Just like a bad food at a restaurant or an awful haircut, too many people have had less than positive experiences at auto repair shops . We suggest you come see us next time you need your vehicle serviced, or at least follow these dos and don’ts of auto repair put together in an online article from MSNBC.  According to the article, “the average age of vehicles currently on the road is reaching an all-time high of 10.8 years according to the market research firm R.L. Polk in Southfield Mich., and cost-conscious consumers are choosing to keep their existing cars and trucks running rather than trade them in for new models.”

Many consumers are postponing needed repairs or maintenance as a money-saving measure. This is by no means the best solution and can actually compromise the safety and performance of your vehicle. 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  and allow them to do all of the necessary maintenance and repair work. How you deal with the auto repair shop  can also help you get the most out of your repair experience.

First and foremost, communication is the key. You know your vehicle better than anyone else when it comes to what feels, looks, and sounds normal. Conveying what is wrong with your vehicle is essential in assisting the mechanic in identifying the necessary repairs. Write down things you notice and bring them to your mechanic. Also keep track of other repairs and preventative maintenance that you have had done. This can save you time and money in the long run.

It is also important to set expectations for your service. Plan on leaving your car at the shopfor several hours to have the work done. The going rates for parts and labor are set, so be sure to look those over before finding yourself shocked or trying to argue down something that is a set rate. Discuss the time frame before you leave your car and arrange your own transportation to and from the shop should you need this. It is usually possible to ask for a cost estimate, but it is also important to leave your contact information and have the repair shop contact you before the work is done so that you don’t arrive to find your car and an enormous bill of sale.

Keep your vehicle clean and organized before dropping it off. This will assist your mechanic in finding the source of problems easier, and not only that but it is a common courtesy. The mechanic may need to get at all parts of your vehicle and the last thing they want to do is take out your belongings to get to the parts.

Be available to the repair shop while your vehicle is being serviced. Leave phone numbers for easy contact. If you do not answer right away, your vehicle will have to sit there unattended for even longer. And finally, don’t keep calling the mechanic while they are working. Just about every mechanic AutoMD.com interviewed in the course of its service survey disliked customers hovering over him or her while they worked. The bottom line is, find a trusted auto repair shop who looks out for your vehicle and you just as we do. Come see us for your next visit and see what vehicle repair communication should look like.