When you run into car problems, you should first turn to the Internet to learn what the problem could be. You may find that it is an easy to repair problem that you can do on your own. This could save you hundreds of dollars in labor fees if you had to take it to a shop.
It is not legal for a mechanic to start working on your car before you officially authorize them to do so, usually by signing a contract. Be careful what you authorize the mechanic to do. You should only sign documents that include a detailed list of the needed repairs and their prices.
Protect your car from water damage. Take the time to make sure all windows and doors are properly closed. Keep your car on higher ground if you live in an area that's easily flooded. If you have sandbags, build a wall around your car. Don't drive in areas with high water levels. Don't start your car if it's been exposed to flood waters.
Keep accurate records on what work has been done on your car and when. Many repair shops will keep this information for you, but that only works if you see them for everything for major breakdowns to oil changes. This can help in diagnosing problems, as you can show what fixes have already been attempted.
Don't ignore small annoying sounds or problems. These tiny annoyances, such as noisy brakes, are usually cheap to fix. If ignored, however, they can usually lead to much more extensive problems and expensive repairs. Replacing worn brake pads now is much cheaper than having to replace the pads, rotors, brake lines, and calipers later.
Even if you aren't particularly handy, there are a few DIY repairs that almost anyone can do. For example, changing the windshield wiper blades is really just a matter of snapping off one set and snapping on another. Look in your user's manual or use a measuring tape to determine what size you need. Don't be dismayed if the store where you purchase your windshield wiper blades only has one in the right size. You can use one that is an inch shorter on the passenger side of your windshield without causing any problems.
No more are you going to have to think you don't know what to do when read more you need to fix your car. Think about the decision you're facing, and come to a better conclusion now that you have the tips that have been shared with you. Always remember that the power should be in your hands.
Original Source:
Advantage/EZ Rent a Car to pay $4.6 million over car repair complaints
Two subsidiaries of Advantage/EZ Rent a Car, an Orlando company, agreed to pay $4.6 million to California authorities and consumers Monday to settle allegations that they overcharged customers who damaged vehicles.
Advantage, which acquired EZ in 2015, sometimes receives discounted rates at the auto shops where they repair their cars, the San Mateo County district attorney’s office said. California law bars rental car companies from billing customers who damage rental cars more than the actual cost of repair.
The complaint, which was filed in Alameda County Superior Court Monday, alleged that EZ and Advantage did not pass on the discounts they received for car repairs to customers. Instead, they often billed car renters amounts based on third-party repair estimates, which were higher than the discounted rate the companies received, according to the statement.
“We all know how frustrating it is to more info accidentally damage a rental car,†Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley said in a statement. “If you happen to do so, you should not be charged an excessive amount to repair the car or need to worry about whether the cost of repair work is being used to generate revenue.â€Important Source :https://www.sfchronicle.com