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October 2018

Philadelphia, PA auto repair

Don’t Forget To Ask Your Auto Repair Shop

By | Auto Repair | No Comments

When you approach a Philadelphia, PA auto repair shop, of course you want to know what services they provide, what vehicles they work on, and whether or not their technicians are properly trained. But there are other things you might normally forget to ask, but you definitely need to know. Use this list of questions when you approach a new shop about working on your vehicle.  

What Type Of Warranty Do You Have? 

Any auto repair shop worth its weight will back its workmanship up with a warranty. That warranty might be different depending on the repairs you need, but in essence, if something goes wrong because of the repairs the shop does, they should repair it again and cover the costs without question. Ask about the warranty because you never know if you might run into a shop without one at all. If you do, don’t work with them. They might not do quality work in the first place, which might be why they don’t stand behind it later.  

What Are Your Labor Rates? 

Your vehicle might need something small on occasion, like a lightbulb changed or an air filter switched out. These are little things, but the labor on various auto repairs can really kill you. It’s best to know what the labor rates are upfront. Keep in mind that sometimes you get what you pay for. Choosing a shop with the lowest labor rates might mean they carry the lowest quality technicians around. Search for something that’s fair to both you and the shop’s employees.  

Are Your Estimates Free? 

Before you get any repairs done at all, you might want an estimate on what’s going to be done so you know what it’ll cost you. The best auto repair shops offer you free estimates. Don’t let a shop do an estimate without asking if it’s free only to have them come out with an estimate—and a bill for that estimate. The shops shouldn’t do any work on your car without permission so get an estimate first so you can assess if it’s fair before you move forward.  

Do You Have Shuttles Or Loaners? 

Having car repairs can be a real bummer if the repairs are going to take quite a bit of time and you don’t have a ride to another location. Ask the auto repair shop if they offer shuttle services so you can get home or to work without sitting around, waiting in the waiting room. They might also offer loaner vehicles for longer repairs so you can do what you need to do without question.  

There are plenty of things to ask a Philadelphia, PA auto repair shop when your car needs help, but these questions are often things you might forget when you are dealing with repairs that have to be done. Call Schafer’s Auto Center at (215) 755-1270 for an appointment or to ask questions about auto repair. You can also visit us at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148.  

auto repair in Philadelphia, PA

Questions To Ask Auto Mechanics—Have No Fear

By | Auto Maintenance | No Comments

If you don’t know a lot about cars, you might feel a bit mystified about what goes on under the hood. Your Philadelphia, PA auto mechanic might feel a little intimidating to you. But they shouldn’t. Your auto mechanic is someone who has specialized training in cars. They don’t know about your line of work just like you don’t know about theirs and that’s okay. It takes all sorts of people to make the world work the way it does. If you have questions for your auto mechanic, ask them. Don’t have any fear about asking something they think is obvious. They’ll understand that you’re not an expert, just as they aren’t an expert in your field. Here are a few questions to ask your auto mechanic before you take your vehicle in.  

What Types Of Vehicles Does Your Shop Work On? 

Some shops take any and every type of vehicle while others might specialize in high-end cars like BMWs and other certain makes. Certain cars take specialized tools and proper training while others are more run of the mill. If you find a shop that accepts your type of vehicle, you’re in luck and can take it to them for service. If they don’t work on your type of car, you can ask for recommendations for a shop nearby that does.  

What Kind Of Equipment Do You Have In The Shop? 

Every time a car manufacturer comes out with a new vehicle, there are new systems that go with it. These systems are getting more and more sophisticated and many take updated equipment and diagnostics for repair. Your auto mechanic should have the latest technology so it’s worth you asking what they do have. You want your car to have the best repairs and diagnostics and you’ll never know what it’s getting unless you ask.  

What Type Of Replacement Parts Do You Use? 

Not every replacement part is the same and there are generic brands and plenty of options, just as there are in every other facet of the car industry. You often get what you pay for in this region and if you get factory-quality parts, your car will operate better. You have the right to ask where the replacement part comes from and whether or not the brand is recommended by the car’s manufacturer. It’s your car—you get to say what goes on it.  

There are plenty of other questions you can ask a Philadelphia, PA auto mechanic, but be clear about one thing—you should have no fears about asking. If your auto mechanic makes you feel bad about anything you ask, it’s time to look for a new mechanic. The professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center are here to answer your questions, no matter what they might be regarding. Give us a call at (215) 755-1270 or stop by and see us at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148. We’re honest and we understand not everyone knows auto mechanics like we do. We’re here for you when you need us. 

brake repair in Philadelphia, PA

Stay Ahead of Brake Repair Needs

By | Brake Repair Shop | No Comments

There are plenty parts in your vehicle that are essential to how it runs, but there’s nothing more essential to your safety than the brakes. The brakes are what you use to slow down fast if something gets in your path. They are the difference between getting into an accident or stopping in time. That makes Philadelphia, PA brake repair an essential car maintenance item. Instead of waiting until it’s too late, stay on top of break repair so you are proactive about your chances on the road.  

Learning the signs that your vehicle needs brake repair isn’t too hard. Much of it boils down to the sounds your vehicle makes. You know what your car sounds like normally so if you notice squealing or screeching when you are stepping on the brake, brake repair is probably in order. If you address the issue quickly, it is probably just a brake pad that needs to be replaced. That part is relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. If you ignore the sounds, there could be further damage in the future.  

Philadelphia, PA brake repairYou also know what your vehicle feels like as you operate it around the curves and down the road. If you feel vibrations in the vehicle when you are trying to brake, it might be that your brake rotors are wearing down from use. They can be warped over time and brake repairs are in order in those cases as well.  

You also likely know how long it usually takes you to stop. Consider your normal route to and from work and pay attention to when you press on the brakes and where you stop. If that changes and it takes you longer and longer to stop, it’s only a matter of time before you get into an unsafe situation. Get your brakes check to see if they need brake repair. Being able to stop in a short distance can make a huge difference in a dangerous situation. 

Ignoring brake repair is not in anyone’s best interest. You want to get where you need to go safely, and you want those traveling with you and anyone around you to be safe as well. The moment you notice that your brakes aren’t functioning up to par, you should get in for brake repair. It’s possible they just need a little adjustment or some new pads. But it’s certainly not worth the risk to drive on brakes that aren’t 100% working. You never know what’s going to happen out there and you need to have your vehicle in the best stopping order at all times.  

If you’re ready for Philadelphia, PA brake repair, or you just want to get your brakes checked out to see what they might need, contact Schafer’s Auto Center at (215) 755-1270. We’ll set you up with an appointment and make sure your brakes are in perfect working order. SAR is located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA and we’re here to help with your brakes before it’s too late. 

Philadelphia, PA oil changes

Budget Friendly Ways To Improve Your Ride

By | Auto Service | No Comments

If your vehicle is giving you a bumpy ride or the steering doesn’t seem to respond just as it should, there are things you can do to improve the experience you have behind the wheel. Philadelphia, PA oil changes, for example, can make a world of difference in the way your vehicle rides on a daily basis. There are other little things you can do for a small amount of money that also add up to a much better ride. Here are a few to consider.  

Wiper Replacement 

It might sound silly, but even the little change of replacing your window wipers can make a huge difference. IF you haven’t replaced your wipers in the last year, it’s definitely time. Even the best wiper only last 12 months or so. Wipers that don’t do a good job leave you with a streaky windshield, which makes it harder to see. You might have to crane your neck around streaks and smears, even when it isn’t raining, because the wipers just aren’t doing their job. This inexpensive fic can make a better ride with ease.  

Tire Rotation 

Your tires need to be rotated and it’s a cheap and easy way to get more out of the tires and your vehicle. Regular rotations will help you get even wear on all of your tires. It also enhances how the vehicle rides and handles. You’ll extend the life of your tires by thousands of miles and feel better about how it rides as well. It’s a good idea to get a tire rotation with every, or at least every other, oil change.  

Oil Change 

oil changes in Philadelphia, PA

An oil change is something you have to do for the sake of your engine, but it also helps give you a better ride. You get the most miles out of your car and the moving parts stay lubricated, which reduces friction and buildup. Every vehicle rides better when the engine is working well, and the oil change is something that is necessary to a healthy engine.  

Wheel Alignment 

When you hit a bunch of potholes around the city, who knows what’s happening to your wheel alignment. Get it checked every so often and get things lined back up when necessary. Your vehicle won’t drag in another direction when you are trying to steer it straight and you won’t have to worry about the tires being messed up by a bad alignment, either.  

There are plenty of ways to get your vehicle in better shape for a more comfortable ride. These ideas are just a start to keep you on budget. The professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center can get you set up for a Philadelphia, PA oil change or any other service when you call them at (215) 755-1270. We want your car to be as comfortable and happy as possible for as long as possible. SAR is located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA. Stop in and see us soon for adjustments on your vehicle.  

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