A Checklist

• Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
• Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations.
• Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
• Look for a neat, well organized facility, with some vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
• Look for a courteous staff, with a service writer willing to answer all of your questions.
• Look for policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
• Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work.
• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards.
• Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE.

If repair fraud is one of your fears, you're not alone. The National Better Business Bureau reports that auto repair and service is a leading consumer complaint. But this industry is not burying its head in the sand. Instead, it's turning the fraud fiasco into an opportunity, and motorists are the beneficiaries.

"Professional shop owners are going the extra mile to build this trust, especially when communicating with customers."

The key words are trust and communication. Because it takes communication to build trust, car owners and their technicians must not only communicate, but communicate effectively. How is that done? Here are some suggestions.

First, inquire about your technician's ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) credentials. This "communicates" that you expect the person who repairs your car to be judged competent by the standards of a national organization.

Second, take a list with you that "communicates" every aspect of your car's problem. It's not enough to say you're having brake trouble. Does the car shimmy when it comes to a stop? What about when you're slowing down but don't come to a full stop: What does the noise sound like? These are the things customers often forget to mention, yet they are priceless tools for the technician, saving him valuable diagnostic time.

The third "communication" suggestion is the most important. Get a written estimate that includes a statement saying no additional work will be done without your authorization. This is also the time to inquire about the warranty offered on the work and parts. If you're new to this facility, and want to double-check their diagnosis, get a second opinion. If the estimate sounds too pricey, call other shops and see what they'd charge for that job.

Fourth, read your bill. If you have any questions, ASK. Make sure the repair warranty you discussed earlier is included.

Fifth, when you pick up your car, drive it around the block BEFORE you pay the bill. If the problem still persists, it's easier to "communicate" your concern at this point.

Finally, there is the advantage that plastic has over real, live, paper money, and that is recourse. If you have a problem with a service facility, simply notify your credit card company that you are dissatisfied. Until the dispute is settled, you won't owe the repair shop a dime.

The extent to which your service center can satisfy you is somewhat dependent upon the information you provide. Communicating what you expect of them is the best way to enjoy a long and happy relationship with your automotive technician.

Remember how annoying that black mark was on the living room wall? Or the squealing door hinge? Eventually it goes unnoticed. Too often we adjust to car problems that need attention, too. According toVehicle Maintenance Council 4 out of 5 cars need maintenance, such as the items listed below. Is yours one of them?

1. WORN BRAKE PARTS. Postponing needed brake service, in addition to being a safety hazard, can escalate the cost of a braking system overhaul.
2. TIRED WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES. Don't wait for a rainy day to replace worn blades.
3. BURNED OUT LIGHTS. Can you see and be seen? Check all your lights regularly to be sure.
4. CLOGGED FILTERS. Scheduled replacement of air, oil, gas, fuel, transmission and other filters extend car life and improve performance.
5. WORN SPARK PLUGS. Worn plugs waste gas and increase exhaust emissions. They also cause the engine to run poorly.
6. CORRODED BATTERY CABLES. Corroded cables and a weak battery cause starting trouble. Have battery and charging system checked if the engine turns over slowly.
7. GLAZED BELTS, ROTTEN HOSES. A slipping belt can affect engine cooling, alternator, power steering, and air conditioner. Replace worn belts before they let you down . . brittle or rotten cooling system hoses can lead to overheating. Others, such as vacuum and power steering hoses, hinder performance and safety.
8. NEGLECTED COOLING SYSTEM. Periodic servicing of the cooling system helps prevent deterioration of radiator or heater core.
9. LEAKING SHOCK ABSORBERS. Worn shocks or struts affect ride control and shorten tire life.
10. DAMAGED CV JOINT BOOTS. These rubber boots protect the critical CV joints that deliver power to your wheels. They should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed.
11. LEAKING MUFFLER. Have your car put on a lift occasionally to check the muffler and other parts of the exhaust system.
12. TIRED TIRES. Worn tires are dangerous. Proper inflation, alignment and balance will extend tire life.

Here's why. The cost of overhauling an engine can run into thousands of dollars; automatic transmission repairs also are expensive. And cooling system neglect could be responsible.

This system performs several functions: (1) it must keep the engine running within specified temperatures, not too hot and not too cold; (2) it cools the automatic transmission and, lest we forget, (3) it circulates hot water through the heater.

Temperatures inside an engine may soar to 4,500 - 5,000 degrees F., enough to melt an engine block in a matter of minutes if it were not for the cooling system.

Over the years there have been numerous developments that make it harder for the cooling system to perform these tasks. Today's engines run much hotter than in years gone by. Added emission control systems, smaller radiators and crowded engine compartments add to the challenge.

Use this check list to be sure your car will survive the cold months ahead.

To avoid problems resulting from rust, dirt and mineral deposits in the cooling system, it's best to give it an internal cleaning every year or two.

It's Easy! Here's How:

1. Begin with the engine cold and ignition off. Remove the radiator pressure cap.
2. Open the petcock at the bottom of the radiator and drain the coolant into a bucket.
3. Close the petcock and fill the radiator with water.
4. Start the engine and turn the heater control to hot. Add cooling system cleaner and idle the engine for 30 minutes (or as per the instructions on container).
5. Stop the engine and allow it to cool for five minutes. Drain the system.
6. Close the petcock, fill the radiator with water and let the engine idle for five minutes.
7. Repeat step No. 5. Close the petcock.
8. Install new 50/50 mixture of water and ethylene glycol antifreeze/coolant.