本文发表在 rolia.net 枫下论坛Keep repair costs down by being informed
The Toronto Automobile Dealers Association has taken the initiative, with the support of government, in improving the professionalism and standards of the auto repair business. One of our pressing objectives is to ensure that our standards are applied to the entire industry, not just members of our association.
I would like to take the opportunity to suggest to Toronto Star readers that you have an important role to play as vehicle owners/consumers. Consumers can best minimize the repair costs to their vehicles by taking an informed and protective approach.
First, recognize that today's vehicles are super sophisticated. With engines that are microchip-controlled, adaptive transmissions, immobilizing alarm systems and creature comforts that almost pre-assume the driver's needs in anticipation of their actual activation, today's vehicles are marvels of modern technology. As a result, their maintenance schedules must be respected. These schedules have been developed precisely to not only carry out procedures ensuring the well-being of the vehicle, but also as preventative maintenance checks against possible future problems.
Second, accept your responsibility for the basic maintenance of your vehicle, be it owned or leased. When you gas up, check the engine oil, windshield-washer fluid and coolant levels and use a pressure gauge to ensure your tires are inflated adequately. At least monthly, perform a routine inspection. Check the following: tire pressure when the tires are cold, operation of lamps, horns, turn signals, windshield wipers and washers and hazard warning flasher. Look for any fluid leaks from the undercarriage. This is done by visually inspecting the area where your vehicle is parked.
Third, service your automobile at an authorized representative of the vehicle manufacturer. They have extensive knowledge of your vehicle and are aware of any specific services that need to be addressed (usually at no cost to the owner). Dealership repair facilities use original manufacturers' parts. These parts are of a better quality then aftermarket parts, and normally carry a better warranty. It is of no shame to have the repairs or recommended course of action explained in simple English.
Fourth, make sure the service facility and you have a clear understanding of what the repairs will cost. You should be provided with written detailed estimates. When an estimate cannot be provided because the nature of the problem is unknown, insist you be informed of the problem, the recommended repair and the estimate cost before any work is begun.
Please, make sure you provide the garage with a contact point where you will actually be. Get a second opinion on expensive and complicated repairs. Or if there is a question about the estimate, have it explained and recorded on the work order in detail.
In addition to the above, ask the repair facility to keep your replaced parts for you to see. Because of oils and fluids, etc., you may not want to take them with you but may merely look at them and then have them discarded by the repair facility.
Under the Ontario Motor Vehicle Repair Act (MVRA) repair facilities are required to provide a written estimate on request, as well as a mandatory warranty of 90 days or 5,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, on new and reconditioned parts and labour. The MVRA also dictates that the final price of repairs cannot be more than 10 per cent more than the estimate without the customer's consent.
It is of utmost importance to look after your vehicle's basic maintenance. And when you walk into a garage as an informed consumer when your vehicle needs service, your experience should be a positive one. Please look after your vehicle, so it can continue to help you drive safely.更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net
The Toronto Automobile Dealers Association has taken the initiative, with the support of government, in improving the professionalism and standards of the auto repair business. One of our pressing objectives is to ensure that our standards are applied to the entire industry, not just members of our association.
I would like to take the opportunity to suggest to Toronto Star readers that you have an important role to play as vehicle owners/consumers. Consumers can best minimize the repair costs to their vehicles by taking an informed and protective approach.
First, recognize that today's vehicles are super sophisticated. With engines that are microchip-controlled, adaptive transmissions, immobilizing alarm systems and creature comforts that almost pre-assume the driver's needs in anticipation of their actual activation, today's vehicles are marvels of modern technology. As a result, their maintenance schedules must be respected. These schedules have been developed precisely to not only carry out procedures ensuring the well-being of the vehicle, but also as preventative maintenance checks against possible future problems.
Second, accept your responsibility for the basic maintenance of your vehicle, be it owned or leased. When you gas up, check the engine oil, windshield-washer fluid and coolant levels and use a pressure gauge to ensure your tires are inflated adequately. At least monthly, perform a routine inspection. Check the following: tire pressure when the tires are cold, operation of lamps, horns, turn signals, windshield wipers and washers and hazard warning flasher. Look for any fluid leaks from the undercarriage. This is done by visually inspecting the area where your vehicle is parked.
Third, service your automobile at an authorized representative of the vehicle manufacturer. They have extensive knowledge of your vehicle and are aware of any specific services that need to be addressed (usually at no cost to the owner). Dealership repair facilities use original manufacturers' parts. These parts are of a better quality then aftermarket parts, and normally carry a better warranty. It is of no shame to have the repairs or recommended course of action explained in simple English.
Fourth, make sure the service facility and you have a clear understanding of what the repairs will cost. You should be provided with written detailed estimates. When an estimate cannot be provided because the nature of the problem is unknown, insist you be informed of the problem, the recommended repair and the estimate cost before any work is begun.
Please, make sure you provide the garage with a contact point where you will actually be. Get a second opinion on expensive and complicated repairs. Or if there is a question about the estimate, have it explained and recorded on the work order in detail.
In addition to the above, ask the repair facility to keep your replaced parts for you to see. Because of oils and fluids, etc., you may not want to take them with you but may merely look at them and then have them discarded by the repair facility.
Under the Ontario Motor Vehicle Repair Act (MVRA) repair facilities are required to provide a written estimate on request, as well as a mandatory warranty of 90 days or 5,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, on new and reconditioned parts and labour. The MVRA also dictates that the final price of repairs cannot be more than 10 per cent more than the estimate without the customer's consent.
It is of utmost importance to look after your vehicle's basic maintenance. And when you walk into a garage as an informed consumer when your vehicle needs service, your experience should be a positive one. Please look after your vehicle, so it can continue to help you drive safely.更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net