How do I know a repair shop has the knowledge and expertise to maintain my car?
Here are a few suggestions to help you:
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Contact ASA or log on to www.asashop.org to find shops in your area. ASA members agree to follow a Code of Ethics that outlines professional business practices with you in mind. You'll be pleased to know that Helwig Auto Clinic is a member of ASA!
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Seek out facilities that have National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians and may be members of their consumer-confidence agencies such as the Better Business Bureau. Once again, feel secure having your vehicle serviced at Helwig Auto Clinic, a proud member of both of these organizations!
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Call the shop and visit with its sales staff or service advisor before repairs are needed. Find out if the shop is familiar with and trained to work on your specific vehicles. Ask about other services that will make it convenient for you to work with them, such as after hours pick up and drop off, shuttle service to nearby destinations, or use of loaner/rental cars. Ask if they can help you create a naintenance plan tailored to your vehicle.
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Try to have one shop perform all of your vehicle maintenance and repair. For the same reason you prefer to see the same doctor when you need a checkup, you want a "repair doctor" who is familiar with your vehicle's maintenance and use history.
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If you have a problem or the shop has not met your expectations, talk to your service advisor and give them a chance to resolve it. The best shops rise to the occasion when called on to solve problems.
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Work with the shop to follow their recommendations. An ASE certified technician is a highly trained professional who really does have your best interests in mind.
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What is preventive maintenance?
Preventive maintenance is just that - performing certain maintenance procedures to your car, truck, or SUV prior to component or vehicle breakdown.
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Why should I have preventive maintenance performed on my auto, light truck, or SUV?
To help prevent and reduce potential costly repairs and minimize breakdowns. Preventive maintenance combines common services and inspections so that you're informed of your vehicle's condition at the time of service.
Our professional, ASE certified technicians can provide a summary of your vehicle's condition along with recommendations so that you will be able to make an informed decision as to what is needed to keep your vehicle in top shape.
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How often should I have preventive maintenance services performed?
Your owner's manual outlines many services needed at various mileage intervals. At a minimum, you should follow these recommendations. Please remember that this can vary depending on how you drive and in what conditions your operate your vehicle.
At Helwig Auto Clinic, we'll be glad to customize a preventive maintenance program for each vehicle you own based upon your needs, driving habits and our professional experience.
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My vehicle is new and still under warranty. Do I still need to have preventive maintenance performed?
Yes. Your vehicle owner's manual lists a number of preventive maintenance services that need to be performed at certain mileage intervals in order to keep your new vehicle warrantly in effect.
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Do I have to visit a dealership to have this work performed to maintain my new vehicle warranty?
No. As the owner of the vehicle, you have the right to choose where you take your vehicle for maintenance and repairs. At Helwig Auto Clinic, we use appropriate parts and procedures and can help you maintain your new vehicle warranty. Ask for a free copy of our "Know Your Rights" brochure for more information.
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When must I take my vehicle back to the vehicle dealership?
Your specific vehicle manufacturer will notify you when you must take your vehicle back to your local vehicle dealer. This is usually due to a recall of a certain component on the vehicle. Therefore, your authorized vehicle dealer is your only option to have the recalled component repaired at no charge with this notification. Otherwise, we can perform all other maintenance and non-warranty repair needs on all of the vehicles you own at our one location!
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