The Portland Mechanics Blog
Auto & Body Repair Information 503.287.3022
State by State Rankings for Costs On Auto Repairs
How to Keep From Getting Ripped Off on Auto Repairs
by Katty Dicus
When you have mechanical issues with your vehicle, it’s a necessity to get it fixed because it’s your only transportation. Thousands of people get ripped off daily by scrupulous auto repair shops. Most are called ”backyard mechanics”. They’re a real shop but they are not qualified skilled mechanics.
They’re usually young guys hired by the owner to do repairs, such as changing oil, putting on tires, doing alignments, muffler, shocks and more. They don’t know what they’re doing so when you pick up your car it’s usually in the same condition or worse after driving it off the lot.
Some use inferior car parts from the junkyard charging the car owner new prices. They convince the owner the car needs more repairs than expected. It’s difficult to determine a good repair shop from a bad one unless you do your homework.
Most people report a bad company to the better business bureau, so that’s the best place to start. It will show the owner’s name, doing business as, how long they’ve been in business and any other affiliations. It’s best to check on four or five shops and see who has the best rating. Go to the shops and meet the owner in person.
Tell him what’s wrong with your car and watch him cautiously while he checks it out. If you know nothing about cars, take someone with you that does. Make sure you get everything in writing and go to three more shops. After getting four or five estimates, you should be able to determine the rip-offs.
Talk to some relatives or friends and show them the estimates for advice. Ask them if they’ve heard of them and are the prices reasonable. If you can’t get a straight answer, go to Angie’s list and sign up as a member. There is a small monthly charge. She has a list of thousands of good and bad companies from A to Z.
You will be provided all the auto repair shops in your area with a rating, how long they’ve been in business, the name, address, phone number, a description of their services and any other pertinent information. It’s much better than the BBB as these are real people who had work done by these companies and have given their comments on them and a score.
You need to know what you’re doing to keep from getting ripped off by auto repair shops. You will save yourself heartache, money and your vehicle. Follow this advice and take your time doing research for the best ASE Certified qualified mechanics.
I’ve had bad experiences with my auto repairs until I found Select Auto Tech Burbank Repair and Service. They’ve been at the same location in Burbank and have over 25 years experience working on domestic and foreign cars. Their ASE Certified technicians service many different cars and light trucks and they stand behind their work by offering a warranty on all of their work. Their motto is “Get in, Get out, Be Happy” because they realize time is valuable to their customers and they strive to do a quality job in a fast amount of time for their customers. Go to: www.BurbankSelectAutoTech.com and find your service needs.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
State by state rankings for auto repairs
“Where does your state rank on the new auto repairs CarMD study?Torque News”
http://www.torquenews.com/1081/state-state-rankings-car-repair-costs
Diagnosing an engine problem requires that a person checks the spark plug wires, their vacuum lines, the car battery and more. Discover how to diagnose an engine problem without using expensive equipment with help from an auto mechanic in this free video on auto repairs and diagnostics
If you notice anything at all unusual don’t wait!
The auto repairs needed will only get worse and more expensive
503.287.3022
Comfort Auto Repairs
2653 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97212
Check For Our Coupon Specials
Click Here For Map And Directions
Click Here For Oil Change Special
“The Home of Honest and Friendly Service”
Thank You For Considering Us!
So feel free to give us a call today and schedule Any Auto Repairs You May Need For Your Vehicle
What Happens If I Perform My Own Car Repair?
Should You Do Your Own Car Repair?
Gone are the days when any car repair is done manually. Even though most automotive repair mechanics today have years of experience and knowledge, the innovations brought about by the tremendous advances in computer technology, auto repair has never been faster and more efficient thanks to auto repair software.
Car repair software is used both in the automotive industry – for updating operating systems, and also in speedy automobile service (as seen in race car pit stops).
There are two main types of car repair software used by car repair mechanics, diagnostic repair software and office managing software.
These help your car repair mechanic and shop owners in processing car repair estimates and actual repairs done, and also to keep accurate records of repairs on a specific car.
What Happens If I Do My Own Car Repair?
Question:
Answer: You should be able to get the money you paid out for repairs since you were indeed the one that fixed your car’s minor damages. The body shop has isn’t entitled to keep the money because it didn’t do the repairs. Once contacted by the insurance company, the car repair shop should return the money to the insurer.
You’ll need to take the lead in this situation, though, and contact the car insurance company that paid out the claim to the body shop to explain that you did your own repairs. It will tell you how the claim will proceed so that you can be reimbursed.
Usually state laws require an auto insurance company to stand behind the repairs of a recommended shop, in case the vehicle is not repaired…
More at What Happens If I Repair My Own Car? – TheStreet.com
More Reading What is the costliest state for car repair? – USA TODAY
This Video checks the power steering, washer fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil Checks and replaces air filter, Lubricates hood latch, hood, door, and trunk hinges . Checks tire pressure. Replaces windshield wipers. Who says you can’t work on your own car repair anymore?
Have you ever taken your car or truck in to a Car Repair Shop and have them hook up either their Scanner or Oscilloscope and wondered why you should have to pay for that? You are maybe thinking they did nothing but just hook up a machine to it and tell me I have a problem.
You may have known that already before taking your Car or Truck in there. So once again, when it comes to your Vehicle Diagnostic Charge, why should you have to pay for hooking up your Machine to it? Let me give you some insight behind their thinking of why auto repair shops have to charge you for this.
First of all, that machine may have cost them over $10,000 to purchase and will have to get their money back some how. Why would some one spend that much money on a machine and hook up cars and trucks for free?
Here is an idea. Why not charge at least a half hour of Diagnostic Time (.5) to start getting their money back while also helping the customer out? If the problem is found using this machine then you can charge them a full hour of Diagnostic time. (1.0) Then you can charge some labor to install the bad part and you can also make some money on parts mark up!
Image by National Library of Scotland via Flickr
Secondly they think of their education and certifications which allow them to read and use this machine might be worth something to them while also helping the customer out. The tools involved for testing the parts that were found bad by this machine might account for something too.
I can tell you from over 28 years of experience car repair shops do not open up for business in order to give things and services away for Free. It would be nice if they did! But I think we all know car repair mechanics are not nice people to begin with. Vehicle diagnostic charges have to be used in small increments to pay this big machine off.
On the other hand, if they can not find your problem with their machines and scanners I feel you should not be charged. I really do! If they are in business to find your car or truck problems then they should be able to do their jobs and find it. This topic on, “Why should I have to pay for a vehicle diagnostic charges” has been a heated debate for years. Here is what you can do to protect yourself from shady auto repair shops and mechanics who try to charge you a diagnostic charges.
Look for signs which are usually located in the front car repair office explaining their minimum charge for vehicle diagnostics. Ask the Shop Manager or Auto Shop Owner what their hourly charges are there.
For instance if they tell you they charge $50 per hour then you will be looking at around half of that which is $25 plus taxes and fees. You can also watch and make sure the auto mechanic uses the full half hour of diagnostic time working on your car or truck. Make sure that he or she doesn’t spend 5 minutes on it then go to lunch or something to that nature. For more information on, “Car Repair Savings” please visit my blog.
More at Paying For a Car Diagnostics / Auto Repair Savings Blog
If you notice anything at all unusual don’t wait!
The car repair problems will only get worse and more expensive
So feel free to give us a call today and schedule An Engine Repair Inspection For Your Vehicle
503.287.3022
Comfort Auto Body And Car Repair
2653 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97212
Check For Our Coupon Specials
Click Here For Map And Directions
Click Here For Oil Change Special
“The Home of Honest and Friendly Service”
Thank You For Considering Us For Your Car Repair
DIY Auto Repair – Not For Today’s Cars
Why DIY Auto Repair Is Not For Today’s Cars
Today’s modern-day automobiles are extremely complex since most auto manufacturers are using the available technology in order to make their cars much more durable.
However, every automobile will also encounter the normal problems related to vehicle upkeep and breakdowns, as well as normal wear and tear.Understanding all of the variables of Auto repair can become very confusing, and so finding someone qualified to make the correct auto repair is increasingly becoming more difficult.
There is a well known saying that ” the prevention is better than cure.”
So, the best way to avoid unwanted auto repair expenses is to be prepared and to become acquainted with how your automobile works and then use that information to identify common car problems.
Click Here For Preventive Maintenance Information
“One of the things that separates great mechanics from weekend-project disaster is knowing exactly what’s involved, and being able to figure out any other problem that happens along the way,” stresses Bodas.
Image by I, Timmy via Flickr
It’s a common issue with do-it-yourself (DIY) auto repair: Just as in assembling that IKEA bedroom set, you might have a rough idea of how to do the job, yet you don’t know all the details along the way—let alone what could go wrong in the process, or what to do if it does.
Only here the consequences can be much more expensive. Bodas has seen cases as simple as a customer who replaced an air filter and accidentally detached a vacuum line, to many who’ve in the course of a brake job broken a sensor or set off a warning light—or those who have managed to foul out during major maintenance like timing-belt replacement. In all of these instances, the piece of the repair job they were missing—in addition to understanding what might go wrong—is the diagnosis and troubleshooting that’s part of a real mechanic’s job.
$50 saved becomes $500 in damage
, then sure, you can save money and do nearly all the repairs yourself,” says Bodas. “But on modern cars it’s more like, maybe you save $50, or maybe you do $500 in damage.”…
More at Five Car Problems You Shouldn’t Fix Yourself – The Car Connection
More Reading Five Dos And Don’ts When Dealing With An Auto Mechanic – Forbes
Here is an interesting video that shows how to avoid some common auto repair mistakes
It’s also important to know a good auto repair mechanic along with the right kinds of questions to ask.
It’s also important to understand your consumer rights.
Choosing the right auto repair shop can be difficult, and the best way to solve this problem is to seek out recommendations from friends, family, and other people you trust.
While choosing an auto repair technician, look for repair shops that display their certifications. The proper certification insures that the auto repair technicians are well acquainted with the right knowledge along with the capabilities which are needed to ensure a proper auto repair.
Stop by, or call for an appointment For All Of Your Auto Repair Needs
‘We Guarantee Your Satisfaction’
Comfort Auto Repair
503.287.3022
2653 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland Oregon 97212
Click Here To Make An Appointment Online
For Our Latest Discount Coupons Click Here
Comfort Auto Body And Repair is a your one stop shop for a complete auto repair.
Tips On How to Avoid Auto Repair Cost Problems
Ideas On How to Avoid Extra Auto Repair Costs
Even the best auto repair mechanics can make diagnostic mistakes. Unfortunately, this can cost you down time, money, and severely test your patience. Unless you know how to perform some auto repair work by yourself, such as your transmission or brakes, you will need to rely on someone else to diagnose and repair your vehicle.
So regardless of the expertise of any mechanic who is working on your vehicle, you won’t always be able to avoid auto repair errors. The important consideration is that you can choose a shop with a good reputation and backs up their auto repair work with a labor and parts guarantee.
Comfort Auto Repair Guarantees their work!
Image by drbrain via Flickr
Have you ever thought an auto repair shop may have taken you? You took your car in for a simple oil change only to be told you needed additional, expensive work done.
Every day, people are taken advantage of this way. It’s estimated nine out of ten women believe they’re targeted due to their gender.
Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
Check your warranty. Be careful of paying too much for your auto repair needs. Check with your automobile dealership to make sure your repairs aren’t still covered by a warranty. If you choose to take your car to an independent business the parts may be covered by the warranty, but you will most likely need to pay them for the actual cost of fixing it.
Get a second opinion. If you still aren’t…
Auto shop customers allegedly scammed…More at Auto shop customers allegedly scammed – Stockton Record
Diagnosing an engine problem requires that a person checks the spark plug wires, their vacuum lines, the car battery and more. Discover how to diagnose an engine problem without using expensive equipment with help from an auto mechanic in this free video on auto repair and diagnostics.
The Fact is that it is the customer who finally chooses what auto repair services they wish to to use, not the auto mechanic. While the mechanic can recommend what repairs are needed and offer advice, ultimately they have to listen to their customer’s needs.
We promise we will listen!
Feel free to give us a call today and schedule A Preventive Maintenance Inspection For Your Vehicle
503.287.3022
Comfort Auto Body And Repair
2653 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97212
Click Here For Map And Directions
Click Here For Oil Change Special
“The Home Of Honest and Friendly Service”
Thank You For Considering Using Us For For All Of Your Auto Repair Needs
How To Save Money With Auto Repair Estimates
Here’s How To Save Money With Auto Repair Estimates
Have you ever become frustrated about over-paying for auto repairs that may have not been necessary? In order for you to have your vehicle even begin to receive the correct auto repair, is to have the main problem diagnosed correctly.
For example, when your vehicle doesn’t start, there can be a number of possibilities of what might be creating the problem. So when the problem is diagnosed properly, right from the start, it eliminates a score of other potential issues that are not the real problem, and points your mechanic in the right direction, so they can quickly make the correct auto repair.
If you will just take a few minutes to notice and take notes about what you see, and listen to what is happening with your vehicle, then you can pretty accurately describe the problems to your mechanic in order to give them a head start in locating what the basis for the problem really may be.
This simple tip will help save you and your auto repair mechanic time and money, keeping frustration to a minimum, and get the correct auto repair work done as quickly as possible at a reasonable price.
Image by Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr
Should You Get A Second Opinion On An Auto Repair Estimate?
You just received your auto repair estimate and you are shocked by the price. I bet you are wondering, “Should I Get a Second Opinion?”
Chances are, coming from a 25+ year auto mechanic like my self I am saying Yes to your question! Get as many Auto Repair Estimates as possible.
The more opinions you get the lower the price of that original auto repair estimate will get. So the second opinion idea and your question on should I get a second opinion is a big yes.
Brake repair and car tune-up shops are known for giving out very high Auto Repair Estimates then giving you the opportunity to tell them what you want and can afford right now.
Take a few minutes and call QwikTalk to give you a second opinion right there on the spot! Give it a shot the next time you feel like you are being forced into unneeded car repairs.
I would definitely recommend these guys to my friends and family members who are needing a second opinion really fast.
More at Second Opinion/Should I get a Second Opinion?/QwikTalk-Automotive
More Reading Auto Repair Questions Answered Now! (Part-2) QWIKTALK
For Our Most Recent Auto Repair Coupons And Discounts Click Here
In order to replace power-steering fluid, remove the cap from the power-steering reservoir, remove as much fluid as possible and install new fluid. Discover the importance of using proper power-steering fluid with help from an auto mechanic in this free video on automotive maintenance.
So be sure to see a professional auto repair mechanic, who knows what they are doing, and can guarantee their work.
Call Us Today
503.287.3022
Comfort Auto Body And Repair
2653 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97212
Click Here For Preventive Maintenance Information
Be Sure That You Are Confident In Your Auto Repair Estimates
Does Your Fuel Pump Need Replacing?
How To Know If Your Fuel Pump Need Replacing
A fuel pump is an essential component on your car, and its functionality and precision perform a vital role in management of fuel efficiency.
The vehicles fuel has to be pumped from the fuel tank into the engine, and delivered under low pressure to the carburetor or under high pressure to the fuel injection system.
You will definitely know when your fuel pump needs attention or replacing, even if you can’t see it when you open up the hood of your car.
Carburetor engines use a low pressure mechanical fuel pump which are generally mounted outside of the fuel tank, while fuel injected engines use electric fuel pumps which are generally mounted inside of the fuel tank.
A fuel pump is especially of great use in engines where gravity does not facilitate the way the fuel flows. The fuel pump allows for an accurate and smooth fuel flow.
Any disruption in the pathway of fuel can cause damage to the engine, apart from inconvenience caused by your car not starting up.
Things like air bubbles can greatly interfere with how the engine performs, thus a fuel pump plays a vital role in engine protecting the engines functioning, as well as helping to maintain its efficiency.
If your fuel pump is not working there is a possibility that your fuel pump relay is bad. When you turn the ignition key forward the coil inside the relay is energized.
When the coil is energized you can generally quietly hear the fuel pump buzzing for a few seconds.
The fuel pump will come on before the engine has a chance to start up so that the fuel system will be pre pressurized. If the relay has gone bad the fuel pump will never come on.
If you don’t hear the fuel pump turn on, look under the hood, probably inside the fuse panel to locate the relay.
The air conditioning circuit will probably use a similar relay. If the relays are the same, you can swap the two to test the fuel pump relay….
More at Automotive Fuel Pump Relay
More Reading Think Gas Prices Have Peaked? Think Again
A Fuel pump is responsible for delivering gasoline from fuel tanks to engines, and a fuel pump that is going bad will typically become noisier. Listen for a hum coming from behind the seat when a fuel pump is going bad. This video will give you some information on what to look for
The average fuel pump may have to be replaced several times during the life of your car.
Fuel pumps in fuel injected vehicles are usually mounted inside of the gas tank.
It’s a major job to replace it and these pumps can be fairly expensive. So before you replace one, you better do your homework.
Way too many DIY mechanics make the incorrect assumption that their engine problems are due to a bad fuel pump.
Several hundred dollars and many man-hours later, they still have the same problem
So be sure to see a professional auto repair mechanic, who knows what they are doing and can guarantee their work.
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