Summer Conditions Stress Out Autos
 | (NewsUSA) - Whoever said, "It's summertime, and the living is easy," hasn't looked under the hood of an automobile. Stop-and-go traffic, dusty roads and air conditioners running full blast put extra stress on automotive systems.
"In today's tough economy, motorists may be tempted to put off automotive maintenance, but neglect will cause your vehicle to wear out sooner, burn more gasoline and pollute more than a regularly serviced car," notes Martin Lawson, editorial director of National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. "What's worse, a minor problem can become an expensive headache if neglected." ASE offers the following tips to help you choose an automotive repair facility: - Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. - Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location. - Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. - Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant or technicians willing to answer your questions. - Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment. - Ask whether the repair facility specializes or whether it usually handles your type of repair work. - Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards. - Look for evidence of qualified technicians: Trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE indicate the presence of professional, trained technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. - Look for the ASE sign. Employers of ASE-certified technicians often display the blue and white ASE sign. Facilities with a high percentage of ASE-certified professionals may also be members of the Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program. - Reward good service with repeat business and customer loyalty. For more information, including seasonal car care tips, visit www.ase.com. |