subject: Automotive Repairs Explained: Unfortunate Events [print this page] Automobiles are one of the biggest purchases a person will make in their lifetime. For those who use their cars or trucks on a daily basis for work, school or other necessary transportation, having one that runs well is like a security blanket. In fact, a recent study found that auto loans are paid before mortgages and credit card bills. The main reason for this is the ease in which a car can be repossessed. Therefore, having a properly maintained and serviced vehicle is essential.
Finding a qualified mechanic to handle regular service and auto repair is a must. Repair shops that are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a great place to start. ASE master technicians have been tested and certified to ensure quality standards in auto repair are upheld. From a simple tire alignment to the complexities involved with repairing an engine or transmission, mechanics that have gone through education and hands-on training to meet a particular skill set are the best choice. The blue and white logo on an advertisement, web site, or inside a shop window assures customers that one of their most expensive and relied upon assets will be in good hands.
When Accidents Strike
No one likes to be driving down the highway and see that dreaded signal of possible doom, the check engine light. However, vehicles within the past few decades have become equipped to sense even the slightest imbalance in performance. Therefore, the issue is often minor. It may not be a problem at all. The light itself could be improperly wired. However, taking it to an ASE technician to check the engine as the car is requesting is prudent. After all, the engine is the heart of one's ride. Mechanics that have been in the auto care and repair business for years may be able to eye a problem. However, most cars built after 1995 run on complex computerized systems. In this case, an ASE mechanic will run a check of the vehicle's mechanical and electrical system specific to the make and model.
What the Pros will Check
A series of diagnostic codes will provide the information necessary for the technician to understand where a problem is occurring. This system of codes is referred to as on-board diagnostics (OBD). OBDs have become the auto industry's go-to reference tool. After running a scan of the car or truck engine, chassis and most other parts, a series of numbers will be printed from a computer. Each number in a series means something specific to the technician. For example, the first character in the OBD code usually points to the overall system where the problem is occurring. The next number will reveal whether the issue is specific to the manufacturer of if it is generic.
Maintenance
The experienced ASE mechanic will go through the series of numbers to make the diagnosis. The numbers can also reveal statistical information about the vehicle's output. The OBD does not necessarily mean a repair. A highly-experienced mechanic may advise the owner that maintenance is due or that a particular procedure will prevent a major problem from happening in the future. This will keep the owner feeling secure that their car will be reliable many years down the road.
by: Jon Miller
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
