C & W Automotives

Mechanic Bills, Don't be mad at them.

C & W Automotives, Feb 2, 2019

No one is excited to receive a large bill from on their car. The next time a repair cost makes your jaw drop, remember the following information below to immediately feel better about your investment.

1. Not the Mechanics Fault Don't be Mad. If you're upset about a repair cost, don’t automatically blame the mechanic. This is out of their control. Do you blame your doctor for medical bills, because he or she diagnosed the problem? Small shops versus large franchises tend to make it personal and not so costly on larger ticket items. The overheads tend to be less with a local owner and shop so you don't have to absorb the extra cost. You are also seen as a person, not a number. No one likes to be the bearer of bad news, especially when we know how it feels to have unexpected bills pop up, but it has to be done. Never assume a high cost means you're getting ripped off. Parts can be costly and every job is not always an easy one. Your mechanic should be compensated for his/her time as you like to be at your career/job. Clarify the repair cost before work begins. If you feel unsure, get a second opinion or ask the mechanic to show you the problem. A mechanic that you can trust is always happy to show what is going on with your vehicle.

2. Could this Repair have been Prevented? Cars don't overheat for no good reason. The most common cause is leaking, but it could also be due to low coolant or antifreeze. In that case, ask the mechanic to show you where that fluid is located so you can check it at the beginning or end of every month. Smart to know about your own vehicle and a good Mechanic is willing to empower you to identify problems and know about your vehicle before you breakdown.

3. Warning Signs, Did you Ignore them? If you put off an urgent repair, you will pay for it later. Your “check engine” light doesn't usually blink without cause. It means your car needs attention NOW (not “sometime next week” or “whenever is convenient”). Imagine you have a child who comes home, complaining about a sick or painful feeling. Would you tell them to suck it up? No! You would take them to the doctor right away. The mechanic is your car's doctor and the “check engine” light is its way of telling you something is wrong. Scanners are used to tells what your check engine light means, and also immediately informs your connected mechanic so that they can offer help as soon as the problem hits. Most reliable Techs will have a more in-depth scanner then what you get your codes to read from an Auto-zone for example. Yes, you can go to the nearby AutoZone for a code reader yet it is best to allow you regular Mechanic check out your vehicle because they will be able to give you a more in-depth understanding and importance of the situation. Your repair facility will have a heavier duty computer scanner then the ones that you can locally purchase.

4. Do you have Money set aside for Emergencies? Saving for automobile repairs is the same as saving for home repairs. It is needed and will come up unexpectedly if regular maintenance is not done on your vehicle. We advise on putting a little extra in a saving account with the home emergency fund to help ease situations when they arise. Having a dependable Mechanic will help you to plan for repairs and help you put them in the order of importance.

It won’t feel like much at first, but it adds up over time. Car repair is not a want. It is a need like food and shelter. Strapped for cash? I’m not a finance expert, but I can tell you that it helps to separate your savings and spending money. Don’t blame your mechanic the next time you get stuck with a large, nasty repair bill. You are the only person with the power to improve the condition of your vehicle. Regular maintenance done at the same shop helps ensure items won’t be overlooked. Your mechanic knows your car, how you take care of it, what needs to be tended to or the last repair done. Easily explained like having your hairdresser you see to look your best and or your Doctor whom you trust to make you feel and be your best you. That's what your Mechanic is for your car.

Understanding your car maintenance bill.

C & W Automotives, Jan 12, 2019

Mechanics make their money by charging for labor, as well as marking up the parts used to repair your car. This combination ensures that a shop is profitable and a mechanic can stay in business and pay his or her employees, rents, utilities, insurance, taxes, overhead and everything else involved in running a legitimate business.

Some people are surprised when they learn that parts are more expensive when bought through a mechanic than when they buy them on their own, but this is a completely normal part of mechanics doing business and nothing unusual for the industry. Here is the way it works: you bring your car to the mechanic for a diagnosis after you start having some sort of problems. The mechanic inspects your car and then determines what parts are needed in order to fix it. He will order them from a local parts distributor, or from the manufacturer if that is the only option or if you specify it. The arrangement between the parts distributor and the mechanic can vary, with different incentives available depending on how much business the shop does, what brands are available and other factors. But the customer never has to deal with the parts distributor directly. That is part of the ease of dropping your vehicle off and picking it up without the hassle, fixed and ready to go.

With so many auto supply shops available these days the customer might feel that they are being savvy by finding their own parts and saving money on them. Yet in the turn around 85% of the time, the store has advised on the wrong part or you might receive a defective part. Therefore you end up spending more money in the long run because now you have to pay twice for the repair. You cannot be mad at your mechanic for things of this nature. It like going to the doctor being told to cut out sugar yet self-diagnosing from the internet and eating donuts every morning. Now wondering why you don't feel any better, have gained 10lbs and possibly need diabetic medicine yet you chose to DIY it. Now the situation is worse. We are each in our own industries to help each other out and keep the full circle of daily life functioning. A good reliable technician will become a lifelong friend you can count on.

This markup will vary depending on the type of shop it is, and the job, but an average markup for parts by a mechanic is between 25% to 50%. Every shop has its own system. This means that a part that a mechanic pays $100 for will cost you between $125 and $150 on your bill from the mechanic. Don't forget, this is in addition to the labor charges, which averages between $85 to $110 an hour for independent repair shops and between $115 to $135 for dealerships.

So when you consider purchasing your own parts and bring them to shops in order to save on the markup, It's important to remember that the warranty for the parts will be Void in these cases. It's important to respect the shop's decision, marking up parts is an important source of revenue, without which the business will not function properly. Just as it is in your industry. So when you find that trustworthy mechanic and shop remember he is trying to make a living like everyone else.

Spring Time Tips

C & W Automotives, Jan 5, 2019

Read the owner's manual and follow the recommended service schedules.

Have hard starts, rough idling, stalling, etc. corrected before hot weather sets in.

Flush and refill the cooling system (radiator) according to the service manual's recommendations. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically.

If you are not a do-it-yourselves, look for repair facilities that employ ASE-certified automotive technicians.

The tightness and condition of belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a qualified auto technician.

Have a marginally operating air conditioner system serviced by a qualified technician to reduce the likelihood of more costly repairs.

Change the oil and oil filter as specified in the owner's manual. (Properly dispose of used oil.)

Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended.

Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold.

Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs.

Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to combat summer's dust and insects.

Finding a Good Automotive Repair Shop

C & W Automotives, Dec 8, 2018

Look for a repair facility before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed.

Ask friends, co-workers, and associates for recommendations.

Search online for business reviews and visit the shop’s Facebook page if one is available. Don’t make your selection based solely on location convenience.

Determine if the shop works on your vehicle make and model or performs the types of repairs you need. Some facilities specialize.

Professionally ran establishments will have a courteous, helpful staff. The manager, service writer, or technician should be willing to answer your questions thoroughly.

Labor rates, fees for testing and diagnostic work, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.are willing to be discussed.

Ask for the names of a few customers as references. Call them.

Start with a small or minor job, such as an oil change or tire rotation. Reward good service with repeat business and more complex work.

A trustful Mechanic will be willing to show you the repair that is needing to be done and answer questions you might have.

End Summer Tips

C & W Automotives, Oct 22, 2018

The vacations are over, the kids are back in school and cooler evenings have begun. Take advantage of the lull to prepare your vehicle for the winter ahead, advise the pros and the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Breakdowns, never convenient, can be dangerous in cold weather period.

The following tips from ASE should give parent and student alike a road map to fall car care.

First things first
Read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. There are usually two schedules listed: normal and severe.

Engine Performance
Have engine problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather will make existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters air, fuel, PCV, etc.

Fuel
Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that a gas tank that’s kept filled helps prevent moisture from forming in the first place.

Oil
Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.

Cooling System
The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) If you’re doing your own work, allow the radiator to cool down completely before removing the cap. (Newer vehicles have coolant reservoirs.) The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a certified auto technician.

Heater/Defroster
The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.

Windshield Wipers
Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent you’ll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.

Battery
The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. But do-it-yourselves can do routine maintenance. Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.

A word of caution:
Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves. Note too that removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles so refer to your manual for instructions.

Lights
Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses with a moistened cloth or towel. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

Exhaust System
Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.

Tires
Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.

Emergencies
Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.

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