Car Trouble Help

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Car Trouble Help

Car trouble is something nobody wants. A breakdown can leave you stranded, and a car that is not reliable is a car you cannot depend on. Yet if you drive your vehicle long enough, sooner or later you will have problems with it. Nothing lasts forever, and electronic and mechanical components are no exception. Some parts like brakes, tires and clutch linings wear with mileage and use. Other parts such as the battery, spark plugs, filters and wiper blades have a limited service life. The big expensive components like the engine and transmission are supposed to last the life of the vehicle (with proper maintenance), which today should be 150,000 to 200,000 miles. But some parts fail to go the distance and fail.

So what should you do when you have car trouble?

You can go online and visit a website like this (AA1Car.com) to find help for your car problem. Knowledge can save you a lot of money, even if you do not intend to repair your vehicle yourself. If you are armed with information when you take your vehicle to a repair shop, new car dealer or other repair facility, you will be in a better position to understand what might be wrong with your car, what may be necessary to repair it, and how much the repairs may cost. See the list of car trouble resources below:

The Worst Kind of Car Trouble

The worst kind of car trouble is a breakdown or problem when you are out of town or traveling in an unfamiliar area far from home. Maybe the Check Engine light just came on. Usually this is NOT a serious problem, but it should be checked out when you return home. Of more concern would be a sudden change in the way your engine runs, the way your vehicle steers, handles or brakes, or an unusual noise or vibration.

If your engine stalls, won't start, is making horrible noises or is overheating, you have a problem that requires immediate attention. These kinds of problems can leave you stranded and at the mercy of repair facilities who may try to take advantage of your situation.

If your vehicle is still under warranty, drive it or have it towed to the nearest new car dealer (if possible).

If you vehicle is out of warranty, look for a shop that is a member of AAA (American Automobile Assn.) or ASA (Automotive Service Assn.). You could also take your vehicle to a new car dealer, but they will likely have higher labor rates than an independent repair facility. Also, look for a shop that displays signage that their technicians are ASE certified.

Communicate clearly with the service writer, shop owner or technician as to the nature of your car trouble. Describe what is happening, when it is happening and any other information that may help them accurately diagnose your problem. Also, be sure to mention any other recent repairs or service that has been performed on your vehicle.

Do NOT tell the repair shop or technician what to fix or replace. That's their job. After diagnosing your vehicle, they should let you know what they have found, what they think is wrong, what needs to be repaired, how long it will probably take, and then hand you a written repair estimate as to how much everything should cost (parts and labor, plus any additional charges or fees).