Taking Control Of Auto Service And Repair
Choosing The Right Repair Shop
Keeping In Tune With The Environment
Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Winter Fun

1, Ask your friends and associates for recommendations based on their experience
Third party recommendation is still the best source for a good facility. You may also want to check to see if they have a website that tells you about who they are and what they do.

2. Look for a well-organized and clean facility
This shows that they take pride in what they do. The vehicles you see in their bays should be equal in value to your own, they should also have modern equipment for the service and diagnosis of those vehicles.

3. Look for certifications and evidence of current training of staff
Certification is not required of Automotive Technicians, therefore those who have taken the extra effort to become certified through national testing agencies such as ASE are the most professional. Be sure the certifications are in the areas that you require. Having a certification in Brake Repair will not be of any assistance for a transmission problem. Be sure they can handle the kind of repairs your vehicle requires.

4. Look for certifications and affiliations of shop
Use a shop that is affiliated with, or certified by, known industry organizations for the best assurance that they are capable of performing top quality work. The better businesses will make the effort to meet requirements of outside organizations. Organizations to look for are: Automotive Service Association (ASA), Bosch Service Centers, AC-Delco, and NAPA. Most of these organizations require conformance to a Code Of Ethics and/or certain minimum certification and training of their employees.

5. Look for a facility that offers a written warranty on Parts and Labor
A lifetime warranty on parts only is almost worthless the labor involved can far exceed the cost of the part. The longer the warranty, the more confidence the shop has in their own skills and the quality of the parts they use. Unless a warranty is in writing you will not know the terms and conditions that apply. Read and understand the warranty.

6. Use a facility that maintains vehicle records
This improves your chances of keeping long-term costs to a minimum. In addition, if they are able to remind you of upcoming servicing and repairs, it can greatly simplify your life.

7. If in doubt about a facility, check with local agencies
Checking with the Better Business Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce to see if they are members is always a good idea. Better businesses usually make a point of being part of the local business community.

8. If you will need transportation, check to see if they can provide it
In this age of high liability costs most shops are not able to provide loaner vehicles while your vehicle is being serviced, but many times they can give you a ride to work or provide discounted rates on rental cars.

1. Follow the manufacturers recommended servicing schedule
Vehicles are certified as environmentally compliant based not only on their new operating characteristics, but also over their projected life. Therefore it is important that the required servicing, including inspections and system checks, be performed at the mileage interval recommended by the manufacturer if you are going to assure its clean operation.

2. Plan your driving to minimize cold starts
More tailpipe pollution occurs during the engine warm up cycle then at any other time, therefore planning your trips to accomplish as much as possible on one trip will keep pollution to a minimum.

3. Avoid excessive idling
Whenever possible shut the vehicle off instead of leaving it running, especially if you are waiting for friends or family or are stuck in a traffic jam.

4. Keep your tires properly inflated
Underinflated tires cause excessive rolling resistance, which wastes fuel. Tires normally lose pressure over time. Underinflation also causes your tires to wear out faster meaning more scrap tire disposal, not to mention the additional cost to replace them. Ask the shop that replaces your tires to recycle them properly.

5. Choose a shop that properly handles Hazardous Wastes
Shops that are designated as Clean Bay Businesses have proven that they follow clean business practices. This includes properly handling used oil, waste coolant, and any other hazardous materials generated in the process of repairing your vehicle. There will usually be an itemized charge on your bill for the exact costs.

6. Join a car pool
or use mass transit or ride sharing plans. The best way to minimize the impact of your automobile on the environment is to use it as little as possible.

7. Keep your air conditioner in good working order
Vehicles built prior to 1995 had Freon in their air conditioning system. Freon contains CFC's which have been shown to deplete the ozone layer, if allowed to escape from the system. If your system is leaking, have it repaired before recharging, otherwise the system will simply continue to leak CFC's into the environment. Use only a shop certified to handle and recycle AC refrigerants when having this type of work performed.

8. Repair oil and coolant leaks immediately
Oil and coolant leaks end up on the pavement. Each time it rains they are washed into the Bay, causing contamination. Even though a leak may seem small, it can dump many quarts of liquid, which contain heavy metals, over a period of time. Since these go directly to the bay through the storm drain system you might as well be dumping it directly into the bay, clearly that is not an environmentally sound practice.

9. Wash your vehicle on a lawn or at a car wash that recycles
This may seem like overkill, but your vehicle's surface picks up oil and pulverized metal particles(from brakes) as you drive each day. When washing your vehicle that residue is washed into the storm drain and ends up in the bay. Washing it on the lawn assures that the residue is trapped in the soil where it can be naturally broken down.

10. Remove excessive weight from your vehicle
Driving around with a vehicle full of unnecessary weight reduces your mileage and therefore increases pollution.

1. Plan ahead
Don't wait until the last minute, waiting could mean that work you need cannot be performed or the equipment you need may not be available. Mechanical failure or problems can be deadly in winter conditions, so don't take chances.

2. Check your owners manual
Refer to your manual for any special recommendations regarding winter operation such as:

• Fuel If you are going to be in extremely cold climate for a period of time, adding a de-icer to your fuel can keep moisture in the fuel system from freezing. Use according to instructions on the can.
• Cooling system The level, pH and concentration of the cooling system should be checked every time the vehicle is serviced. A mixture of 50% anti-freeze and 50% water is the least anti-freeze that should be present, do not exceed 70% anti-freeze or overheating can occur. If in doubt have a reputable shop check both the pH and concentration.
• Oil Your owners manual will show several different grades of oil that are recommended, depending on the temperature ranges in which you will be driving. In most cases a 10w30 oil will work for normal as well as short periods of winter temperature driving.
• Engine performance Today's computer controlled engines adapt well to a variety of driving conditions if they are properly maintained. It is essential that all filters and fluids have been inspected and replaced at the factory recommended intervals to assure proper operation under inclement conditions. A small problem in mild climate becomes a major issue in cold weather.
  

3. Pay special attention to these components -

• Battery The only sure way to detect a battery on the verge of failure is with the proper diagnostic equipment operated by a professional. If your battery is within one year of its warranty period have it tested before cold weather driving. Having clean and tight connections, no corrosion, and proper fluid levels are a necessity.
• Muffler/Exhaust system
  Exhaust fumes are deadly. While your vehicle is in the air being serviced ask that special attention be paid to the exhaust system to assure no leakage. Holes in the floorboards or trunk area can also allow exhaust to be drawn into the vehicle.
• Tires Tires with thin or uneven tread wear do not provide good traction and can be very dangerous in winter weather. Cut or damaged sidewalls are also weak areas that can collapse under severe conditions. Check to be sure that the tire chains are the correct size for the vehicle. It is best to practice installation in dry, warm conditions to assure you understand how to properly install them. They will be much more difficult under severe conditions.
• Lights Inspect all lights to assure they are functional, lack of light for illumination or visibility can be deadly.
• Heater Be sure your heater and defroster are in proper working order to assure passenger comfort and proper visibility.
• Windshield
  If extended time is to be spent in heavy snow conditions it may make sense to install special snow blades on your vehicle. These blades can function properly under extreme cold and snowy conditions. Be sure your windshield wipers function properly and wipe cleanly. To assure the best possible visibility a product such as Aquapel should be applied to the windshield and side windows. Be sure your windshield washer fluid is appropriate for cold weather, is topped up and sprays properly.
• Hoses and Drive Belts Old, damaged or loose rubber hoses and drive belts can cause your vehicle to be inoperable in severe weather conditions. Have a professional inspect them before the season begins.

4. Carry Emergency Gear
Be prepared for the worst, carry the following supplies: Ice scraper, spare bottle of washer fluid, boots, gloves, flares, blankets, tire chains, flashlight with spare batteries, a small shovel, some sand or kitty litter for traction. It is also a good idea to keep some snacks handy, such as energy bars in your glove box.