Today's cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past.
But when it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. The following tips should help you along the way:
Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service.
- Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and components.
- Follow the recommended service schedules.
- Keep a log of all repairs and service.
When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals.
Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for:
- Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings.
- Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels.
- Worn tires, belts, hoses.
- Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations.
- Note when the problem occurs.
- Is it constant or periodic?
- When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
- At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting?
- When did the problem first start?
Once you are at our location, communicate your findings.
- Be prepared to describe the symptoms.
- Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give us.
- Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. Just as you would with your physician, tell us where it hurts and how long it's been that way, but let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.
Stay involved. . . Ask questions.
- Ask as many questions as needed to fully understand your repair. Ask for laymen terms if needed.
- Don't rush the technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. You may ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins.
- Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.
- Leave a telephone number where you can be called.
Partners
What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
Monday morning and my sons truck was dead in the driveway. He needed to return to NC that day. Jeff came to the house towed the truck in and 30 minutes later my son was on the road. We did not have an appointment, but Jeff helped us out and I will be forever grateful. Super service. Thanks Jeff!
I had the timing belt replaced on my 2009 Subaru Outback in late February at Pro Automotive. On 4/5/18, my car broke down on the highway as I was leaving Roanoke. It was towed to the closest Subaru dealer in Roanoke, where they determined that the timing belt had failed and severely damaged the engine. I contacted Pro Automotive the next day. They not only covered the cost of towing my Subaru in for them to inspect, but repaired my car at no charge to me when it was determined that the failure was due to a defective timing belt tensioner bolt. They also paid for my rental car while I was waiting to get my car back. It's back up and running like nothing ever happened. Fantastic service. I highly recommend Pro Automotive, and will definitely take my car back when it needs service again. Thanks, guys! You were great!
