Like a lot of vehicle owners, when you have car issues you probably don’t know how to figure out what’s causing the problem. Do you end up paying for a repair that really didn’t need fixing in the first place, hoping that it would take of the problem? Having a problem diagnosed correctly is critical for receiving the best automotive repair service possible. Eliminate the guesswork of repair by trial-and-error that didn’t fix the cause of the problem!
Here are two easy tips for helping your automotive repair technician know where to start looking for a problem:
- Be observant – If you know how your vehicle typically performs under various driving circumstances, then you will know when something isn’t working quite right. Use all your senses, what you see, hear, and feel, to observe what’s happening to your vehicle.
- Jot it down – Write down the problem in detail–when, where and what–so that you can describe it in concise and descriptive terms to your mechanic. Relying on your memory isn’t really a good idea.
Here are several common problem areas that you will want to pay special attention to:
- brakes (worn out pads, drums, or rotors),
- no-starts (bad battery, starter, fuel filter, etc)
- suspension (failing shocks and axles, lost wheel alignment or balancing)
- strange noises (rattles, ticks, grinding, and crunches)
- dashboard warning lights (check engine light flickers or stays on)
- transmission (jerky or stiff shifting, fluid leaks, odd smell, lack of response)
- muffler and exhaust system (loss of power, smoke from the muffler)
- A/C system/heating unit (air coming into the vehicle is either too warm or too cold)
- electrical system (bad spark plugs, combustion problems)
Note to Remember: Helping your mechanic make the correct diagnosis will save you time and money!
Looking for automotive repair that is done right the first time? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Rod’s Tire and Automotive for more information about automotive service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Medina, TN, and the surrounding area.
