It’s not always easy to fit the auto shop into your busy schedule, and doing it on your own certainly takes up time you may not have. Taking care of your vehicle, though, is important. Proper care and regular maintenance could earn you a few extra miles and may even smooth out the ride. Schedule time for regular inspections and repairs, but do it wisely and with a bit of planning. Here are three tips to make car checkups fit into your day.
Understand Your Needs
Often people wait for an oil change to take the car in for a full evaluation. This is problematic for several reasons: too many parts may need work at the same time and you are unaware of your automobile’s needs. Instead, take 10 minutes to pull out your manual and read through the recommendations. Understand what is required and when it should be done. Set reminders in phones or your calendar and then try to establish checks for minor issues when it’s required. Spacing out your appointments could make them shorter and less expensive.
Arrange a House Call
Gone are the days of sitting in a waiting room for hours at places that fix brakes. Today, some companies come directly to you. While you sit at your desk fielding calls and meetings, an expert could be changing out brake pads or flushing out the system. Mobile companies offer quick service, personal attention and convenience. In addition, they do not carry the overhead of a large store, hopefully passing on savings to you in the bill.
Use Specialty Shops
Stay focused on the immediate needs. If you need brakes changed, call a place that deals specifically with that. Sometimes these venues cut down your wait time because they are efficient in their work and understand the parts especially well. Furthermore, they won’t be looking for anything else that needs to be changed.
Look for Quick Locations
As you research places, pay attention to reviews that discuss time frame. Did they respect the customer’s schedule? If not, move on. Several companies guarantee fast, professional service. Should you have a busy day, go to one of these businesses. With luck, you’ll be in and out in 30 minutes. Some even let your stay in the car while you work.
Don’t get tense when you think of having work done on your car; rather, try to spread out your needs, focusing on one thing at a time. By doing this, you can get your car the work it needs and squeeze it into your schedule.