Thursday, July 28, 2011

Auto Repair ? Planning a Road Trip

Finally, after all the planning, schedules coordinated, locations for family fun scouted out and voted on, a budget agreed upon ? the day to hit the road is here. The car is packed with everything needed to comprise a road trip cross country to a wonderland of fun and relaxation. Several hundred miles from home, the vehicle sputters, groans and smoke begins to billow from beneath the hood. No! Auto repair costs begin to float in front of the driver?s eyes, a knot forms in their stomach and the long awaited family vacation is left in question.

If the driver is a member of AAA, a tow truck will arrive to tow the vehicle to the nearest AAA associated repair shop, and possibly provide a ride to a car rental location, as well (whatever is a part of the policy) and the vacation can continue on as planned. But if the driver is not a member of AAA, then the tow truck driver will arrive and either an auto repair location will be chosen by the tow company, or the driver will need a name of a repair facility within their area. Now is not the time to be researching mechanics via a cell phone.

Before hitting the highway for a lengthy road trip, a driver should FIRST plan a trip to the auto repair shop to have the family car evaluated. Request the vehicle be put up on the rack and be given a thorough bumper to bumper inspection, all fluids checked, and possibly even a tire rotation. A few hundred dollars now can ensure a safe trip for the family and alleviate the worry of a car accident or being stranded in a remote location at the mercy of any mechanic who is free to charge any price to get the car back on the road.

Some driver?s may choose to return to the dealership where the vehicle was purchased, while others will ask family or friends for a referral to the auto repair shop they prefer to use. But if a driver has the time to do a little investigative work before making a decision about the repair facility they will patronize, peace of mind can be found in the details.

Whether considering an independently owned establishment or a national franchise, there are things to consider before relinquishing the keys to a technician. The shop should be clean and the employees professional in their handling of customers. Certificates for their technicians schooling should be on display, and a business license hanging alongside a menu of (competitively priced?) prices for services, parts and fluid disposal fees. An affiliation with AAA, iATN (International Auto Technicians Association), ASA (Automotive Service Association), the BBB (Better Business Bureau) or the SAE (Automotive Service Professionals) should be noted. Proof the shop is bonded, insured and stands behind any and all guarantees and warranties for their work should be written on their estimate. Any affiliation with the above listed associations can ensure the business has been rigorously investigated and is required to meet standards and ethics set by the Associations, which should provide a level of comfort to the customer. A few dollars spent now can save a lot more down the road.

A burlington nc auto repair shop can help you plan for your family trip. Don?t be get stuck on the side of the road with screaming kids and an angry spouse, get your car checked today just visit: www.cottmanofburlington.com.

Related posts:

  1. Car Repair for a Road Trip
  2. Auto Repair: First Time Car Owner
  3. Brake Repair Before a Road Trip
  4. Brake Repair, Fluids, and Tire Pressure Should All Be Dealt with Before a Road Trip
  5. Car Repair: How to Prepare for a Road Trip
Anders has been writing articles for a while now. He started at his college newspaper and now loves to write about a variety of topics.

Source: http://www.internettollfree.com/articles/auto-repair-planning-a-road-trip-7266

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