Today's cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past.
But when it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. The following tips should help you along the way:
Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service.
- Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and components.
- Follow the recommended service schedules.
- Keep a log of all repairs and service.
When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals.
Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for:
- Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings.
- Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels.
- Worn tires, belts, hoses.
- Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations.
- Note when the problem occurs.
- Is it constant or periodic?
- When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
- At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting?
- When did the problem first start?
Once you are at our location, communicate your findings.
- Be prepared to describe the symptoms.
- Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give us.
- Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. Just as you would with your physician, tell us where it hurts and how long it's been that way, but let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.
Stay involved. . . Ask questions.
- Ask as many questions as needed to fully understand your repair. Ask for laymen terms if needed.
- Don't rush the technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. You may ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins.
- Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.
- Leave a telephone number where you can be called.
What People Say About Us
Nick and the team at SDP are top notch! They've done an excellent job of getting my 7.3 back on the road and running like a champ. Nick is very personable and his knowledge of and enthusiasm for diesel engines shows in conversation. As long as SDP is around, my truck will never go to another shop. Keep up the good work guys!
I had a emissions delete, exhaust and programmer installed on my 2011 Dodge 3500. SDP is very professional and knowledgeable and mostly honest! I am very pleased with the work and would recommend anyone to go here for all your diesel work!!
2005 Ford 6.0. Nick and his crew are top notch. EGR delete, later a FICM replacement. High quality work, with fair prices. Would recommend them to anyone!
Excellent staff and outstanding diesel knowledge! Could not be happier with the results - Nick & Crew gave me a full walk-through before dropping off my truck and kept me updated throughout the job, to include providing me with other recommendations that I had not even considered. Extremely impressed and happy to have found my diesel spot. Stoked on my 7.3!
