5 Mistakes a Certified Auto Repair Shop NEVER Makes

In Arizona, automobile ownership does not come cheap. If you are a vehicle owner you already know that along with purchase price comes the cost of license plates, insurance, gas, and oil, along with auto repair and maintenance expense. Sometimes, Arizona vehicle owners try to cut corners by skipping recommended maintenance until it becomes a problem, and then using cut rate mechanics. Unfortunately, skimping on maintenance and not using a top-notch Scottsdale auto repair shop can often end up costing even more money in the long run.

Improper Diagnosis

Today’s new car engines don’t even resemble the engines of decades past, and they are becoming more complex every year. Everything in today’s cars is computerized. A base model car that does not contain many extras contains about 30 computers, while a luxury car may contain up to 100 computers. The electrical system of earlier years has evolved into what is known as the controller area network. It works in conjunction with the various computers all over the car. These computers are known as electronic control units. Each of these electronic control units has various jobs, such as controlling the engine, transmission, door locks, etc. Each engine control unit contains sensors to continuously check variables such as acceleration, shifting, temperature, and the function of virtually every part of your vehicle.

Before the development of the controller area network, each feature had to be hardwired separately. Today the controller area network allows features and systems to communicate with each other without being directly wired together. Now features must be programmed in.

All this technological advancement has had a profound effect on vehicle diagnostics. Today’s mechanics can no longer ‘tinker’ with an engine, changing one part after another in a quest to solve the problem. Mechanics like this will misdiagnose the problem more often than not, wasting both your time and your money. People have literally spent thousands of dollars as a mechanic changed parts to no avail, only to have the car properly diagnosed elsewhere, and fixed with a fifty-dollar part. Arizona’s best auto repair shops use state of the art diagnostic equipment to read the diagnostic codes sent by your vehicle’s computers.

Failing to Test Drive the Vehicle

This may sound like a no brainer, but many mechanics consider driving the vehicle a waste of time. They feel driving it into the auto repair shop is a test drive. It’s a big mistake not to drive the vehicle as part of the diagnostic process and an even bigger mistake not to drive it again after the repairs have been completed. If a customer pulls away only to find that there is still a problem with the vehicle you have probably lost a customer.

Poor Quality Work

If you are not using and authorized auto repair shop with certified mechanics there is a good chance you will get poor quality repairs. This can happen for numerous reasons. They may not have modern diagnostic equipment available. The mechanic may be lazy, leave off bolts, use parts that don’t fit properly and just generally do sloppy work. They may attempt to perform computer repairs that they are completely unqualified for. If you were dealing with a top-notch, certified Scottsdale mechanic they would probably be working at a top-notch auto repair shop.

Rushing

Since many mechanics are paid a nominal hourly rate, and only earn higher pay when paid by the job, they often resort to taking shortcuts. They may break good parts that don’t come off easily, strip bolts, or short-circuit computers. They are also likely not to perform diagnostic tests before they begin the job and not to test drive the vehicle when they are finished.

On the other hand, if you are trying to squeeze auto repair into your tight schedule, and you are the one rushing the mechanic, that one’s on you. A mechanic will hurry in hopes of keeping your business, but that makes it less likely that you will be happy with your auto repairs.

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If your schedule is that tight, make your appointment on your day off. When you get there have a book or your laptop with you and let the mechanic do his job. If you can’t take the time, drop your car off and arrange alternate transportation.

Performing Unauthorized Repairs

If the mechanic isn’t ready to begin work on your vehicle when you get there, request a phone call to explain the needed repairs to you and how much they will cost. Be certain to leave all contact information with the auto repair shop and stress that you don’t want any work performed without your authorization.

You may want to return so the mechanic can show you what needs to be done and possibly sign a consent form. You do not have to pay for any repairs performed without your consent.

About Scottsdale Muffler & Automotive

Scottsdale Muffler & Automotive a family owned and operated business with over 20 years of experience. When you do business with Scottsdale Muffler, you will be treated like part of the family. We develop long term relationships with most of our customers, which is why we have a five-star rating.

All of our Scottsdale mechanics are certified and highly trained, including continuing education to keep up with the constant advances in automotive technology. We do not perform hurried or sloppy work, and we do it right the first time. Maybe that’s because we never just throw parts at a problem, we use state of the art diagnostic equipment. In addition, we wouldn’t dream of charging you for any work you have not personally authorized.

We were born and raised in Mesa, which gives us strong ties to the community. If you are looking for a high tech auto repair shop with reasonable prices and honest, friendly workers, Scottsdale Muffler & Automotive is the place to go.