but there is so much more to servicing the car than just changing the oil and replacing the filter. A good example is forgetting to check the oil level after you run the motor for a few minutes? It is the little things that will leave you stranded on the side of the road. What you overlook now can and will cost you a lot more in the future.

This is the reason you need to find a shop that you can trust. One that hires certified mechanics and is a full service garage, with up to date tools and diagnostic equipment. How do you know what to look for in a professional garage? Check references, the internet, and look at their website and blog, if they have one. Go to the garage. Is the lot and building free of excessive clutter and junk? Is the office/reception area clean and updated or does the entire shop look like something left over from the forties? Are the mechanic’s certifications displayed on the wall? The entire staff should look and act professional. What is your gut feeling? Do you feel they know what they are doing or are they more of a shade tree mechanic?

By doing your homework, you can save a lot of time, money, and grief. Choosing the right mechanic can help ensure your car lasts for as long as they used to. Please contact us at Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center if you would like more information or to schedule service.

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