What Service Managers Don’t Want You to Know About Scheduled Auto Maintenance

20 Apr What Service Managers Don’t Want You to Know About Scheduled Auto Maintenance

Paying for auto insurance raises questions about all the things it covers if your car breaks down. A basic auto insurance policy covers bodily injury and property damage liabilities up to a specified coverage limit determined by each state. However, what if an auto shop tries to run up the bill on repairs? Here’s what you should know about scheduled auto maintenance.

Weighing Auto Shop Recommendations

A basic auto insurance plan typically pays for accidents but not regular maintenance. Either way, an auto shop might try to run up your bills with a long list of recommendations on what your car needs. Many times, these suggestions are overstated. Here are some of the things you can do to cut repair costs that aren’t emergencies:

• Avoid frequent oil and filter changes – Cars that use synthetic oil only need an oil change every 6,000 miles, rather than traditional vehicles that require oil changes every 3,000 miles.
• Modern cars don’t need routine tune-ups – Most new cars don’t have points and rotors or traditional distributor caps that need a routine inspection. Modern spark plugs now last about 100,000 miles.
• New cars don’t need chassis lubrication – Once again, newer cars don’t have the same issues as older cars, such as adding grease to the chassis, which can actually damage modern vehicles.
• Don’t agree to fluid flushes – You probably don’t need fluid flushed on newer vehicles, as some manufacturers warn against it.
• Follow the owner’s manual on changing fluid – Only change fluids such as transmission fluid according to your owner’s manual. Pay attention to your mileage, as some cars need fluid changes every 50,000 to 80,000 miles.

Your auto mechanic should be someone you trust so that you are not overpaying for repairs and maintenance. While finding the closest auto shop to your residence may be more convenient, be aware that some shops are more aggressive than others at running up repair costs. Many of their suggestions can be put on the back burner as long as you prioritize safety.

Ensuring Auto Safety

The main point you need to remember about auto repair work is that your vehicle operates safely. Any mechanical or electrical issues that threaten your safety should be resolved as soon as possible. It’s best to work with a shop that can provide a backup vehicle for you, especially if they keep your car overnight.

Driving a vehicle with functional problems can be viewed as neglect by the insurance company. So if your car breaks down or gets involved in an accident, there’s a chance the insurer won’t cover it if it’s clear the problem could have been prevented with proper maintenance. Safety should be every driver’s top concern for themselves, passengers, and the public.

Ensure You Have Proper Auto Insurance

Make sure you have appropriate auto insurance coverage for your personal needs. Your coverage amount should comply with your state’s requirements in providing you and others with financial protection. If you want more information on your auto insurance coverage, call Kevin or Marci at Kevin S. Dougherty Insurance today!