Communic Tony Whitney Contributing Writer HOWEVER well your car, van or pickup runs, there will come a time when its perfor- mance falls off a little or some other mechan- ical problem crops up. And despite the PR efforts of the repair side of the auto business, there are still lots of people out there who dread the idea of trying to explain what’s wrong with their set of wheels to a ser- vice staffer. There have been lots of studies carried out into vehi- cle owners’ relationships with auto repair shops over the past few years, but the most recent I discovered was car- ried out by the Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA (American Automobile Association) affiliate in the U.S. The AAA is the U.S. version of our CAA, as most drivers know. The club concluded that consumers who communicate well and are “assertive” are likely to have better experi- ences with auto repair shops. Not surprisingly, the report concluded that the relationship between a car owner and a repair shop is a two-way street and both sides must work at creating, the best possible synergy for getting the job done quickly and efficiently. While this report was produced for a USS. audience, its basic aims apply just as well in Canada. One conclusion that cer- tainly applies anywhere was that consumers have a right to get a reliable estimate of time and costs associated with a repair, but they do need to offer specific and complete information on what is wrong with the vehi- cle. It’s not enough to tell the service advisor that “chere’s a funny noise” or “it just doesn’t feel right.” To help with identifying a problem, the AAA advises that it’s not a bad idea to study the owner’s manual or ask car-wise friends or rela- tives for their advice before | 20 WOLWO S206 | > Stk#Noout “Voted - The smartest car ~ “« The safest car ever built * 268 hp © 260 torque at 2100rpm ’. ¢ Laminated side glass & air bag _ * Rear/side window curtains “-¢ Security package . “BB 388 Cash Purchase Cy aia OR going to the shop. One triend of mine cecently called to say thar his new car wouldn't start, but it was a simple matter of making sure the clutch was fully depressed (it was a manual transmis- sion) to disengage the safety linkage before turning the ignition key. A quick look at the owner's manual would have solved that dilemma. Other recommendations trom the report included: @ Make sure time and finan- cial restraints are clearly com- municated in advance to the shop. If these needs cannot be reconciled in advance, consider using another repair facility. @ Talk co your technician if necessary. The person behind the counter is normally trained to handle service requests, but ask to speak with the technician that will work on your car if you want more detailed information. @ Be aware that repairing and maintaining today’s vehi- cles is a complicated busi- ness, requiring highly-trained personnel using sophisticated and expensive tools. Special parts are often required that the shop may not have on hand. @ Remember that for more complicated repairs, diagnos- tic time may be needed to assess the full cost and com- plexity of the repair. This Friday, September 8, 2000 — Nerth Shore News - 35 _! ONG’ PEER AM ASET INE ICR TIONED MS time will normally be charged to the consumer, regardless of whether the repair is actually performed (understandable given the high cost of computerized diagnostic equipment). I have always recom- mended to friends that ser- vicing should be carried out by the dealer who sold the car, or one carrying the same franchise. While there are some very good independent shops around, many may not have the complex and expen- Collision 183 Pemberton Ave. North Van. ¥985-71 95 sive gear needed to service a specific model properly. Whether we like it or not, the days of the “shade tree mechanic” have long gone and it’s not a good idea for anyone to try and service a vehicle — shop or private individual — unless they real- ty know what they’re doing and have the correct tools for the job. Tony Whitney's column appears courtesy of the BC Automobile Dealers? Association (BCADA). Peas . Musiang roundup THE Greater Vancouver Mustang Association will hold its 19th annual “all-pony roundup” Sunday at Lions Gate Studios in North Van. The show, which is open to all specialty vehicles, is stated to run from 8 am. to noon. Events include trophies, door prizes, an all-Ford swap mect and a Mustangs for sale lot. For more information, call Peter, 858-6763; Cathy, 533- 2764 or see awww.gyma.arg>. : ° Unibodyfiramn: e alignment specialists Eajnont raft gaint spray system for : teary finish “4 utomative Service Shop PILOT XGT 4 © New high performance all-season tire « H-speed rated Excellent handling and crisp steering response © Exceptionally smooth and quiet « 30-day satisfaction warranty Proud to be the North Shore's Leading Distributor of PILOT XGT ¥4 SALKING Vases. © Ultra-high performance all-season tire « V-speed tated * Outstanding handling and contro! in wet and dry conditions ¢ 30-day satisfaction warranty PILOT XGT 24 ¢ Ultra-high performance all-season tire 4 « Z-spead rated + Exceptional handling and control in wet and dry conditions Exceptionally smooth and quiet © 30-day satisfaction warranty ‘See us at the 19th Annual Greater Vancouver Mustang. Association, All Pony Round-Up.at Lions Gate Studies, Sunday September 10th.