Ms Goodwrench

Women sometimes feel defensive, apprehensive and even intimidated by having to bring their car or truck in for repairs. Purchasing a new or used vehicle can be twice as bad. Here are a few strategies to try that will help you gain the respect you deserve.
First, as with choosing any retailer or service provider from plumbers to doctors, ask friends and relatives for referrals and then build a rapport. If I went to my doctor with an earache and he told me I need my spleen removed, I’d believe him. If you bring your car to your mechanic with a dead battery and they tell you it needs an expensive electronic brake module that’s causing the battery to drain overnight, you have to believe him. Of course trust has to be earned, so choosing a reputable repair shop or dealership is just the beginning. You then need to patronize them for not only repairs, but for oil changes, tire rotations, and other common maintenance items. After all, you probably first visited your doctor with cold or flu symptoms or aches and pains – not because you suspected internal bleeding, a brain tumor or a ruptured spleen.
You will gain confidence in them with every oil change, and they will value and respect you as a steady customer. Most businesses realize that they spend lots of money advertising to gain new customers. Once you have a customer, it makes good sense to try to keep her, or him, rather than lose them and then spend more money to replace them.
To avoid feeling defensive dealing with the male dominated automotive field, do some homework. Knowledge is power and the internet is a valuable educational tool. Links listed on this website can help you.
If you’re looking to buy a car, there are several sites that will help you choose which models will suite your needs and let you compare features side by side. Sites like Kelly Blue Book www.kbb.com and Edmunds www.edmunds.com offer pricing, ratings and even independent reviews of all types of new and used cars and trucks.
If your facing a repair issue, a google search of the symptom, make and model can provide results that will help give you an idea of what your facing. Now, when you get to the repair shop you’ll be better able to describe the condition – what the noise sounds like, when the vibration is felt, etc. Also, you’ll have an idea of what’s involved in repairing the problem. If it’s a common concern, which many concerns are, you’ll be a more educated consumer and feel more confident about bringing the car in, more assured that the repairs will be effective and that you’re paying a reasonable price. In some cases common concerns may be covered under warranty or recall coverage – call the manufacturer for clarification.
For added peace of mind, ask for a written estimate before any repairs are performed and ask for the old parts back. These are steps that warranty companies take to help ensure that they are not exploited. You should do the same.