1. "If a mechanic offers to change your timing belt and water pump, question how long the job will take. Some will charge you double labor even though the second task is essentially done once the belt is removed."
2. "Always ask for your old parts back. This way you'll know they've been changed, and you or a friend can tell if they're worn."
3. "Be careful with "road hazard" warranties on tires. The shops may give you a free tire here and there, but eventually they will soak you with unnecessary alignments or suspension replacements."
4. "All brakes are not equal; ask for estimates on brake jobs. Many mechanics will use very cheap parts and mark them up. Good mechanics who understand cars will never skimp in this area."
5. "Remember to have your car test-driven. A good test-drive is just as important as a regular service -- it might mean the difference between simply needing brake pads and having a complete rotor replacement."
6. "Good mechanics, like good customers, are hard to find -- communication is key. A good mechanic will explain repair phases and give you choices."
7. "Be wary of certified pre-owned cars. Usually in this business the only thing that's certified is that someone owned the car before you. Very little ever gets done on these types of cars."
8. "Don't bring your car in on Friday afternoon, because the mechanics might rush the job to get out for the weekend."
9. "Beware of a mechanic who shows you a transmission pan with metal particles in it, and recommends a major job. The shavings are usually a sign of normal wear."
10. "Before buying new tires, know what your state's tread specifications are. Then have the mechanic measure the old tread with a gauge."
11. "Watch out for ads promising $100 brake jobs. No mechanic can make money on that."
12. "Transmission flushes are one of the biggest scams going. Manufacturers don't recommend them, and your car almost never needs one."
13. "The market is being flooded with cheap parts from China. Request a name-brand replacement and ask to see its box."
who wrote this. none of this is true. im a technician and at our dealership all our certified cars have to be fixed to be sold as a certified. also transmissions are not still made like the 50's now a lot smaller tolerances and metal shavings never good. some normal ware on pick-up magnet on bottom of pan
Not sure who wrote this but I disagree with a couple of things. A transmission with about a teaspoon of metal shavings in the pan is not long for this world. While some "Metal Shavings" can be normal wear, is not really a good find. Just because tires have tread left, does not make them good tires. You can fix a number of handling complaints without major front work if you have tires that are worn to even 50. Some brands are worse than others. All terain tires are the worst.
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fuel injection cleaning service is essential, it not only improves your mileage but also improves the emissions coming out of your cars exhaust. also trans fluid is a lubricant, with additives that break down from heat and cold and leave a gummy residue in your trans, which can effect the way it shifts. i have many customers that have had amazing results from both services.if your trans shifts properly and your fuel injection system is cleaned, your vehicle can gain anywhere from 2 to 6 mpg.
GOOD ADVICE. I'LL PASS THIS ALONG. LOTS OF PEOPLE GET TAKEN ADVANTAGED OF. THANKS, JOE.
try to take out spark plugs after 100,000 on the engine as recommended by the manufacturer, without stripping the heads
Fuel injection flush machines are very good tool. I can say first hand how many times my shop have preformed an injection flush to correct a misfire condition. When the customer came in and asked for a tune that WASENT what was needed. Those fuel additives are good but only if you use them on a regular basis.
Synthetic oil will only give you value if you continue to change the oil filter every five thousand miles. The expensive oil will last longer, but the filter will get filled with dirt just as fast. They studied this in New York taxis. The most important issue was changing the oil filter at least once every five thousand miles. If you are going to change the filter, you might as well change the oil to since you will have to add a quart for the oil in the filter. Plus, there is less m
Check you owners manual again! Yes, it may not say to "flush" the transmission fluid but it will say to replace the fluid. A transmission flush removes the old fluid and replaces with new fluid. I have seen first hand what can happen if a transmission is not serviced routinely.
So what makes you think that when you ask for the old parts back, the parts you get are actually from your car ? I'm sure most dealerships have dumpsters full of truly worn out brake pads and other parts from other cars that then can "show you" if you think you are being smart by asking for the parts back.