Whether you buy a new or used vehicle, chances are it's going to need servicing now and then. During the time when a new vehicle is covered by the manufacturer's warranty, you'll more than likely need to take it to the dealer to have the work done. That includes regular maintenance according to the schedule set up by the manufacturer, plus repair of any problems that develop.

Find a Shop Today and Save Money Tomorrow

For used cars that don't include a warranty, and for vehicles that were purchased new but are beyond the warranty period, it's your job to find the right technician.

Sticking with the dealership where you purchased your vehicle has certain advantages. Technicians employed by a dealership are likely to be most familiar with your vehicle type, and have the proper tools and equipment. Furthermore, if you have regular maintenance and small-scale work done at the dealership, its employees become accustomed to seeing your vehicle periodically. That could be a benefit if something major goes wrong later. On the other hand, labor rates at dealerships tend to be higher than at independent shops.

Just as professional qualifications and a good "bedside" manner are important when searching for a physician, you need to think about several factors when seeking--and interacting with--your automotive technician. Step one of effective communication is to find the right technician for you and your repair needs. Yes, they used to be called "mechanics," but because of the complexity of today's automobiles, technician is the preferred term these days.

A good rule of thumb is to begin your search for a shop, and a technician, before your car needs repairs or service. That way, you avoid having to make a hasty choice. Start by asking friends, family members, or co-workers to recommend a shop. Note, too, that a quality shop will proudly display certifications from organizations such as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the affiliated National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE), or the Automobile Association of America (AAA).

It's important to be aware that often an advertised item, such as a muffler, is only part of the job you will need to have done. Most likely, if you're having your muffler replaced, someone will also have to replace the pipes that attach to it, as well as the hardware that holds them in place. These items will add to the bill, which could end up being far higher than the advertised price. Always ask for a complete estimate before you commit to having any repair done.

Speaking of price, the old rule of "you get what you pay for" definitely applies to automotive service. Good, competent independent or dealership service is not cheap. You wouldn't want the cheapest brake pads put on your car, nor would you want the lowest-paid technician to do the job. Odds are, in the long run your automobile will be safer, and you'll feel more confident, if you choose a reputable service provider--even if it seems to cost a little more. In the long run, it may actually save you money, as well as bring you peace of mind.

Some independent shops and car dealerships offer car care clinics for their customers. Take advantage of this service. You will likely be told how to care for your car between service visits, and be given valuable knowledge about how your car's basic systems work. Other shops have brochures that you can take home to become familiar with your vehicle's cooling system, engine, electrical and suspension systems, and other components. The more you know, the smaller the chance that someone can take advantage of you. When you do find a good, honest shop, stay with them!

Virtually all new cars have at least one computer onboard. Some luxury models have seven or eight computers operating various electronically-controlled systems. A technician must play detective in tracing a drivability problem to its source. The actual repair--for example, replacing a failed electronic component or computer chip--might not take long, but the diagnosis could take hours. Shops have to charge for this diagnostic time to pay for their constant training and expensive shop equipment. So don't be surprised, or dismayed, if a significant labor charge for diagnostics accompanies a smaller charge for a component. This may simply reflect rapidly-changing technology, and not be a sign that someone is trying to rip you off.

Everyone's time is valuable. So if you think you have a drivability problem, such as hesitation when accelerating or rough running/idling, authorize an hour or so of diagnostic time.

Step-by-Step: When Repair Is Needed

Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is good for your vehicle. It also puts you on solid ground if a serious mechanical problem develops. You don't want to be accused of being responsible for the failure by ignoring proper maintenance.

Think about what's wrong before you bring the car in. Be sure you can describe the symptoms as clearly and precisely as possible. For example, you might tell the technician, "every time I turn right, I hear a clunking noise from the right front side;" or "whenever I'm going uphill, I hear a pinging sound."
If the problem isn't constant, consider exactly when it occurs, and explain it as clearly as possible. You might say, "I only hear this noise when the engine is cold," or "that smell is noticeable only at highway speeds, and not all the time."
When diagnosis is necessary, ask to have someone check with you before any repairs are made. Pay attention to the explanation, but try not to assume you know what is wrong with your vehicle. Leave the diagnosis to the qualified technician.
If you're not satisfied with their appraisal of the situation, or the estimated price you're given, you could seek a second opinion elsewhere. Chances are, however, a second shop's price won't be much cheaper. Or, worse, you could pay less but wind up with inferior work.
An estimate is exactly that: An approximation of the eventual cost. Don't be dismayed if the final bill is higher than expected, but it shouldn't be dramatically more.
Most importantly, while the vehicle is in the shop, be sure to leave all phone numbers where you can be reached during the day. A good shop will be happy to stay in touch periodically.
When you are ready to pick up your vehicle, ask to see the replaced parts and have the tech or service manager explain the repair in detail. This ensures your satisfaction with the specific repair, and also helps maintain an open line of communication between you and your mechanic. Chances are, you'll need his or her attention again.

What If The Problem Is Still There?

Not every automotive malady is fixed right on the first try. Some problems defy easy analysis, and many could have more than one possible cause.

If the problem recurs almost immediately, drive right back to the dealership and explain what's happened. If you can demonstrate that it's happening in a quick test drive, all the better.
If the problem returns a few days later, bring the vehicle back as soon as possible, but you should probably make an appointment. It might be wise to keep a record of exactly when and how the trouble reappeared, and show it to the service person. Ask for possible explanations of why this is happening again, and what else can be done about it. If the problem occurs only sporadically, you might have to leave the vehicle for evaluation under various conditions before a second diagnosis can be made.
When dealing with a technician or service advisor, cordiality and cooperation usually yield better results than threats and accusations.
If the trouble persists after a second attempt, you need to talk with the dealer. If that produces no action, contact a regional service person for the manufacturer.
Legal action is a last resort, employed only when you're getting no cooperation. Most persistent-problem repairs can be resolved at the dealer level or, if necessary, by the regional representative.

Skilled Technicians Are In Short Supply

In recent years, there's been a serious shortage of qualified technicians, at dealerships as well as independent shops. According to Automotive News, the U.S. Department of Labor puts the shortage close to 100,000 workers. The National Automobile Dealers Association, which represents franchised new-vehicle dealers, says 35,000 more technicians are needed for their shops.

Older workers are retiring at a rapid rate. Some of them drop out because they have trouble learning the latest computer and electronic systems required in today's shops. Educational facilities have found it difficult to encourage young people to enter the automotive servicing field, which still suffers from the image of greasy-fingered mechanics wielding wrenches in cluttered, dimly-lit service bays.

Most of today's service areas are actually clean, neat, and bright. Technicians spend a lot of their time watching computer screens. Little by little, young men--and a growing number of young women--are finding their way into auto servicing, lured by tempting hourly pay and the knowledge that their abilities will be in great demand wherever they choose to live.