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Just because you are going to a dealership doesn't mean the mechanics in the garage know the most about your vehicle. Many of the mechanics are at the same level of training as other ASE certified mechanics at an independent garage. The dealership is going to charge a premium on their labor and a large mark up on their parts. Thus, you are not getting value; you are paying for an image and a marketing idea that just doesn't hold up under scrutiny.

Avoid going to a quickie lube shop for your oil changes. The allure of getting an oil change for less than $20 is powerful, but this is a waste of money. The quickie lube shop is staffed mostly by minimum wage employees with limited technical training, and they are going to try to sell you something else in order to drive the bill up around $40. You aren't getting a real "mechanic" looking at your car, and the pre-planned "up-sell" is part of their business model. So in the end you won't know if your car is developing problems because you haven't had it looked at by a certified technician and you may end up paying more for oil changes than it would have cost you at an independent garage. Your routine oil changes are like check-ups at the car doctor. Every car has a unique character and seems to develop its own little ticks and fits around 100,000 miles. By having your oil changed at an independent garage instead of the quickie lube shop you will get service by an experienced technician that will see your car routinely and begin to take notice of its unique issues. This familiarity with your, car and a solid understanding of the trend lines your car is on, are essential to the long-term maintenance plan for ensuring your car stays safe and reliable for as long as you plan to keep it.

Beware of mechanic "wanna be's" that "have worked on cars their entire life." This is a great foundation upon which to build a qualified and certified automotive technician. However, this is NOT by itself an acceptable level of proficiency for a great mechanic. With the introduction of computer controlled everything, a great mechanic REQUIRES formal training in automotive diagnostics and repair."Don't let them guess" is making sure your independent garage (which Alan's Automotive and Diesel has) has access to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) technical data. What we are talking about here is an online service that provides the technicians will all the manufacturers specifications for sensor voltages, wiring diagrams, component installation and other technical data. The days are gone where a diagnostic can be performed by ear, or a repair at a quick twist of the screw driver. Today's vehicles are designed with complex computer integration that is disagreed that is disagreed to make our lives as consumers easier. Consequently, the technicians must be experienced which requires continuous training to upgraded and expensive diagnostic equipment.

There are a lot of fly-by-night garages, even some with certified technicians that do not subscribe to an OEM data source. Without this data even trained technicians will be guessing at what a sensor voltage "should" be. Or they will be taking their best shot at the step by step procedure for removing a component deep in the engine compartment. So ask the service desk what they use for an OEM service guide. Some of the more popular national products are All-Data and The Mitchell Guide. Without one of these tools the mechanics in the service bay are guessing and you deserve better.

Never tell a shop "do whatever it takes" and leave!! This ends in high repair bills which the shop is not obligated to explain. If you must leave, have the mechanic call before performing any repairs not listed on the original estimate. Before authorizing additional repairs, make sure you understand new charges. Click here to read the law.

In the end, if you avoid these simple pitfalls you will find a garage that makes you feel comfortable, provides a strong warranty on parts and labor, appreciates your business, and when they are doing it right, makes you feel confident that they are taking care of your safety and the safety of everyone that rides with you.