Services: Auto Maintenance

A highway break down is never fun, but in frigid temperatures, it can turn deadly.  Angie’s List went to the experts for advice on how to keep those cars and trucks running in any weather.

Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer ratings on local service companies, has collected thousands of consumer experiences with auto specialists across the country.

“Do yourself a favor and find a reliable auto specialist where you can develop a relationship, so you’re known and your car’s history is known as well,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “When in doubt, read your owner’s manual: there’s a reason it came with the car.”

Angie’s List went to highly rated auto service professionals for the 5 Auto Checks you shouldn’t skip out on.

1. Oil Changes:

Oil is the engine’s blood, and is critical to a car’s long life. Your driving habits and your owner’s manual should dictate how frequently you have the oil changed. Typically, oil needs changed somewhere between each 3,000-7,000 mile-mark or around 3-6 months of daily driving. Check your oil about every 1,000 miles, but rely on your vehicle’s manual to determine when to change it to keep your engine running at top efficiency.

2. Tire Maintenance:

Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping and traction of your vehicle. Tire pressure should be set to the manufacturer’s specification. Tires that are over or under inflated wear out faster, affect fuel consumption, and are a safety hazard. Rotate and balance your tires every 6,000-8,000 miles and get an alignment check every year to make sure there are not suspension problems.

3. Fluids:

Transmission fluid, break fluid, and coolant can break down over time and lose their effectiveness. All fluids should be checked and topped off every oil change. Have your transmission fluid flushed out every 50,000 miles or fewer, depending on your driving habits.

4. Brake Check:

Brake inspection should be part of your vehicle’s ongoing maintenance to ensure safety and reliability. You should have your brakes inspected at least once a year; more often if you experience grinding or shaking when you break. Regardless of care, brakes will likely need to be replaced every 20,000-30,000 miles.

5. Scheduled Maintenance:

Failure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule could lead to breakdowns, poor fuel economy, and a higher cost of ownership in the long run. Having a certified professional inspect your car according to these schedules is an opportunity to catch problems before they get you stuck or escalate into larger repairs. Build a relationship with a shop or mechanic. Bouncing from shop to shop may save a few dollars on particular jobs, but in the end the only one who will have any responsibility for the condition of the car will be you. A good mechanic, who is familiar with your needs, your expectations, and your car, will help you get the most from your car.

“Knowing that basic car care is important is one thing: actually following up and giving your car or truck the maintenance it deserves is another thing,” Hicks said. “Most of us are guilty of trying to put more miles than we should between service calls, and we always end up paying the price when we do.”

Angie's List Tips for finding reliable car repair:

• Find a good shop before you need one: Don’t wait until your car is on the blocks to find a mechanic. Doing your homework and developing a long-term relationship with a mechanic/service shop will help you avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision. You'll also be first in line for emergency service and cost savings.
• Specialty service: A full-service shop may be able to handle most of your needs, but if you need a highly specialized service, do some research to find the right specialist. If you have a good and long-term relationship with a full-service shop, you'll likely find at least one good recommendation there.
• Read and follow the manual: If you read nothing else in the manual that comes with your car, read the preventative maintenance schedule about tires and follow it. Know what type of tires your car has.
• Get it in writing: Get a written estimate before authorizing repairs. Request that all replaced parts be returned and insist on a detailed invoice of work done, including an itemized description of parts and labor charges.
• Check licensing & certification: State or local law may require that a shop be licensed or registered. ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified mechanics must have two years of experience and pass an exam to become certified.
• Warranty work: Determine if your warranty requires you to use a specific dealership or shop.  If you use another source, keep all receipts in case your warranty coverage is questioned.
• Diagnosis: Many auto service shops charge a diagnostic fee to determine what ails your vehicle. Some may reduce or forgive that fee if you have the work performed there.
• Get a second opinion: On expensive or complicated repairs, get a second estimate. If you decide to have the work performed elsewhere, be aware that you may have to pay another diagnostic charge.
• Before you leave the shop: After repairs are finished, get a complete repair order that describes the work done. Ask to see any old parts. Some states require mechanics to give you any parts they have removed from your car unless the warranty requires they be sent back to the manufacturer.

###

Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news releases.