Ask Pete

[#1]

In the every-changing world of automotive repair, one thing that has not taken a quantum leap in evolution is communication. Cars are lasting longer, repairs are on the decline thanks to improvements in technology, vehicles need to be towed less frequently, and so on. But the way people communicate in the repair business is the same as it was 20 years ago. Here are some examples of common phrases customers use, followed by what the repair professional “hears.”

Customer says: “I want it fixed, but I don’t want to spend much money.”

Repair professional hears: “Shortcuts are okay, and using inferior parts is acceptable.”

• This is usually a lose-lose situation, as no good deed goes unpunished. Short cuts are not okay, and neither is using inferior parts. If you are going to fix something, do it right the first time so you only have to get it done once.

Customer says: “I’m dropping my car off for a brake inspection. Do whatever it needs.”

Repair professional hears: “You have carte blanche! Money is no object.”

• Even with the highest levels of trust between a customer and a repair facility, a customer should always get an estimate for any proposed work and have a clear understanding of what’s being done and how much it will cost.

Customer says: “I’m going to put off the services you recommend, and I’ll let that power steering leak go for a little while longer.”

Repair professional hears: “I don’t mind driving around in a poorly maintained vehicle that leaks power steering fluid. Oh, and when something breaks, it’s going to be your fault!”

• We all know there are some shops out there that go overboard with recommending additional (and sometimes unnecessary) services. But most shops are looking out for your best interest. Many take a vested interest in keeping your daily operating expenses minimized by trying to maximize your vehicles’ performance and economy. The recommendations from these shops should come as no surprise, though, as the services are usually recommended by the manufacturer as well.

I am all for saving money as much as the next guy, and I agree there are some services that are not critical in comparison to the financial curve balls life throws us. But being well informed about your vehicle, its maintenance needs, the integrity of the shop you are dealing with, and the options you have as a consumer will create a better relationship between you and your repair shop.  

[#2]

I am new to the blog and not sure how to ask a question.  I searched topics without finding an answer so I thought I would post here at the most recent blog entry.  At what age are tires unsafe?  My 2001 BMW has the original tires on it so they are 10 years old.  The car has 40,000 miles and the tires have excellent tread.  The car is always garaged out of weather and sun.

[#3]

I am new to the blog and not sure how to ask a question.  I searched topics without finding an answer so I thought I would post here at the most recent blog entry.  At what age are tires unsafe?  My 2001 BMW has the original tires on it so they are 10 years old.  The car has 40,000 miles and the tires have excellent tread.  The car is always garaged out of weather and sun.

[#4]

GREAT question! Studies show that tires should be replaced every five or six years. Tires naturally degrade from the UV rays of the sun. If your tires are 10 years old, you may want to start shopping for a replacement set.

[#5]

I have a 2002 Grand prix. Lately the left turn signal light on the dash has not been working properly. It works fine on the outside but the dash board signal does not always light up. I hear the clicking it does when it is signaling but no light. All of the other lights on the dash are working fine. Not sure where to go from here. I was thinking it may be a short or some sort of fuse.

[#6]

Chances are if is only the one dash lamp that isn't showing up and the other is, it probably isn't fuse related. It's possible the turn indicator bulb in the dash is blown but I would make certain that the exterior lights are working well. It is possible that there is a shorted bulb on the exterior causing the issue.