Car Warranty Blog

Tips, ideas and promotion news from WarrantyHeadquarters.com

 

How to Avoid Auto Repair Scams

Probably everyone who drives has overpaid for repairs at one time or another. Sometimes this is unavoidable because you need your car repaired and you don't have a car warranty. So when you take it or have it towed to the nearest shop, it may be one of the most expensive in the area and you have no choice but to pay full price.

  • If you have time, call around to get estimates over the phone. Honest owners will give you an idea of the cost of a repair based on the year, make and model of other repairs they have done.
  • Be sure you have a good car warranty.
  • Ask questions and use your own powers of observation. Does the shop have a business license hanging on the wall? Is the shop a member of the local chamber of commerce or the better business bureau? How long has the shop been in business? What level of expertise does the shop have working on your year, make and model?
  • Question the labor rate.
  • Find out whether or not parts are marked up.
  • Get it all in writing. Otherwise it is easy for a shop to claim that your car needed much more than originally thought, giving the technician license to replace perfectly good parts and charge you a lot of money.
  • Beware the fast-talking face man who is vague about the repair and doesn't know how much it will cost.
  • If you feel uncomfortable about the transaction, get another estimate somewhere else instead of committing.

 

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Three Signs That Indicate You Might Need New Brakes?

You know the importance of properly maintaining your vehicle. Failure to replace parts at the first sign of wear or damage can be very costly. Here are some signs that may indicate you have a break problem. Consult your mechanic if you are concerned about the brakes or any other vehicle performance issue.

Accident

1. If you notice your brake pedal pulsating, it may be a sign that you need to replace your brakes. This may mean that the break pad has warped or worn out, often due to heat.

2. If your break pedal loses pressure when you depress it this could be an indication of a leak in break fluid.

3. Make sure to listen for strange noises when you are breaking. Any rattling or clicking when you break could mean a problem. Squeaking sounds indicate your break pads are worn and need replaced. If you wait too long to check these problems, you could end up hearing a grinding sound, which means that you may be doing damage to your break rotors.

Again, any of these warning signs should be taken care of immediately. If caught early, break issues are fairly manageable with relatively low costs. However, if left untreated, break problems can mean very costly repairs for your vehicle.

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