College bound? Here is one more item to add to your checklist before heading off to campus this fall: a vehicle checkup.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recommends that you make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Unless you are a dedicated do-it-yourselfer, you’ll want to find a reputable shop to take care of maintenance and service for you.
ASE, a nonprofit organization that tests and certifies automotive technicians, offers the following tips on choosing a repair facility.
* Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
* Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations or consult local consumer groups.
* Arrange for transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based on its location.
* Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service areas.
* Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant willing to answer all of your questions.
* Check the shop’s policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees and...