Find an Honest Mechanic

Armed for Auto Repair - KJZZ Radio Interview

NARPRO General ManagerJay Jennings discussed how to be armed with the right questions with Phoenix radio station KJZZ’s Morning Edition Host Dennis Lambert. Listen to the interview below!

 

NARPRO, KJZZ, Armed For Auto Repair

The Teenager’s Guide to Driving Safety

School’s almost out for the summer, and if your teenager is of driving age, they will most likely be taking the car to their summer job, summer school, or out with friends. Due to teens’ limited experience on the road, they might not know what to do if their car breaks down or starts acting weird while they’re driving.

May is National Youth Traffic Safety Month, and we thought it would be a good idea to provide some quality tips you can share with your teen, so they don’t end up stranded on the side of the road. Here are three things they should try to remember if their car breaks down…

1)   Get off the road. If the car breaks down or stops running properly, if it’s possible, move the vehicle to the right side of the road. Avoid stopping the car in an active traffic lane, because that could cause even more problems. Once the car is on the right side of the road, apply the parking break and turn the steering wheel to the opposite direction of the road so the car doesn’t roll into oncoming traffic.

2)   Call for help. Make sure there is a working and fully charged cell phone any time your teen hits the road; you never know when an emergency will occur. Have emergency assistance, AAA, or roadside assistance phone numbers saved in your phone. Also, stay prepared and have safety items in your car such as flashlights, fire hazard triangles, and a first aid kit.

3)   Alert others with lights, signals. Immediately turn on the emergency flashers to signal to other cars there’s a problem. Once stopped, if it is safe to exit the car, use flares or hazard triangles to alert other cars about 50 feet behind the car, in order to give other motorists adequate notice that there is a problem. Also, raise the hood of the car or tie a white cloth to the door handle, if one is available, as a signal to police that assistance is needed.

NARPRO helps consumers find top, independent and honest auto repair shops and competent auto body shops near where they live, work or travel. Click here to find Portland, OR auto body shops or auto repair shops.

How NARPRO Helps You Find a Good Mechanic

Recently, on the heels of the latest Consumer Reports study which revealed that out of 5,400 consumers polled, 27 percent stated they weren’t happy with the auto repair service they’ve received, the website Money Talks posted a great article about how to find a good mechanic. The Consumer reports study stated that of the afore mentioned 27 percent of dissatisfied consumers, 38 percent said it was because the price was too high, while 28 percent said they weren’t happy with the service they received. The article offers many tips and suggestions, every one of which NARPRO either suggests to customers, or our mechanics actually do themselves.

Here’s a highlight of some of the tips and suggestions from the article, and how NARPRO and our honest mechanics fit into each one!

1) Research, before you need a mechanic! Just as the article states, at NARPRO we always suggest that it’s best to find a good mechanic before we need repairs. That is actually part of the reason NARPRO.com was created…to help consumers find and honest mechanic ahead of time. If you do not find a good mechanic before you actually need one, you could take the risk of being rushed into a decision which could be the wrong one – and which could cost you more money and time in the end.

2) Avoid dealerships. Of course, if your car is under warranty and you need to repair it, definitely take advantage of the dealership and your warranty. However, if the warranty has expired, it is always better to take your car to your independent Portland, OR auto repair shop, such as you neighborhood NARPRO shop, instead of going to the dealership or to a large chain. AutoMD reported that drivers can save up to $300 a year by using an independent shop instead of a dealership.

3) Read reviews. This is another area where NARPRO.com comes in extremely handy, because of our online, Full Circle Review system. NARPRO.com makes it easy for you by posting on each of our shop’s pages actual reviews form customers, as well as responses from the shop itself. So you can see how customers feel about the work they received, as well as how the shop responded to them.

4) Pay attention to certifications and memberships. All NARPRO mechanics are ASE certified, and a majority of our shops are ASA and AAA members.

The Secret to Saving Cash on Gas!

We’ve all heard the talk about gas prices going up (again!). And especially with summer right around the corner and summer road trips a popular activity, it’s inevitable that we’ll be paying more at the pump than we would like to.

But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel (or, the end of the gas funnel, for that matter!). Here’s a couple of tips and suggestions to help keep your gas tank, and your wallet, as full as possible!

When you’re at the pump…

1) Check your owner’s manual for the most effective octane level for your car. Most of the time, using a gas that has higher octane than what the manufacturer recommends will actually give you no benefit whatsoever – and it will cost you more at the pump. Some cars do require premium fuel, so before you fill up, check your owner’s manual to find out if the higher priced gas is actually required or just recommended.

2) Shop around for the best gas price. Pay attention to gas prices while you’re out and about, and try to notice what areas in town have the cheapest gas. Also, specialized smart phone applications can help you find the cheapest gas close to you. And, many gas stations will advertise regular, weekly specials at their locations.

3) Consider using a credit card (or debit card) that offers cash back for gas purchases. Some even offer two to five percent rebates! (But we suggest reading the fine print first.) Also, some grocery stores will offer points toward discounted gas when you use their VIP card program.

When you’re on the road…

1) Start driving as soon as you start your car. Try to not sit in the car with the engine running, while you finish your phone call, find the song you want to listen to, etc. This will just waste the gas that’s in your tank. Also, most modern engines don’t need much time to warm up, and they actually warm up more quickly when the car is in motion and operating.

2) Don’t speed, because gas mileage rapidly decreases at speeds above sixty miles an hour. It’s been reported that every five mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional 24 cents per gallon for gas.

3) Use overdrive gears and cruise control, if appropriate. They improve fuel economy during highway driving.

4) Use the air conditioner only when you absolutely need it, because air conditioning dramatically reduces fuel economy. Some car air conditioners have an “economy” setting which allows the circulation of un-chilled air, and many have  a “maximum” or “recirculation” setting that reduce the amount of hot air from outside that must be chilled. Both settings can reduce air conditioning load and as a result, save gas.

5) Remove excess weight form your trunk and try to avoid packing items on top of your car. Extra pounds in the trunk and on top can reduce fuel economy from two to five percent.

NARPRO helps consumers find top, independent and honest auto repair shops and competent auto body shops near where they live, work and travel.  Visit NARPRO.com to find Portland, OR auto repair shops or auto body shops.

What You Should Know About Getting the Most Out of Your Car's Warranty

We previously posted a few common misconceptions consumers have about their warranty. However, it’s also important to know what to expect from your car’s warranty. Here, we provide you with some tips on how to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to your warranty...

1) Read it! Usually when you get a new car, the warranty will be bundled in with the owner’s manual. Read through your car’s manual and warranty for a general description and specific details about your coverage.

2) Know how long your warranty is for. Make sure you get any problems checked out before the warranty expires.

3) 

Service your car regularly. For the sake of keeping your warranty in tact, follow your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. You’ll find details about your car’s service schedule in the owner’s manual.

4) Keep all service receipts. No matter who performs service on your car, save the receipts. This includes anything from oil changes to tire rotations, to belt replacements, new brake pads or general inspections. This will come in handy if you have to use your warranty, because if you ever have a warranty claim and it appears you did not maintain your vehicle, your claim could be denied.

For more information about your warranty and service, feel free to reach out to your NARPRO mechanic. Click here to learn more about NARPRO, or to find an honest Portland, OR auto repair shop or auto body shop.

Common Consumer Concerns, and Clarifications, about Car Warranties

We all know that a warranty on a car is a good thing; it’s a “promise” often made by the manufacturer to stand behind its product or to fix certain defects or malfunctions over a period of time.

However, many of us share the common misunderstanding that we can only get our “under warranty” car serviced at the dealership, instead of at the neighborhood repair shop we have come to trust. According to Consumer Reports 7 out of 10 car owners prefer the service they receive from their local, independent shop over the service provided by the dealers.

The fact of the matter is, according to the nation’s consumer protection agency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), it is actually illegal for a dealership to deny a car’s warranty coverage simply because another shop, such as an independent shop, performed routine maintenance or repairs.

Routine maintenance often includes oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacement, fluid checks and flushes, new brake pads, air conditioning service or alignments, to name a few.

So if your car needs any of these repairs and it’s under warranty, you can take it to an independent repair shop, such as your local NARPRO shop, and the warranty will not be voided by your manufacturer.

We also want to take a moment to clear up another common cause of confusion, regarding aftermarket or recycled parts. Consumers often think that using these types of parts will also void their warranty, but it will not. The Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for companies to void a warranty or deny coverage simply because an aftermarket part was used. However, it is always better, whenever practicable, to use original equipment parts when having repairs performed on your car.  Doing so should eliminate any questioning of your rights under the warranty.

So if you’re concerned that using aftermarket parts on your auto repair will void your warranty, you can now be worry free. Remember that your favorite shop can do most inspections and repairs on your new car and give you the same trusted service as always.  After all, isn’t that why you chose that shop in the first place?  Ask your NARPRO mechanic which services you can get from him and when you are required to go back to the dealer for warranty work.  

NARPRO helps consumers find top, independent and honest auto repair shops and auto body shops near where they live, work or travel. Click here to find a Portland, OR auto repair shop or Phoenix, AZ auto body shop.

Why Do We Drive 55mph?

Ever wonder why the speed limit is what it is? Why 55 mph? Why not 60? Or something random, like 48?

Well, it has to do with Congress and the first OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) gas embargo during the early 1970s. Congress passed a law mandating 55 mph as the national speed limit. But what were they thinking? How did they come up with this number?

Actually, fifty-five miles per hour is really not the most fuel-efficient speed. You get the best fuel economy when your torque converter first goes into lock-up in top gear; in a traditional automatic, four cylinder engine vehicle, that’s usually  around 40 mph and sometimes as low as 25 mph.

So, why 55?

Well, it has to do with wind resistance, actually. It turns out that when it comes to wind resistance, at 30 mph wind resistance is four times as great compared to when a car is going 30 mph. When wind resistance hits 55 mph, the curve begins to rise almost vertically, so at 65 mph, wind resistance is greater than at 55 mph.

If that doesn’t seem like it’s that much of a difference, it actually is. Here’s an explanation that might be easier for some of us to understand: Imagine walking in a waist-deep swimming pool. It’s not hard to do if you walk slowly, but trying to walk at your normal walking speed is much harder, and trying to run is practically impossible!

Another reason the national speed limit was set at 55 mph and not 45 or 50 mph: time. For a fairly short trip of about 20 miles, the time penalty for driving at 55 mph versus 65 mph is just about three minutes; however, the fuel consumption penalty for driving faster averages nearly 20%, but for some vehicles it may be much higher.

So, next time you’re on the highway and frustrated that the 55 mph speed limit is just too slow for you, think about the gas you’re saving, and remember, you’re only going to get to your final destination a couple minutes quicker by speeding up to or 15 mph!

NARPRO helps consumers find top, independent and honest auto repair shops and competent auto body shops near where they live, work or travel. Click here to find Portland, OR auto repair shops or auto body shops.

Study Shows Consumers Happier with Independent Shops Compared to Dealerships

Consumer Reports recently put out a survey, revealing consumers biggest complaints when it comes to auto repair. The top two complaints on the list were that the repairs cost too much and the repairs weren’t done properly. Following those, consumers biggest gripes were that the work took longer than expected to complete, they had to bring their car back because the work didn’t “hold up” and the price was more than what was originally expected.

The survey also revealed that the costs at dealerships were ten percent higher than the repair costs at independent repair shops, further proving that consumers are more satisfied with the work independent shops perform on cars.

When you take your car to your independent, neighborhood NARPRO auto repair or auto body shop, you can rest assured that you will receive honest, quality work from you trustworthy NARPRO mechanic. Here’s a few tips the Consumer Reports article shares, so consumers can make sure they are getting their repairs done right, and leaving the shop satisfied with their car.

• Describe to your mechanic the problem in full detail, and be specific about noises or weird smells or leaks coming from your car.

• Avoid self-diagnosing your car; leave that to the mechanic.

• If the problem occurs when your car is moving, ask to test drive the repaired vehicle with the mechanic in the car with you.

• Ask to see the old parts after the repairs are finished. Your honest NARPRO mechanic will be more than happy to give them to you. 

Keeping these suggestions in mind next time you have auto repair needs will help you to not inly communicate more effectively with your NARPRO mechanic, but also leave the shop satisfied, making that trip the only trip you’ll have to make to the repair shop.


NARPRO helps consumers find top, independent and honest auto repair shops and competent auto body shops near where they live, work or travel. Click here to find Portland, OR  auto repair shops or Tucson auto repair shops.

Like Us on Facebook and WIN!

We have an awesome promotion to offer you! For the next week only, if you "like" us on Facebook, you are automatically entered into a drawing which qualifies you to win a $100 NARPRO gift card, to be used as a credit at any NARPRO shop for any type of service.

But in order to be included in the drawing you MUST "like" us by October 17th, 2011. Click here to like us or visit www.facebook.com/NARPRO.

And even if you don't win, by liking our Facebook page you will be kept up to date on all of NARPRO's news, as well as informed on the latest consumer information on how to operate your car, in addition to any other future special offers only for our Facebook friends!

So get to liking, and good luck!

How to Find a Reliable Auto Repair Shop

We know that finding a trustworthy auto repair shop can be difficult, which is why NARPRO is dedicated to helping consumers find honest mechanics.  We asked Bill Coniam, owner of one of our member shops 25^th Street Automotive in Phoenix, for some tips on finding a reliable repair shop. You can also read more from Bill by visiting his blog, CarGuyPhoenix.

Start Shopping for a Repair Facility Before You Need One – Bill says to ask friends for recommendations and to search online for reviews.  NARPRO has a Full Circle Review system on every member shop’s page that allows customers to rate and review their experience at the shop. Once you’ve found a shop you like, make sure it offers services like providing transportation to get you to and from work while your car is being worked on.  Also look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community or customer service awards.

Check for Certifications and Credentials - Pay close attention to the shop’s business credentials. A good shop will have credentials from organizations like the Better Business Bureau and the National Institute for Automotive Service excellence (ASE).  It’s also important to note that shops that have ASE certified technicians on staff are always reliable; NARPRO requires all of our member shops to employ auto mechanics with ASE certifications.

Get it in Writing – According to Bill, a written estimate should be agreed upon prior to letting the shop begin the repair.  He says the estimate “better be ‘out the door’, meaning no hidden fees, charges or surprises when you come to pick up your car.”  He also says the shop should contact you if the services are coming to more than ten percent over what you originally authorized.  Every NARPRO shop offers a free 2^nd Opinion Program, where a technician will take up to 30 minutes of their time and diagnostic equipment, reviewing a written estimate and providing their written estimate, detailing their recommendations.

Be Careful! - A couple things we suggest trying to AVOID: be especially wary of shops that don’t charge for diagnostic time, are not willing to give you a written estimate and detailed description of the work that needs to be done (with itemized costs), or a shop that advertises oil changes for under $30.  Reputable shops don't try and draw customers in this way, because eventually they have to make up the costs somewhere else.

5 Maintenance Tips to Help Prevent Large Repair Bills Down the Road

A recent report by AAA stated that one out of four Americans could not afford a $2,000 repair bill if faced with one.  Many of us are trying to save money, and regular or preventative auto repair and maintenance might not always be budgeted in. 

Master Technician John Riggle, from NARPRO member shop The Auto Shop, provides tips that can help prevent a large repair bill down the road.  John says it’s important to note though, that sometimes the $2,000 plus bill is not preventable with maintenance; some repairs are going to be costly no matter how well you take care of your car.  Here are some of his suggestions you can do now to (hopefully) prevent a bigger repair bill down the road.

1) Avoid incompetent maintenance – “We see more damages caused by improper maintenance and service procedures than caused by normal wear and tear,” says John.  Incorrect fluids, no matter how often they are changed, will cause extensive damage when it comes to incorrect engine oil,transmission fluid and coolant. John often comes across air filter changes from unqualified installers improperly sealing air cleaner housings; even the best filter is harmful if the housing isn’t sealed correctly. 

2) Replace the timing belt – John says this is “A relatively inexpensive service when replaced as recommended.”  Find out when the manufacturer recommends replacing the belt and follow their recommendations.  If your belt unexpectedly breaks while driving, your car will immediately stall, often causing severe engine damage.  A repair like this costs over $1,500, not to mention the cost of towing your car.

3) Maintain a clean car, over and under – Have fluid leaks checked right away.  “It makes a difference,” says John. “Battery acid from cheap, poorly maintained batteries can tear up a $2,000 wiring harness in a minute.”  John says to prevent this, simply rinse the battery with a garden hose.  Also rinsing the underside of your vehicle can help with reducing the chance of fluid leaks.  Engine mounts, suspension bushings and steering racks will fail as a direct result of irregular cleaning. 

4) Address even small failures immediately - Don’t wait or ignore the warning lights, such as the check engine light. According to John, “They’re your warning sign that there is a system malfunction.”  He also suggests reading your car’s owner’s manual so you understand the warning lights and recommended services for your vehicle, or ask your service advisor at your reliable NARPRO repair shop.

5) Don’t drive until the gas tank is empty – Your fuel pump won’t tolerate it if you drive until you run out of gas, or get dangerously close to empty.  Many fuel pumps can cost around $900 to replace.

But remember, even if you do the tips suggested, John says it’s important to budget your money, because from time to time the $2000 failures are going to occur.