Angie's List: Signs Your Car Needs Serviced
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Posted: 3:30 PM Jan 27, 2012
Angie's List: Signs Your Car Needs Serviced
Everyday, we depend on our cars to get us from point A to point B. However, oftentimes we ignore the warning signs that something is or could be wrong with our car, which can lead to costly repairs. In this Angie's List Report, News 4's Tessa Darlington gives us the signs your car is due for service.
Reporter: Tessa Darlington
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Everyday, we depend on our cars to get us from point A to point B. However, oftentimes we ignore the warning signs that something is or could be wrong with our car, which can lead to costly repairs.

In this Angie's List Report, News 4's Tessa Darlington gives us the signs your car is due for service.

Many of us spend more time in a car than we do in an office or even at home. If you don't get your car serviced regularly, you might end up spending your time in a cab or on the bus.

"In a recent Angie's List poll, 32 percent of respondents said they get their oil changed regularly, but they skip other services that the manufacturer recommends. This is potentially going to lead to problems. Your best bet is to follow your owner's manual on recommended service intervals,” Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks said.

Besides looking in the owner's manual, there are other ways to know something might be wrong. For example, if oil is leaking from your car, if it's slow to start, or if there is a squeaking noise when you turn on your air conditioner. Some signs to get your car in the shop are right in front of you.

"There are things like check engine lights, low oil lights, tire pressure lights. Those are the things you want to look for on your dash to be aware and cognizant of what's happening on the dash board,” auto repair shop owner, Robert Waeiss, said.

Waiting to get repair work could end up costing you more down the road. Instead of replacing a part for $600, one Angie's List member decided to hold off. The bad part ended up breaking, and she had a $2,000 repair bill.

Angie said that's why it's important to build a relationship with your mechanic.

"The mechanic can get to know you as well as your car and that way when you do have bigger issues down the road or bigger repairs as your car gets older, you'll feel comfortable going to them for their advice,” Hicks said.

There are some questions you need to ask a mechanic before you choose one.

Check licensing and certification: State or local law may require that a shop be licensed or registered. ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified mechanics must have two years of experience and pass an exam to become certified.

Diagnosis: Many auto service shops charge a diagnostic fee to determine what ails your vehicle. Some may reduce or forgive that fee if you have the work performed there. Always ask why a repair is needed.

Get a Second Opinion: On expensive or complicated repairs, get a second estimate. If you decide to have the work performed elsewhere, be aware that you may have to pay another diagnostic charge.

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