Self-Defense Against Shoddy Car Repairs
Gary Montesi
Montesi Motors, Inc.
reliable automobile is a top priority for most of us.
Keeping your vehicle properly maintained is key, but eventually
almost every car or truck is going to need repair. Gary Montesi of
Montesi Motors in North Haven, Connecticut, offers these pointers
for making sure the repair shop you choose is one that will do the
job right.
Look for mechanics certified by the National
Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, commonly referred
to as ASE (888-273-8378, www.ase.com)... or by AAA (www.aaa.com).
Never sign a blank repair authorization -- always
get a signed work order with the specific estimated costs.
When you get a second opinion, do not tell the
second mechanic any details of the first opinion.
Inquire about the warranty on new brake pads --
lengths and terms of these warranties vary widely.
When buying tires, ask for their "build date" (it’s
imprinted in code on the tires) -- tires that look new could
have been made years ago.
Note: It isn’t safe to drive on
tires that are more than six years old.
Be sure of the reputation of anyone who works on
your catalytic converter or emissions system, as these are
very sensitive and complex.