Today's cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past.
But when it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. The following tips should help you along the way:
Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service.
- Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and components.
- Follow the recommended service schedules.
- Keep a log of all repairs and service.
When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals.
Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for:
- Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings.
- Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels.
- Worn tires, belts, hoses.
- Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations.
- Note when the problem occurs.
- Is it constant or periodic?
- When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
- At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting?
- When did the problem first start?
Once you are at our location, communicate your findings.
- Be prepared to describe the symptoms.
- Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give us.
- Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. Just as you would with your physician, tell us where it hurts and how long it's been that way, but let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.
Stay involved. . . Ask questions.
- Ask as many questions as needed to fully understand your repair. Ask for laymen terms if needed.
- Don't rush the technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. You may ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins.
- Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.
- Leave a telephone number where you can be called.
Car Warranty Scams FAQs
Is there a car warranty scam?
Yes, there are car warranty scams that try to take advantage of unsuspecting vehicle owners. You may have received calls from scammers that start with automated or pre-recorded prompts to enter basic information and stay on the line.
Once the call begins, the scammer pretends to be an auto manufacturer or insurer telling you that your auto warranty or car insurance is about to expire. Then they ask you to provide personal information, which will later be used to defraud you. Sometimes the caller will have actual information about your automobile.
What do I do if I fell for a car warranty scam?
There is no way to get your personal information or money back, but you can reach out to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file a complaint. You can contest any charges to your bank card through your bank. Consider using a credit monitoring service.
Who is behind the auto warranty scam calls?
Regulators allege the fake auto warranty calls, which scam customers out of financial and personal information, originate from a ring run by Roy Cox Jr., Aaron Michael Jones and Sumco Panama companies.
How do you check if your car warranty or vehicle insurance has really expired?
If you are afraid your warranty or insurance may have really expired: first hang up with the potential scammer. Next, call your car dealer or insurer and inquire about your policy.
Discover More About Appointments and Repair Services At Shelley's Precision Auto Center in Thousand Oaks
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What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
Absolutely love Shelley's and I am a repeat and ongoing customer! I'm always looking for a place that I feel comfortable going to on my own without my fiance as I'm not mechanically savvy and this is it! Christy, who is at the front desk and keeps this place running is so warm and welcoming. She does her job well and is always moving whether it is answering phone calls or managing all the different keys and customers. She remembered me after my first visit! The mechanics here are trustworthy and do their job well. I've gotten two reasonably priced oil changes and also brought my car in for a tire repair and I'm very happy with all my interactions at Shelley's. I would suggest making an appointment or dropping off your car because this place IS BUSY. If you are doing a walk in expect to wait a couple of hours, but otherwise I will definitely be back for all my car related concerns!
Christy, who runs the front of the shop, is the best. I needed to get my car smog checked. The problem was I had a check engine light. Shelley's did a diagnosis and was able to clear the check engine, but the codes would still not pass. We were able to assess the problem that could have been $$$ in parts and labor for a catalytic converter, but there was an alternative to flush out the codes for an indefinite amount of miles. I checked once a week before work at Shelley's to see if it my car cleared. Every time, denied. Then my check engine light went on again! Hope was lost. I gave up going to Shelley's for months. Until today. When I got in my car and was heading to work the check engine light was off. I immediately went to Shelley's. The codes were clean! We ran the smog and passed. I am legit on the road again. Thanks for your persistence with me Shelley's! I'll be a lifetime customer.