May 2008
7 tips to service satisfaction
Shop around. Service prices can vary dramatically, even among dealerships of the same make.
Check your manual. When taking in your car for routine maintenance, use your owner's manual to see which services need to be performed at specific mileage intervals. Make sure the dealer or shop doesn't add extras to pad the bill.
Get a quote. Don't allow a shop to do any work without you first approving an estimate for the job.
When a dealer is best. Go to a dealer for warranty repairs, recalls, and "service campaigns," in which the automaker offers to correct a defect. Also consider a dealer for a system that's exclusive to the car's brand—especially electronics.
Look for a specialist. Independent shops that specialize in your vehicle's make are more likely to have the proper training and equipment.
Does the shop get updates? Make sure the shop gets the automaker's service bulletins, which tell mechanics how to fix common problems with a model.
Be specific. Tell the service writer or mechanic when the problem started, whether it happens only in certain conditions, and any associated noises, smells, or vibrations.
Check your manual. When taking in your car for routine maintenance, use your owner's manual to see which services need to be performed at specific mileage intervals. Make sure the dealer or shop doesn't add extras to pad the bill.
Get a quote. Don't allow a shop to do any work without you first approving an estimate for the job.
When a dealer is best. Go to a dealer for warranty repairs, recalls, and "service campaigns," in which the automaker offers to correct a defect. Also consider a dealer for a system that's exclusive to the car's brand—especially electronics.
Look for a specialist. Independent shops that specialize in your vehicle's make are more likely to have the proper training and equipment.
Does the shop get updates? Make sure the shop gets the automaker's service bulletins, which tell mechanics how to fix common problems with a model.
Be specific. Tell the service writer or mechanic when the problem started, whether it happens only in certain conditions, and any associated noises, smells, or vibrations.
