Communication is the key to good service

EVEN THOUGH today's vehi-
cles are high-tech marvels,
when it comes to automotive
maintenance and repairs, some
things stay the same.

Whatever type of repair facility
you patronize — dealership, service
station, independent garage, or
national franchise — old-fashioned
communication between customer
and shop is vital.

Customer involvement through-
out the repair process can help
ensure smooth repairs.

The following information
points out the importance of good
communication in the automotive
repair process.

Discount applies to regular retail prices - not a

Do your homework

Get involved and take an active
role. Read the owner's manual,
familiarize yourself with the basic
components, follow the service
schedules fisted in the manual, and
keep a log of all repairs and service.
Get in the habit of keeping good
records,

Use all of your senses to inspect
your vehicle frequently. Check for:
* unusual sounds, odors, drips,
warning lights, smoke, cte.;

* changes in acceleration, engine
performance, gas mileage, or fluid
levels;

* worn tires, belts, or hoses;

* problems in handling, braking,
vibrations or steering,

Note when the problem occurs.
Is it constant or periodic? Does it
happen when the vehicle is cold or
after the engine has warmed? Is it
occurring at all speeds? When did
the problem first begin?

Describe, de not diagnose

Once you go to the repair facili-
ty, be prepared to describe the
symptoms. Many shops are very
busy, so try to be concise, but avoid
establishments where you feel
rushed, intimidated, or that your
comments are not welcome.

Carry a written list to give to the
technician or service manager. This
is especially important in larger
shops, where the work order may be

We don't play games with our
prices. These are real discounts
on real services, that’s special,

licable fo existing specials, May not

or take ouls, Sublet work ond tire purchases excluded,
it am

WE DO IT ALL!!!

— Custom and
dual exhaust

~~ Automatic &
standard
transmissions

~— Clutches, rear
ends & front
ends

Drum
— 25 Ton

truck hoist
— All work

writing

— Brakes, Disc &
motorhome &

guaranteed in eget.
* May not be combined win any other offer.

860 W. 15th Street, North Vancouver

PRE ENRS

ECONO BRAKE 984-9583: |
TRANSMISSION & MUFFLER LID.

PY STEEN TES

passed from service writer to tech-
nician.

Resist the temptation to suggest
a specific course of repair or to
demand an on-the-spot diagnosis.
Just as you would with your physi-
cian, tell where it hurts and how
long it's been that way, but let the
technician diagnose the problem
and recommend a remedy.

Ask questions
Ask as many questions as you
need, Do not be embarrassed to
request everyday definitions and
non-technical terminology.
Request that the repairs be per-
formed by a technician certified in

the appropriate urea, such as brakeg
or engine performance.

In addition to technician creden
tials, look for other signs of profes
sionalism such as overall neatness#

up-to-date equipment, and a posi
tive, professional attitude from th
shop personnel. 4

Before you feave, make certai
you understand all shop policies§
including guarantees, labor rate
and diagnostic fees.

Ask to be called and apprised o:
the problem, course of action, an
costs before work begins.

Water damage to cars’
interiors should always
be cleaned up promptly,

WE'VE ALL seen the pictures of
cars and trucks on television strug-
giing to move through flooded
streeis and intersections.

Even when their drivers are suc-
cessful in getting through the flood-
ed spots, it may take some time
before waterlogged cars and trucks
dry out.

But according to experts, those
vehicles can be brought back to
good operating condition with some
minor work.

First, take your vehicle to a
mechanic to check for water dam-
age as soon as possibic; if you con-
tinue driving, you may find you
have made the damage worse.

Your mechanic should check all
of the vehicle's fluids for water
infiltration and if he finds it he
should drain the fluid and change
all the filters, including transmis-
sion, fuel, air and oil.

Owners of rear-wheel-drive cars
should remember to have their rear-
end fluid checked for water as well.

Spark plugs, spark plug wires,
coils and/or distributors should be
checked. The wires are vital to your
vehicle's operation; any moisture
around them can cause starting and

stalling problems. :
Finally, you should get a com-
plete chassis lube job and have th
wheel bearings replaced. “|
A car that has been immersed in
water may have serious on-board!
computer, electric and transmissio:
problems. a
Water in the gas tank can also
cause scrious damage if not handled}
by a professional, but experienced
do-it-yourselfers can easily change]
the fluids and filters, check. the dis:
tributor cap for moisture, and]
remove the spark plugs to allow;
them to dry out. a ;
After removing all the plugs, ini-
tiate the starter which will remove}
water from the cylinders, and don't}
forget the interior where water hasj
seeped in under the dors or around}
broken windows,
Drying_out the inside will pre-
vent rot and rust problems, not to}
mention mildew, oe |
Open the windows, take out th
mats and let the vehicle dry. You
can even use a hair dryer. to help
remove the dampness. _ o
You can pay a little now to get
your vehicle back into shape, or
lot later. °

- YOUR RY.
SERVICE
CENTRE

ttention R.V. Owners
Winterizing Specials

WINTERIZING & DE-WINTERIZING *99°°

—— includes checking of all appliances & propane leak test in spring

WINTERIZING oniy (inci. 1 gal of antifreeze) °495°

COMPLETE R.V. SERVICE & REPAIR
FACILITY OPEN YEAR -ROUND

PARTS & SERVICE

987-2826
AEE G

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