Top 10 Auto Maintenance Tips

A lot of drivers keep their owner’s manual in the glove compartment, and unfortunately that’s where it stays. Get it out and become familiar with it. It’s your first and best source for information on your vehicle, including important details such as engine size, service schedules, operating and factory maintenance schedule instructions, and more.

Keep up-to-date records and receipts on all car maintenance you perform – and if possible, keep them in your car. It’s a great tool to share with your service technician and may help diagnose any problems you have quickly or avoid unnecessary, repetitive repairs. Keeping good records may indeed mean keeping more of your money.

When choosing between your local, independent automotive service technician and the dealer’s service department, consider these factors:

A) Professional Technicians at the dealership are specialists, trained by the manufacturer to work on your make of vehicle using the latest repair techniques. They, and the entire service team staff, are usually up-to-date on any new developments concerning your vehicle, including warranties, recalls and service bulletins. All of this expertise, however, can come at a price and dealer service departments are generally more expensive than independently-owned facilities, and you often have to drive further to get to them.

B) Excellent automotive technicians can also be found at your corner garage, in fact many former dealership employees have left to start their own independent repair facilities. Look for ones that stay current with the latest repair techniques by taking classes and receiving their ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification (more on that in Tip #4). You might also get more of that personal touch with your local technician. He or she can get to know you and your car really well — alerting you to potential issues or problems down the road and helping you understand how your car performs and what it needs.

Finally, before choosing an option remember that friends, family and local car clubs can be an excellent source for referrals, and always check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has helped take the guesswork out of finding a competent auto technician. ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service, and requires them to be re-tested every five years to keep up with technology and remain certified. Automotive repair facilities with at least one ASE technician are allowed to display the ASE sign. Businesses where 75% or more of their service personnel are certified are allowed to display ASE’s “Blue Seal of Excellence.” Look for ASE signs in all types of auto repair facilities, including dealerships, service stations, franchises, parts stores, and independent garages.

Vehicle maintenance facilities that specialize in your make and model will have the tools and procedures to properly service your vehicle. Your car is a complex machine, trust your car to the experts not your ‘average Joe.’

Most reputable auto repair shops post their labor and service fees. Ask for an estimate and breakout of services before you begin any repairs. If anything seems unclear, don’t be shy – speak up!

Your car is a valuable investment and you have every right to know everything about it. Don’t be afraid to question why a repair is necessary or how something works. True automotive professionals will be happy to answer any of your automotive questions — after all, they want your return business.

Finding a great automotive service technician to work on your car is only one half of the auto repair  equation. The other half? Premium replacement parts. All the service expertise in the world can’t makeup for sub-standard, unreliable parts.

Gates Rubber Company is one of the largest providers of automotive and industrial products, systems and components worldwide. Our long-lasting relationship with car manufacturers comes down to really one thing: superior parts. Over the years, we’ve partnered with virtually every major automotive manufacturer to build original equipment (OE) automotive belts, tensioners, hoses, hydraulics and more for their new vehicles, even as they’re being designed. Our aftermarket car parts are equally impressive – in fact, they meet and often exceed tough OE performance specifications. For maximum vehicle life, choose Gates Company for all of your quality replacement parts needs.

The more you follow the factory maintenance schedule the happier you and your car will be. That said, it’s important to remember that manufacturer’s recommendations are general guidelines.

It’s critical that you also become proactive and practice preventive car maintenance. For example, driving style (constant stop-and-go traffic or long distance) , climate conditions (extreme hot or cold) and environment (dust, water, salt) also dictate how often you should maintain your vehicle. You may need to replace your air filter, brakes, fluids, oil, belts, hoses, etc. more often than the recommended maintenance schedule. Don’t wait for your scheduled car service schedule or until you have a breakdown. Be proactive now and save yourself headaches, hassles, big problems and big money down the road.

If your automotive service technician doesn’t appear to respect or take you seriously, walk out the door. Look for a automotive professional who will look you in the eye, answer your questions in an understandable manner and value your business.