Top Things to consider while taking automotive services

Before you drop your vehicle of to your mechanic on The Gold Coast for servicing, consider these things to ensure you get the best outcome:

·        Make a list

Often there are often a few issues that you want to be looked at when having your car serviced. The best and most effective way to do this is to make a list that you can give to your mechanic. It’s much easier to explain the problems or concerns you have if it’s written down and you can be sure your mechanic takes note and there is no confusion.

Any strange noises or changes from the normal way the vehicle feels or handles when driving should be recorded on the list, especially brakes and suspension operations.

·        Always Remove any Personal Possessions

Your mechanic on Gold Coast pride themselves on providing a honest and professional service, but it is not their responsibility to safe guard your personal belongings while working on you vehicle. Most workshops are busy places and removing your valuables is a sensible precaution. Check the glove box and other areas you keep things including the luggage compartment.

·        Filters and other Replaceable Components

It’s now a normal practice for mechanics on The Gold Coast to replace your oil filter and leave the old filter in your luggage compartment (warped to ensure it does not dirty your vehicle). Any other components or parts they have replaced including the empty oil containers and containers of other fluids used should also be available for your inspection.

The cabin air filter should also be cleaned or replaced to ensure you have the proper airflow and air quality from your air conditioner. If you have noticed any different smells coming from your air conditioner this should be noted on you work list. It’s important that the air filter is cleaned with compressed air to remove any dust from deep inside it, not just surface wiped.

·        Check the Engine Oil

Before you take your vehicle in to be serviced, lift the hood and remove the dipstick to take a visual test of the oil. It should look clear and not black, (some diesel vehicles have black oil because of carbon from the cylinders, but the oil must not be thickened by this). The oil should be at the full mark.

·        Do a test drive after servicing

When you go to collect your vehicle ask them if you can do a test drive to ensure all the issues you have were addressed. Your vehicle should feel different after servicing as many areas will have been adjusted or components replaced where necessary. Often the brakes will feel more effective, the steering will feel more positive and the suspension will react more smoothly and any strange noises will have been removed.

Things like windshield wiper blades and washer liquids will have been replaced, the tyres may have been rotated and the air pressure adjusted and all the instrument gauges and warning lights will be working properly.

Having you vehicle serviced with a mechanic on The Gold Coast will ensure your vehicle not only runs correctly and efficiently but will maintain its value and save on costly repairs. Making a list of any issues helps your mechanic do a better job.