Tips for Auto Repair in the Cincinnati Area
When it comes time to get your car or truck serviced, choosing the right repair shop and getting the right work done will ensure that your vehicle runs in peak condition for as long as possible. In addition to routine service such as oil changes and brakes, occasional problems that come up should be addressed as soon as possible so that they don't become bigger problems.
Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop
Repair shops advertise in a variety of ways, but the most trustworthy advertisement is simple word-of-mouth. Your neighbors, friends and family will all have had both positive and negative experiences at different local auto repair shops. You may find that some shops will have particularly positive comments, while others will be overwhelmingly negative. This will give you an idea of the quality of the shops in your area, but you don't want to just run right out blindly.
Visit the Better Business Bureau website and enter the name of the auto repair business you're considering patronizing. This will show you whether or not the shop has had any complaints lodged against them, along with a detailed description of each reported incident.
How Often do I Get a Tune-up?
There are different service schedules for different systems on your car or truck. You're probably familiar with the service interval for the oil change -- every 3,000 miles. Did you know, though, that you should also change your air filter at approximately the same time? When you take your car to a certified mechanic, they'll take the time to go over the entire vehicle and do all of the necessary periodic adjustments.
Quick oil change service centers typically check the oil and air filter, but may not always perform checks on the transmission fluid, fuel system or other systems. For this reason, you should consider having at least three services per year done as oil change services, and one as a full service checkup. You'll notice that many auto repair shops offer specials on these all-inclusive services in the spring, just before the summer driving season, and in the fall, before winter sets in. As these periods of discounted services are predictable, you can plan to have them done at a specific time of the year every year, making it easier to remember to get the work done.
Myths About Auto Repair Shops
The auto repair business has been the subject of myths since the very first car was brought in for its first ever service. Some are little more than urban myths, but others are very true. One common myth is that you need to change your oil exactly every 3,000 miles. While this is true with conventional oils, today's synthetic oils generally continue to protect your engine for as long as 5,000 miles, and sometimes even more. The reason that 3,000 miles became a standard is because of early engine technology and conventional oil, but it has never been changed.
Another myth that has one foot in the truth is the common notion that if a lady goes unaccompanied into a service shop, she'll be charged a higher rate than a man, especially if she appears disinterested or unaccustomed to dealing with auto service. This was at one time true, but today, auto service providers have worked hard to reverse this abuse and earn the trust of their female patrons. Still, the best way to combat such abuse, particularly in a shop that hasn't earned a good reputation yet, is to seek a second opinion if the repair estimate is significantly higher than you expected.