Let’s face it, as Moms we do most of the household decision-making, including getting stuck with the dreaded auto repair responsibility. As an owner of a local repair facility, I’ve assimilated a few tips to make this task easier so you can make the best, informed decision about the repair and upkeep of your vehicles

● Read the owners manual! Yep, you need to be familiar with what your car manufacture recommends to keep your car running smoothly. Make this easier by reviewing the manual with your technician during your next visit. It is vital that you come up with a maintenance schedule that is tailored not only to what the manufacturer recommends, but also how you drive your car. Your driving habits, as well as distances and seasonal temperatures will all determine the realistic intervals in which to get your oil changed, your brakes inspected, etc.

● Just like a doctor or dental visit, schedule your next appointment before you leave. This will allow you to budget your repair expenses and cut down on any surprise repairs. Regular maintenance will save you money in the long run!

● Build a relationship with the team who works on your car. The better they know you and your cars, how your drive and what is most important to you, the better the service you’ll get. Discussing your repair options and figuring what repairs are critical and what can honestly wait will help spread your repair expenses over a period of time and help avoid huge repair bills.

● Ask the technician to show you the parts of the car that need replaced. (Great opportunity here to learn about your cars’ systems.

● Ask for service reminders. Let the shop track your appointments. (You’ve got enough to keep track of already!). Many offer a choice of postcards or email reminders. Personally, I prefer to use both.

● When selecting a shop, do your homework and make sure the technicians are ASE certified (most are nowadays). Check for online recommendations on sites like www.checkbook.org, www.aaamidatlantic.com, www.ase.com, www.yelp.com, www.angieslist.com. Word of mouth is actually one of the best sources and online community directories are chock full of reviews of local shops.

● Look for a shop that has loyalty discounts. You can often save up to $25 on each visit. Subscribe to their newsletter that should have more seasonal discounts. As a regular customer, some will offer free checks of some systems, check and fill the air in your tires for free and check fluids. Watch for additional free inspections during the seasonal driving vacation periods (usually around Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving/Christmas).

● When you make an appointment, make sure you ask about your transportation options. Many places will drive you to where you need to go, or have a rental car with discounted rates waiting for you. Some will offer drop off services for a fee.

● Stay informed with the industry. Sign up for industry newsletters and especially any that are specific to your vehicles’ make and model. The industry is quickly changing everyday with new technology and better, more efficient parts. Check out online sites like www.autorepair.about.com or www.carcare.org. The www.askpatty.com website has links to tons of auto repair sites and blogs that are fun and interactive.

● Educate yourself and take advantage of some free car care clinics. This includes behind the wheel driving instruction and hands on maintenance seminars. Many area shops conduct in-house seminars. Check the shop closest to you or online community bulletin boards. If you can’t find anything and think you can gather about 20 people together, approach your shop and ask for a session!

● Have fun! Instead of a day at the spa, consider a day at the track! Gather a bunch of your friends and get behind the wheel and test your new tires, suspension or brakes by taking advantage of a great facility about an hour away in West Virginia: Summit Point International Raceway (www.summitpoint-raceway.com). They offer beginning classes and special “Friday at the track” sessions.

● Racing instructions? Getting involved in some of the areas many car clubs can get you some track time also. The Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes and Corvette clubs are very active. DRIVELAB (www.DRIVE-LAB.com), a racing instruction and safety company, run by Miriam Schottland holds sessions at Summit Point and has some all- female classes.

The auto repair industry is slowly making progress in regards to changing how they treat their female clients. Some shops are taking part in a certification program from “AskPatty.com” that trains shop managers and technicians how to educate and communicate effectively with women who are the household decision makers. These shops are showing a commitment to making the whole repair experience pleasant, educational and actually, quite “un-dreadful”. 

---

 

JUDY CURRY

Started in 1997, Judy and her husband, Matt Curry are the founders of Curry’s Auto Service (www.currysauto.com), a local repair facility with five locations in Northern Virginia. Matt, Judy, and their two children live in South Riding, VA.