Ten Really Expensive Auto Repair Mistakes to Avoid

AutoMD.com provides tips to help car owners save hundreds, in some cases thousands, of auto repair dollars

CARSON, Calif., June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- About 60% of car owners who normally take their vehicle to the repair shop report spending between $500 and $2,000+ a year on auto repair and maintenance - while 60% of DIYers report saving $500 or more (over half report saving $1,000+) from doing their own auto repairs, according to surveys by AutoMD.com(1). This represents a considerable saving/spend gap. To help close this gap, AutoMD.com has identified some of the most common, and most costly, auto repair mistakes that car owners should avoid.

"At AutoMD.com we are always looking for ways to help car owners save precious dollars while keeping their vehicles running safely. This is why our experts have put together a list of simple tips to help pre-empt costly auto repair mistakes," said Brian Hafer, VP of Marketing at AutoMD.com. "By following this advice, car owners can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on auto repairs."

AutoMD.com's Top Ten Really Expensive Auto Repair Mistakes:

Mistake #1: Neglecting preventative maintenance and minor repairs.Cost: $1,000sIgnoring simple preventative maintenance, like changing the engine oil and filter, could damage your engine and replacing that engine could cost thousands(2) of dollars! Failing to make minor car repairs today, such as replacing a thermostat or front brake pads, could mean more expensive repairs tomorrow. Other simple, but important, repair and maintenance tasks car owners can do on their own - or have a mechanic perform at an affordable price -include changing the transmission fluid; checking the coolant level, mixture, and condition, and checking the vehicle's tire pressure on a regular basis.Bottom Line: Don't put off to tomorrow, what can be done today.Click here for a list of repairs car owners should never ignore.

Mistake #2: Not asking for your parts back.Cost: Unnecessary $$If a part needs to be replaced on your car, always ask for your old part back; simply ask the mechanic to place the old part in the new part's box. Unfortunately, some dishonest repair shops may charge you for work that was not done or repairs that are not necessary. Asking for your old parts back confirms that the new part was actually installed, and it keeps the mechanic from replacing a part that is still good.Bottom Line: Not asking for your old parts back could mean paying for an unnecessary repair, or paying for a job that was not performed!

Mistake #3: Neglecting your tires.Cost: More gas $$$ + tire replacement ($140 - $600+[3]), and loss of safety (priceless!)Driving on underinflated tires can shorten the life of your tires, increase tire wear and lead to significant tire damage from heat, potholes and other road hazards. If the tire fails completely, you could lose control of the vehicle! Plus, keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. And don't be tempted to get more mileage out of your tires than they can safely give by driving on them when they are bald. Driving on bald tires can reduce vehicle traction and lead to an accident.Bottom Line: Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your tires, it means safer driving and better gas mileage.

Mistake #4: Ignoring dashboard warning lights.Cost: $1,000s! Loss of safety (priceless!)Dashboard warning lights are just that, warning lights! Pay attention to them - they could be warning you about a serious maintenance problem that could lead to expensive repairs or unsafe driving. Be sure to read your owner's manual and familiarize yourself with what the different warning lights on your car's dashboard mean - Check Engine Light, Oil Light, Temperature Light, Brake Light - and what action you should take for each. Never ignore your Check Engine Light, thinking the car is running fine. Your MPG could be reduced by as much as 30%. A blinking Check Engine light indicates a severe misfire that could damage your car's expensive catalytic converter. Ignoring the oil and temperature lights can result in an engine replacement meaning thousands of dollars out of your pocket.Bottom Line: Pay attention to all your car's symptoms, including warning lights.

Mistake #5: Telling your mechanic what parts to replace.Cost: Double your $$ (or more!)Today's vehicles are extremely complex, and while it is a good idea to do your research, some vehicle symptoms can be misleading. For example, you may be convinced that your car needs new spark plugs or an engine tune-up, when you really need the MAF sensor cleaned. If you tell your mechanic to replace the spark plugs instead of asking him to diagnose the problem, he will do it and charge you for it, leaving you with the same unresolved issue.Bottom Line: Be informed, but listen to the experts, otherwise you could end up paying for an unnecessary repair, while the original issue remains unresolved.Click here to see a list of commonly misdiagnosed vehicle symptoms and repairs.

Mistake #6: Not doing simple repairs yourself.Cost: Up to $200!(4)Rather than spending time and money at the repair shop, try doing some of the easiest repairs yourself, such as replacing wiper blades, replacing a light bulb, even replacing a fuse and an air filter. Reference your owner's manual and go online for videos and how to guides (AutoMD.com's how-to guides provide step by step instructions for these repairs). And, these jobs just may provide a stepping stone and the courage you need to attempt even more of your own car repairs, which can lead to more savings.Bottom Line: Doing simple repairs yourself could actually save you time, as well as money.Click here for a list of repairs car owners can, and should, do themselves.

Mistake #7: Failing to properly communicate your repair issue.Cost: Time and $$ at the repair shop: Labor rate is $40-$200+/hour!(5)If you can't describe the problem effectively, your mechanic will spend more time diagnosing (meaning more labor costs) and may come to the wrong conclusion! Write down what you hear, feel, see, and smell before you arrive and keep a log of exactly when the symptoms occur (for instance, when you're braking or when you're driving over a certain speed), and share this with your mechanic. Also, note the location and frequency of the symptoms, and if any repairs were done on the vehicle recently - sometimes a problem is related to the last repair. You can also go online to get help diagnosing your car's problem - AutoMD.com has an easy-to-use diagnostic tool that provides a list of questions your mechanic might ask, as well as assistance to help you troubleshoot the problem(s) yourself.Bottom Line: Describing your repair issue accurately will save time, money and headaches.

Mistake #8: Driving on fumes.Cost: $225+(6) Most cars on the road today have electric fuel pumps mounted inside the fuel tank. Back in the 70s and 80s, when cars had carburetors, you could drive until all the gas was gone, re-fuel, and drive again with no problem. However, most of today's vehicles have fuel-injected engines that rely on in-tank electric pumps that use gas to cool and lubricate its components. Driving your fuel injected engine frequently on fumes could cause the pump to fail, leading to a repair costing hundreds of dollars.Bottom Line: Keep the fuel level above a quarter tank to extend the life of your fuel pump and... avoid running out of gas!

Mistake #9: Visiting the dealership for every repair/maintenance issue.Cost: An extra $300 per year(7)Car owners can save an estimated $300+ a year on average by opting for their local independent repair shop versus the car dealership(7). In some cases, the dealership service center can make more sense than the local repair shop for recalls, warranty work or very complex repair issues. However, for many jobs, if you do your research and find the right independent repair shop, a repair can be done by an expert mechanic at a savings of potentially hundreds of dollars.Bottom Line: Compare prices on routine jobs, find out how much the dealership versus your local repair shop charges.Click here to read dealership vs. repair shop myths.

Mistake #10: Accepting the first repair shop quote.Cost: 14% or more $$$!(8) When it comes to a major auto repair, get a second opinion... and a third and fourth one. Comparing shops and prices can also help you avoid being charged for unnecessary repairs. Before authorizing work, go online to research various repair shops, read reviews, get ratings, etc. and be sure to call to get several quotes over the phone. In a nationwide analysis(8) of repair shops by AutoMD.com, mystery shoppers were able to shave an average of nearly 14% from the quoted estimate given by the majority of the shops by countering with online information: i.e., specific, 'fair' job estimate based on labor rates and labor hours required, as well as true parts cost.Bottom Line: Shop around, check online, save money. 

Copyright:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ten-really-expensive-auto-repair-mistakes-to-avoid-2012-06-05                    

Older cars keep their shine as drivers pinch pennies

By Sandra Pedicini Posted: Friday, Jun. 15, 2012

ORLANDO, Fla. It has faded paint, a leaking sunroof and 295,000 miles on the odometer, but Joey Rodriguez doesn’t plan to stop driving his 1995 Nissan 200SX anytime soon.

“My mechanic told me it’s one of the cleanest engines he’s ever seen,” said Rodriguez, a building inspector. “It’s paid off. If I (found) a car with the same kind of gas mileage, I’d end up with another car payment – much more than I want to spend right now.”

Rodriguez, who lives in St. Cloud, Fla., is one of a growing number of Americans hanging onto older cars. The economic downturn, longer loan terms and hardier engines are discouraging drivers from turning in their clunkers.

“What we’ve seen is an uptick in older cars,” said Tom Crosby, spokesman for AAA Carolinas in Charlotte, which operates a number of auto repair shops. “That presents some challenges.

“The older the car is, the more likelihood something will go wrong. But it also shows us that as the automotive industry has gotten better at making cars, they’re lasting longer.”

U.S. cars are now about 11 years old on average, according to automotive-research firm R.L. Polk & Co. Nineteen percent of drivers surveyed by NPD Group, a market-research company, reported owning a vehicle 15 years old or older, compared with 14 percent five years ago.

Several things are driving the trend.

During the Great Recession, “consumers found value in keeping their existing car on the road,” said David Portalatin, an industry analyst for NPD Group. “For consumers who don’t have the credit nor the income to finance a new vehicle, it makes a lot of sense to continue to repair these cars and keep them going.”

Brian Weston, 41, of Orlando, used to buy new cars and trade them in every few years. But after having to short-sell two houses, the health-care technology consultant has had it with debt. So when Weston needed to buy a vehicle recently, he paid $3,500 for a 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer that now has 142,000 miles on it. He plans to drive the SUV until it wears out.

“I love driving a car that’s paid off, for the first time since I was 18,” he said. “My neighbor just rolled up in this new Hyundai Sonata, or Elantra, or whatever it is. It’s nice. Is it nice enough for me to finance $25,000 or $30,000? No. I just don’t have that kind of compulsion.”

Used cars have outsold new models for years. But sales of new vehicles took an especially hard hit as the economy soured, plunging 21 percent in 2009. That sharply contrasted with a decline of less than 3 percent for used vehicles, which spiked in value as their supply dropped.

New cars have started bouncing back but are “increasingly skewed to high-income households,” said Tom Webb, an economist with Manheim Consulting, which does research on the automobile market. And “all dealers are much more attuned to their used-vehicle operations,” he said.

Longer-term car loans have also discouraged people from trading in their cars earlier. A standard loan used to last three to five years, said Bryan Funke, a director with Polk. That has grown to six years.

Experts also say engines these days last longer, and some manufacturers are offering longer warranties.
“The cars are built so much better now,” said Jim Zych, who owns an auto repair shop in Forest City, Fla. “They go so much farther than they used to.”

Brakes, mufflers and exhaust systems don’t have to be replaced as often, Zych said.

But like people, cars need more maintenance and repairs as they get older. Richelle White’s strategy for keeping those costs under control is to get her 1995 Pontiac into the shop as soon as she sees a problem.
“I try to pay attention to everything,” said White, 32, of Orlando. “Usually, if you find the problem earlier, it’s way cheaper to fix.”

The Sunfire has so many dents on the sides that she has been approached by a repairman in a parking lot asking whether she would like to get it fixed. But “I have no problem driving older cars,” she said.
In some cases, drivers have held on long after the models they drive disappeared. That makes it trickier for mechanics to find parts for vehicles such as Saturns, which General Motors discontinued a couple of years ago, or the long-departed Daewoo brand.

But in general, many mechanics say the extended life of cars and trucks has been good for business.

Revenue at Magic Mechanic in Orlando has increased 10 percent during the past three years, owner Larry Perry said. He attributes that to people coming in for more maintenance to stretch out the lives of their cars.
“The repair industry looks like it’s got pretty solid footing for the foreseeable future,” he said.

As the economy revs up, Funke said, eventually “people will forget the pain they had in ’08 and ’09.”
But Weston isn’t so sure. He said he was scarred by his short sales and has changed his ways for good.

“I think there are pockets of people like ourselves who won’t go back to that way,” he said.

Copyright:  http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/06/15/3321055/older-cars-keep-their-shine-as.html

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Five Dos And Don'ts When Dealing With An Auto Mechanic

With the average age of vehicles currently on the road reaching an all-time high of 10.8 years according to the market research firm R.L. Polk in Southfield Mich., cost-conscious consumers are choosing to keep their existing cars and trucks running rather than trade them in for new models. Unfortunately, as a Consumer Reports survey revealed, that also means many drivers are postponing needed repairs or maintenance as a money-saving measure.

Unfortunately, delaying service not only represents false economy, it can compromise a car’s safety. The car-care experts at AAA Motor Club in Heathrow, Fla. believe the best way to save money over the life of a vehicle is to choose a high-quality, full-service repair shop (or dealer’s service department) and allow them do all of the necessary maintenance and repair work. “This helps prevent breakdowns, and often saves money by allowing drivers to make a small repair now rather than a much bigger one later,” says John Nielsen, AAA’s Director of Automotive Repair.

But making the decision to bring in a car for service is only half the battle. To get the most for their maintenance and repair dollars consumers need to know how to best deal with an automotive technician so that a trip to the shop won’t ultimately turn sour. According to an informal survey of independent mechanics and repair experts conducted by the online auto-service resource AutoMD.com, here’s a list of do’s to follow and don’ts to avoid when taking a car in for maintenance or repairs.

1. Communicate Properly. The better a consumer is able to convey to a mechanic what’s wrong with his or her vehicle the easier it is for a technician to diagnose and fix the problem. It’s a good idea to write down ahead of time what ails your ride, noting specific sounds, sensations, leaks and smells, and when and how often they occur. What happened just before the car stopped running; how did it function the day before it didn’t start? Also note when the vehicle was last brought in for service, as today’s problem may be related to last month’s repairs.

Here’s a list of terms that can help explain common auto symptoms that can also serve as a checklist for a vehicle that’s headed for the repair shop:

• Backfire. A gunshot-like sound that comes from the engine or tailpipe.
• Bottoming: Excessive noise or harshness that’s usually felt through the steering wheel or passenger compartment when going over bumps.
• Bucking: This is felt when the engine hesitates or the transmission slips as it changes gears and the vehicle lurches.
• Dieseling: What occurs when an engine continues to burn fuel and runs briefly after the car has been switched off.
• Hesitation: A brief loss of power upon acceleration.
• Knocking: Also known as “detonation,” this is a rapid rattling that’s heard upon acceleration.
• Misfire: Hesitation that occurs when fuel in one or more of an engine’s cylinders fails to ignite properly.
• Shimmy: A side-to-side motion that can be felt through the tires and/or steering wheel.
• Sluggish: How a car feels when it’s not accelerating smoothly or strongly enough.
• Surge: A sudden, usually upward, change in the engine’s speed.

2. Set Realistic Expectations. When it comes to auto repairs, quick, cheap and good are usually mutually exclusive terms. Plan to leave a car in the shop for the better part of a day to obtain necessary service and be prepared to pay the going rate for parts and labor. Even if it’s a quick fix realize there may be several other cars ahead of yours in the mechanic’s service queue. Ask up front how long the car will need to be in the shop and arrange for transportation to and from the repair facility. And always get a cost estimate before allowing the mechanic to proceed with repairs or service.

3. Don’t Drop Off a Dirty or Cluttered Vehicle. Not only is this common courtesy, it can affect the quality of a repair. Tidy up your ride before bringing it in for service and be sure to clear out the back seat and trunk of items like strollers, golf clubs and construction equipment. The mechanic may need to remove them to access a part or perform a specific repair, or they may weigh down the vehicle to the extent it affects its performance.

4. Make Yourself Available. Be sure to leave phone numbers with the shop where you can be reached and respond promptly. If the technician isn’t able to contact you to approve a repair, the car will sit and remain unattended for that much longer. Likewise, you’ll want to know that the car is ready and how much the service will cost before heading back to the shop.

5, Leave the Technician Alone. Just about every mechanic AutoMD.com conducted in the course of its service survey disliked customers hovering over him or her while they worked. While it’s appropriate to spend time with your car and the mechanic to explain the problem, it’s distracting and can be dangerous. If you’ll be hanging around for a diagnosis or quick service, take a seat in the waiting room, grab a cup of coffee and let a professional do his or her job.

Copyright:  http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2012/06/18/five-dos-and-donts-when-dealing-with-an-auto-mechanic/

How not to overpay for car maintenance

By Jerry Edgerton

Auto repair shop (istockphoto)

(MoneyWatch) Savvy new car shoppers know that bargaining for the best price is only part of the battle. Now dealers have a new, overpriced product that could wipe out the price savings you just negotiated. It is called a "dealer service contract."

Like many dubious deals, these contracts are sold through the the dealer's finance office. The pitch is that you will save by prepaying for maintenance so you will have no bills in the future when you come in for an oil changes or other routine procedures.

But the price of the service contract often is twice what you would pay for a typical round of maintenance over three or four years, says Pam Oakes, author of Car Care for the Clueless and the owner of an independent repair shop in Fort Myers, Fla. Even worse, the cost of that contract is often wrapped into your financing or lease so that you wind up paying interest on the already overpriced item.

Consumer Reports also has sounded the alarm about service contracts, saying that some of them fail to pay even for supposedly covered items -- especially if they are backed by outside companies rather than auto manufacturers.

But even manufacturer contracts are likely to be overpriced. Oakes cited the example of a customer who came to her shop, then discovered that he had paid $2,800 for a dealer service contract backed by Ford that also commited him to have all repair and maintenance work done at the dealership. Oakes estimates that using typical dealership labor rates and recommended maintenance intervals, the actual cost of that maintenance billed individually over four years would be $1,400 to $1,500.

Unlike the dealer service contracts, routine maintenance visits really are free with some brands. For instance, luxury brands BMW and Cadillac provide free maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles with each new car. Toyota has a two-year, 25,000-mile free maintenance plan - the only mass market brand to do so.
Perhaps following the example of the airlines, dealer service departments recently have found new ways to add on fees. In winding up a new-car deal or going to the dealership later for service, be vigilant against these grabs for your wallet:

• Just say no to the finance department. Almost no add-on being pushed after you have negotiated the car price is a good deal. For instance, with basic warranties for many brands now extending beyond the traditional three years or 36,000 miles, buying an extended warranty when the car is still new makes absolutely no sense. Dealerships make more money on these items than on the cars themselves.

• In the service department, watch for suspicious fees. If you see an item beyond the itemized parts and labor rates that says something like "shop fee" ask what it is for and see if you can challenge it. It is likely no more than add-on profit.

• Charging an oil disposal fee is especially outrageous. Oakes points out that in fact, companies that recycle waste oil pay dealerships and independent shops for the right to pick up that oil. So if they charge you, the dealership gets paid twice.

Not all dealerships are playing these games. And indeed, if an item on your car is covered by warranty or is involved in a recall, you will need to go to a dealership for a free repair. But for other items, take care that you are not overpaying.

Copyright:  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-57443579/how-not-to-overpay-for-car-maintenance/

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