Automotive Repair Tips

Diagnostics

Diagnostics has become our specialty over the years. We diagnose:

• engines
• tuning problems
• driveability problems
• ignition systems
• on-board computer systems
• and, of course, fuel systems.

The key to successfully solving a vehicle's problems is to start with a diagnosis. Savas Tuning has acquired key equipment that allows our service department to hone in on problems. In addition to the proper diagnostic equipment, a successful diagnostic technician should also have a good technical background, proper training, and should exhibit a thorough troubleshooting approach.

Customers often come to our shop with preconceived notions about what they think is wrong with their vehicle. It is most constructive for us when a customer explains in a clear, concise, and direct way the symptoms that they've experienced. A good technician should then ask questions that relate to each specific case.
A good example of this is a customer who states that "the car would not start." Some basic questions from a technician would be:

• Do the dashlights light up on the dash when cranking the engine?
• Will the car start when it is warmed up?
• Does the car start in cold weather?
• Does the engine turn over when the key is turned in the ignition?

Intermittent Problems

Intermittent problems are the most difficult to solve because there is no guarantee that the vehicle will act-up while it is in the shop. Both the customer and the technician must have patience. The customer should document as well as possible, the exact conditions at the time of failure. The technician should know what questions to ask based on this information.

Electronics

Electronics are found everywhere in vehicles today. Unfortunately, they are frequently the cause of intermittent problems. Electronic systems provide precise control of many key functions in vehicles. In new cars, electronics provide:

• quicker starting
• good fuel economy
• cleaner exhaust
• better overall performance
• safety features:
  • anti-lock brakes
  • air bags
  • traction control
  • and more.

Parts

Automotive parts are advertised in ways that lead consumers to purchase parts based on name-recognition alone. Over many years of servicing customer vehicles, we have seen first-hand the frequent failure of "newly" or "recently" replaced parts. Sadly, the customer often bears the cost of replacing parts that were recently replaced, but have run out of warranty. This experience has led us to make good choices when selecting the manufacturer or brand of certain parts. Typically, quality parts cost more than inferior parts, but not always. Quality parts also last longer.
For instance, if a part costs $75 at a local parts house, but the original manufacturer's part costs $100 and lasts three times longer, you may have saved $25 initially for that part. But, the labor for replacing the cheaper part usually is lost as well as any repeated labor costs!
Also remember that parts warranties are often misleading. Lifetime warranties are not indicators of quality. I REPEAT, "Warranty periods that are longer are NOT indicators of QUALITY!!!" So, how does a person decide which part to buy?

Experience, Experience, and more Experience!