Five Questions for Your Auto Technician

With April being National Car Care Month, it’s time to stop ignoring your check engine light and give your car some TLC. Most car owners know that regular auto maintenance is the key to staying on the road and avoiding costly repairs. But the average driver knows little about what goes on under the hood — and even less about what happens inside their dealer service shop or independent garage. To curb auto anxiety, here are a few questions to ask at your service center. 1. Can I meet my technician? The best way to ensure the safety and maintenance of your car is to build a relationship with a knowledgeable, experienced auto technician. Technicians are typically glad to meet you, answer your questions and tell you about their credentials. Look for certificates displaying degrees, ongoing training and ASE certifications. If you aren’t impressed by what you see and hear, keep looking. Finding a skilled technician is like finding the right hairdresser or barber. When you do, be sure to request them for all future service. 2. What should I look for in my owner’s manual? Most drivers miss out on a lot of essential information about their car’s maintenance because they never read their owner’s manual. Though it may seem like a long and complicated read, your technician can point out what’s important for you to know. For example, how often should the oil be changed and does the manufacturer recommend synthetic or conventional? Requirements like these are different for every vehicle – and complying with them helps extend the life of the car. Your tech may also advise you to consult the manual for suggestions that relate to driving habits such as daily stop-and-go traffic or towing a boat. These conditions can accelerate wear and tear, requiring you to follow a “heavy duty” routine that calls for more frequent oil changes. 3. Which fluids are important and when should they be changed? Fluids such as coolants and transmission fluid are vital to the life of your car. Ask your technician about what to use and when. For some cars, a transmission fluid change isn’t suggested while the car is under warranty, but the manufacturer may recommend it after 80,000 or 100,000 miles. Your technician’s experience is especially valuable when it comes to coolants. Though some fluids claim to be good for 150,000 miles, many techs advocate changing them at 75,000 or 100,000 miles. If you have coolant concerns, your technician should offer to perform a quick acidity test before you spend the money to have the fluids flushed. 4. Which tires are right for my car? Tire sales can be tempting, but an experienced technician will help you choose between a great deal and a sound investment. Ask your tech’s advice in evaluating traction, temperature and tread wear ratings. For instance, a $60 sale tire with a tread wear rating of 150 doesn’t seem like such a good value when compared with a $125 tire that rates 500 and would last twice as long. You can also ask your tech to check the tire’s production date (located on the sidewall), which should be less than a year before your purchase. The longer tires are stored, the greater your chance of getting a tire that is susceptible to dry rot, vibration while driving or separation. 5. What kind of parts do you use? Good technicians know that parts matter, so don’t be afraid to ask what kind they use and whether they stand by them with a warranty of at least 12 months or 12,000 miles. For most new cars, it’s wise to visit the dealership for maintenance and repairs, especially those involving electrical parts. These shops have the most current parts and technology for the model, and their technicians are often the most knowledgeable about parts specifically designed for the vehicle. But after five to seven years of the car’s life, parts tend to become more widely available and drivers are just as wise to visit independent garages. One exception is for labor-intensive repairs that involve parts such as the transmission. When you’re paying for that much work, it best to ask your tech for the original equipment manufacturer part you can trust. Cars are second only to homes as the most expensive item we own. You owe it to yourself – and your wallet – to work with a skilled technician and maintain your vehicle with care. Not only will you add years to your car’s life, you’ll enjoy more worry-free miles down the road. Universal Technical Institute in Rancho Cucamonga provides the training necessary to excel as an entry-level automotive or diesel service technician.