You’ll want to look over their website, most companies these days put a lot of effort into their online promotion, and it can be a great way to get a better understanding of what they can and cannot offer you.  The website should also offer you information regarding the types of insurance companies they can work with.

Often, a mechanic’s website will show you which manufacturers that they are certified under, this information can be extensively helpful when you are trying to find someone to do work that falls under your automotive warranty. Checking a mechanic’s website is a fast and simple way to ensure that you don’t have to pay for something that the automotive company should be covering.

A repair shop’s website can also give you vital insight into the general services offered, for instance, if you are looking for break repair, the website will usually list if this type of service is covered. For example, Central Automotive lists all of the different services offered on their site, so if you are looking for somewhere that can work on more than one aspect of your car this is the right place for you; this repair shop offers everything from emergency repairs to full scale engine rebuilding.

Another key point you want to consider when you are looking for the best in a repair shop is the customer reviews. Central Ave Auto for example has taken the time to gather up the reviews their customers have left on different sites like Google Places and post them on their website. This information helps to tell you why other customers are using this particular repair shop.

The about us portion of any repair shops website can be useful. This area of the page tells about where the company got its start, and often tells you about the experience of their team members. Central Ave Auto has information pertaining to each of their crew members, who have a  combined experience of over ninety years.

Once you go into the shop to talk about an estimate, or get repair work done you’ll likely notice the information posted around the waiting room. Most mechanic waiting rooms will have any awards or special recognitions posted on the walls. You can often also find among these achievements information regarding the different community events, or organizations the company supports.  Sponsoring local little league teams is always a good sign of their commitment to their community and youth programs.  If by chance they don’t have these things displayed, feel free to ask, most businesses will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

These are all ways you can help ensure you are getting the best auto mechanic you can find in Kent, Washington.

Let’s start with tires. Your trusted mechanic will have checked your tires for inflation during a routine maintenance checkup. What if the mechanic finds a bubble that is on o the inside? What if a loose lug nut is found? The repair is quick and cost effective. If you had let these heretofore unnoticed problems go, then you might have experienced a blow out. Let’s imagine you were on a freeway in major traffic. You be the judge. Do you think an accident would cost more or less that the preventive repair?

If you have a fuel system cleaning, then this process will remove carbon deposits on fuel injectors. This will make your engine run better. Most of all, this will make the environment cleaner.

Another example is having a simple oil change. Don’t you think the mechanic will notice little problems and inform you? The answer of course is yes. The oil itself is an important factor in your car’s health. It is far better to protect your engine by keeping clean oil and filters changed as routine maintenance. It is not often, but I am sure you know of people who have let their oil get so low that the burned up an entire engine. Compare those costs – a few dollars vs. thousands and thousands of dollars.

Brake pads are less expensive than rotors. When they become worn it is best to get them changes. You can wait on the rotors until your car has many more miles. If you wait for both to wear out, you are flirting with danger. Why take this chance?

Other routine maintenance includes checking hoses and clamps. If the mechanic finds that some need replaced, then this is an inexpensive fix. If you ignore a checkup and have a hose burst, well you have costly problems. Again, routine maintenance costs lest than having your car towed to a mechanic’s shop. You might have to wait and wait until there is time to complete the repair. If you have lost hours at work, doesn’t that cost a lot of money? Of course it does. Again, the preventive checkup can save you money.

If your engine stalls at red lights or knocks for an unknown reason, your mechanic can diagnose it at a tune-up or routine maintenance check. To have these problems solved will save you money; you won’t be waiting until a major repair looms large on your bank account.

Although gas mileage is not a repair per say, it certainly is affected by the state of your engine. Routine maintenance such as oil change, tire pressure checks, installation of new spark plug, etc. will make your car get better gas mileage. Plain and simple. You save money!

In order for you to recognize a family oriented auto business you might want to first start with the walls of the repair shop. Look around. Does the manager or owner have photos of family on the desk? How about the family pet? These are good signs that the owner cares about his or her family and this translates into caring about the customers as well.

Also be sure to look on their walls for framed copies of awards, certifications and the like. Be sure to note if they have sponsored local Little League and flag football teams. Do they proudly display the trophies? Are they boosters for the local band and concert choirs? Do you see employees and owners at community functions such as Halloween parades and Fourth of July community celebrations? All of this speaks to their pride in the community which can again translate to pride in their service. You also end up with the respect for their service and honesty; you are willing to pay a fair price since you know that just like you, the business owners and employees are also supporting their families. The word “Family” goes full circle – from the owner, to employees and support staff, and to you and your extended family.

If any of the above applies, then that owner or employee wants to ear and maintain a good reputation. They want you to be their best advertisement. They want to be proud to see you in the grocery store. The conclusion to draw is that they will give you good service at a fair price. They will remind you of safety tips. They will go out of their way to make sure your repair was done correctly. They will help you by reminding you of safety checks and upcoming automatic maintenance which can save you money by avoiding break downs and serious repair jobs which could have been prevented.

You might also visit websites of many area auto services to find out if they are family friendly. Once you look, you will see those pictures of family in advertisements and you will also see the certifications and awards. You can read their advice blogs to see if they offer tips for your family. The foregone conclusion is that if they care about their families, then they will surely care about yours!

Good customer service is what you look for no matter where you go – the restaurant, the supermarket, the clothing store. Of course you want the same good customer service from your auto mechanic as well.

When the mechanic routinely maintains your car with oil change, tire rotation, fluid top off, wiper blade inspection and more, then of course you want to be treated right. You expect to be treated by someone with good manners and good interpersonal skills. But why is this important with you mechanic?

Since your auto repair shop wants you to return for future business, they must know that good customer service is all important; their business will depend on ability to sending them away happy and extremely pleased with the service they have received. The mechanic WANTS to bring customers back. Without repeat business the shop will almost certainly fail. How does this help you, the customer? Well it ensures that the mechanic and the shop as a whole want your business the next time you get routine oil changes, etc. They want your business when you have a major problem as well.

If your problem is one that will make no profit for the auto repair shop, you still want a mechanic who will take time with you. Your questions and concerns are real. If you have a mechanic who offers good customer service this will be standard for this mechanic. He will be more than happy to answer your questions knowing that the next time you need work done, you will return and gladly use this shop for billed repairs or maintenance.

A very important good customer service trait is one whereby your mechanic will deal with your honest complaints. If you feel that the shop did not really fix your problem, you need someone to sincerely listen to your story and handle your concerns and problems. You would also expect that the mechanic not only knows how to complete the job, but also knows how to explain things to you. It is your right to know what repair was completed, why it was necessary, and how it will help our car to run better. Mechanics know more than the customer does; if not the customer wouldn’t need the mechanic. BUT – the mechanic needs to treat the customer with respect, explain things in plain and easy to understand language.

It is important that your calls to the shop do not go unanswered. If you have to leave a message you want to have your mechanic call back. It is best if a real, live person answers the phone. If your problem is immiediate, you want to speak with asn expert that you trust. You want to talk to them right away, not hours later.

Your mechanic needs to tell you the truth. You do not want promises of getting your car or truck fixed “this afternoon” only to find that it won’t be ready for three more days.

Lastly, does your mechanic offer a referral coupon, or a coupon for the next oil change? There are inexpensive ways to keep you, the customer happy. You should expect these as routine “thank yous” for your continued support.

• 1- an oil change at 4,000 and 8,000 miles OR
• 2- an engine repair?????????

The above answer is quite obvious. But, you can imagine how many people find themselves requiring the second and very expensive thing – getting an engine repair. In life we all have lots of excuses. We are all too busy. We are all short of extra money. The dog is sick – etc.! Well, these excuses are real and truly apply to us all (unless you only have a cat!) We simply must ignore the excuse “crutch” and do what is important – get the vital regular maintenance on our autos OR we just may be looking a much more expensive repair.

A way to save money on auto checkups is to avoid them when your car is not due to have one. When that little red “check engine” light comes on. You can check some things yourself before running off to a repair shop. The manufacturer’s owners’s manual will help. This light may be telling you something as simple as having a loose gas cap of trunk light that is out. This could, however, be telling you something that is far more serious. Then you will go to the mechanic for diagnosis. It will be a necessary visit, not a wasted one. The most common issues being indicated deal with the emission control system. This system uses many, many sensors, valves, flaps, covers, and heated wires. Your mechanic will be a valuable piece to solving this puzzle. You will indeed be getting the most out of this visit.

A way of getting the most out of your auto checkup is to leave the mechanic’s shop with a fully tuned car. This can help take away the burden of unbelievably overwhelming gas prices. For example:

• The mechanic will have checked your tires for inflation.
• You will have clean and fresh oil that meets the manufacturer’s requirements.
• You will have a proper filter that can improve gas mileage.
• Getting the most out of each gallon of that expensive fuel is the main thing that allows you to get the most out of a mechanic’s checkup. When you leave, you start saving money!

Another way to consider that you are getting the most from a checkup is in the safety arena. When a mechanic looks over your car or truck, you are informed of any potential hazards. For example, your brakes or tires may be dangerously worn and you are not savvy enough to know this without the professional inspection. When informed, you can have them serviced on this visit or you can bring the auto back at a more convenient time. Whichever way you choose, your car will be safe for you to drive!

There are times when hoses or brake have rotted away due to age and/or corrosion. They carry all sorts of fluid to make your car or truck run properly. When that fluid is brake fluid it is vital to the safety of all. A regular inspection from a qualified mechanic will prove helpful if they find a hose with a slit or bubble. Some mechanics will suggest you change hoses that are just plain “old.” Please note that some are soft rubber hoses and some are hard. Your mechanic is the best person to make this inspection unless you have a great deal of experience in this area. Your vehicle’s brake system is too important a part of your car too ignore. A little bit of prevention can go a long way in reducing danger of an auto crash. While no one can analyze a situation enough to prove there would have indeed been an actual accident, who wants to finds out?

Brakes are of course the one thing your car simply can’t be without. You absolutely must take good care of your car’s braking system. An inspections will tell you if brake pads need to be replaced. Your mechanic will also tell you that brakes should always be replaced in pairs since the wear should be equal on both sides of your car.

The same inspection may notice that your brake rotors are worn or not functioning properly. Inspecting your brake rotors (or brake discs as they are also called) may tell your mechanic that these are worn or pitted as well. The mechanic’s advise should be well taken. This is an important repair and one that should truly be completed as advised by the mechanic you trust.

The same inspection may also notice that there is not enough clean brake fluid to keep the system operating correctly. This is a simple and inexpensive fix. If you did not know this or if you ignore the mechanic’s advice, it could result in a very costly repair. While you can do this yourself, most people do not even though the brake fluid reservoir usually is clear and you can see through it. You can check the fluid level without opening the cap. There will be markings on it that indicate if you will need to add any brake fluid. If you don’t trust the advice of your mechanic then by all means get a second opinion and quote. Most of the time this is free at a repair shop.

A complete auto inspection usually involves bumper to bumper inspection of all components of an auto. For example, an oil sample will be taken from the engine and transmission. It is then analyzed, comparing samples to manufacturer’s standards. This will help to determine if the engine or transmission components have been overheated, raced, filled with additives to disguise mechanical issues, or flooded.

Standard items to be checked will include electrical systems, computer systems, braking systems, steering systems, seat belts, door locks, head lights and tail lights, turn signals, and just about anything in the entire car. The purpose of this is to make sure the auto is safe for drivers and passengers alike. It also ensures safety of others traveling on the roadways.

Windshields are of great concern as well and thus require inspection. Small chips can turn into large cracks and impair visibility. Since this event occurs with little or no warning, danger looms.

Since auto collisions are the leading cause of injury-related deaths, auto inspections contribute to the safety of citizens by preventing accidents due to malfunctioning vehicles.

Since vehicle construction and equipment are important as safety features in today’s automobiles and trucks, then keeping them up to standard and in good working order can minimize the occurrence and thus the consequences of automobile accidents.

There are some special inspections required in Washington State. As per the Washington State Patrol website, if a vehicle has been rebuilt after being destroyed or declared a total loss by an insurance company, then Washington State Patrol performs and documents a physical inspection. Physical inspections are also required on vehicles reported stolen, homemade vehicles, or other vehicles without a proper VIN, when there is a VIN discrepancy, when there is a record dispute, when ownership is in doubt, or other special cases.

The basic points of check include:

• Oil and filter change
• Spark plug inspection and possible change
• Fluid check and top off for all areas – windshield washer, transmission, brake, coolant and power steering – to name a few. These should be completely changed at the following intervals:
• Transmission – every 48 months or 48,000 miles
• Brake fluid – every 24 months or 24,000 miles
• Coolant flush and exchange – every 24 months or 24,000 miles
• Power Steering fluid exchange – every 24 months or 24,000 miles

• Battery testing
• Dashboard indicator light inspection
• Brake pad and rotor testing
• Alignment inspection
• Tire inspection

Once again, your relationship with your mechanic comes into play here. Tell your mechanic if you see leakage in your driveway or if you are giving any fluids a frequent top off. This is a warning sign for greater problems. Tell your trusted mechanic if there are problems with starting the car or truck. Let the mechanic know about suspension problems.

If you have never used your spare tire, ask for it to be inspected. You certainly do not want to be stranded without this lifesaving component. It is wise to have your tires rotated at least every 5,000 miles. This makes for even wear and better life expectancy of the tires.

There is also a need for seasonal changes to automobiles. For example, winter may require a change to snow tires if you are constantly driving in rugged conditions. Batteries tend to act up in very cold weather. Yours should be inspected. If you have had some past problems with this, then tell your mechanic. If it is more than three years old, you may be recommended to replace it in advance of problems. Summer time requires a detailed check of the coolant system.

Your exhaust system and fans and belts should be inspected, but less frequently. Your mechanic will state preferences for time intervals, but these components are important and should not be overlooked.

A good mechanic will check all of the following additional components or parts as well:

• Breather filter
• Canister filter
• Carburetor and its fuel filter
• Injection fuel filter
• Wheel bearing repack seals
• C-V joints
• Fuel injectors
• Oxygen sensor
• Universal joints
• Vacuum modulator
• Timing belts

A good mechanic will provide a standard written testing list which will cover all of the above descriptions and more. Some people who are not professionals might say that there is not a need to check all of these items. A good mechanic will disagree. Your safety and the safety of all passengers is at hand. Take note and become involved in your own auto or truck inspection. Educate yourself. You will appreciate knowing the concepts of your car’s workings. It will make you a better informed owner and a much safer driver!

In general there is a range for the west coast area. The following are some examples. DO NOT assume they are absolute for the town in which you live. Mechanic shops must price their services based on many factors, including the rent they pay for their space. Taxes and insurance are concerns as well. So, when judging a price for a job always consider the overall area where the shop is located. Another component is the auto type and model that you own. We all know that a Mercedes Benz cost more than a Honda to begin with. Replacement costs reflect this in much the same way.

A FEW REPAIR OR MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES AND A COST RANGE FOR THE JOB-

• Labor per hour $40-$70 per hour
• Oil Change – $35 – $120 (of course this depends on model of car since some filters cost more. Synthetic oil also costs more, so if you use this expect a higher price.)
• Alignment (includes Tire rotation) – $79 -189
• New battery replacement – $45 – $165
• Brake pad replacement – $99 – $500 per axle set.

There is an interesting website that lets you complete some calculations for specific jobs on specific cars. This estimate is categorized by zip code. For example a random check for a fuel pump replacement produced a generic price of about $321 in parts and about $100 in labor. This would be a great indicator of just how much you can predict to pay for a given repair. It certainly can make financial planning for a given month’s expenses much easier! If you are at all interested in perusing this site, go to Auto MD. Their Internet address is http://www.automd.com/answers/search/?question=Chevrolet.

Once again, a quote should always be received in advance of any contract to complete the work. If an auto repair shop cannot give you a written quote, then there are some major concerns. A second quote is always recommended on major jobs. If you have a professional mechanic who trust implicitly, then you are ahead of the pricing game!

Another flaw that your mechanic might find is in your wiring system. Car fires are very, very dangerous and most people don’t even think about them. They can be prevented if your mechanic notices something and points out why a repair is needed. This again can save you and your family injury. It will also save money since most car fires spread quickly and cause a car to be totaled. You most likely would not want to deal with your insurance company under these extreme circumstances.

While on the subject of car fires, do you have a tool right at your fingertips that can cut a seatbelt or break the glass on a window? These lifesaving tools can work extremely well in a fire, especially if you have to get a child out of a car seat or any seatbelt. Imagine your panic as your car becomes engulfed. You might have on locks and not be able to get into a back door. Well – just break the window. Children strapped into a seat may require you to press two or more latches. These may be steel and hot, hot, hot. A tool at your fingertips will let you make an instant cut and grab. You might not think of these things and your auto mechanic may just have this inexpensive tool on display.

You would never want to be in a car or truck that is not well maintained during a tornado. You might say – what is the chance of that? While the chance is not great can you  imagine trying to get to lower ground (such as just to the side of the road or down a driveway to a house where you might be able to take shelter) with a car that stalls out. Not good. You would certainly need to park the car as quickly and safely as possible and out of the traffic lanes. You might have to drive into a muddy area or soft shoulder since it is much safer to have problems later getting the car out of mud than to remain in harm’s way. Reminder though – get out of the car if you can get into a drainage ditch, etc. You want to be away from the car that might roll over onto you. Your mechanic may just mention these safety tips or may have them posted in the waiting room – good news for you if you have paid attention.

You might just ask your mechanic to check you r automatic locks if you noticed that they aren’t always dependable. The most common problem might be a small battery in your remote or another simple fix. Your mechanic may also ask you if you have an adequate number of spare keys. We all know that safety when getting into and out of a car depends on those locks. They have saved many a person from unwanted and dangerous intruders. Once again, your mechanic can prevent a problem and help keep you and your family safe.