Page 18 - AAA Now! – AAA Akron Auto Club – Spring 2020

AUTOMOTIVE MATTERS
AAA
Better Communication = Better Automotive Repair
In addition to routine maintenance, every automobile will require repair from time to time. When a problem arises, you can help the staff at your repair facility deliver more efficient and cost-effective repairs by giving them clear and complete information about any symptoms you have might have noticed. After all, no one knows your vehicle better than you.
To help identify automotive problems and communicate them to your repair technician, take a few minutes to use your senses and report what you find:
Look at the area around and under your vehicle for:
• Fluid spots on the ground where you park • Smoke or steam that might be visible
Listen for strange noises, including:
• Squeals – shrill, sharp noises, usually related to engine speed
• Clicks – slight sharp noises, associated to either engine speed or vehicle speed
• Screeches – high-pitched, piercing metallic sounds that typically occur while the vehicle is in motion
• Rumbles – low-pitched rhythmic sounds
• Pings – high-pitched metallic tapping sounds, often related to engine speed
• Heavy knocks – rhythmic pounding sounds • Clunks – random thumping sounds
Smell to identify unusual odors such as:
• Light, sharp odors similar to the smell of burned toast
• The smell of rotten eggs or a continuous burning, sulfur smell
• Thick, acrid odors
• The smell of gasoline vapors
• Burning resin or sour chemical odors • Sweet, steamy odors
Feel any differences in the way your car responds:
• Hard steering, a rough or bouncy ride, vibrations • Poor performance when applying the throttle
or brakes
Organize your thoughts before beginning any discussion with the service writer or repair technician. Be prepared to explain:
• What the symptom is
• When it began
• If it comes and goes or is steady
• If it occurs only when the engine is hot or cold • If it happens only when turning left or right
• If it occurs only when braking or accelerating
Communicate this information in your own words using simple terms. Please avoid the use of technical jargon unless you are sure what it means. This reduces the possibility of providing inaccurate information and confusing the diagnostic process. In some cases, a short road test might be appropriate to point out the exact symptom you are concerned about.
AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities employ ASE certified technicians and have the tools, training and experience needed to perform high-quality automotive repairs. To locate an approved facility near you, look for the AAR sign or visit AAA.com/AAR.
NEED A REPAIR SHOP?
These repair shops have passed muster with AAA. We stand behind their work.
AAA’s Approved Auto Repair Shops are thoroughly screened and monitored to make sure they meet AAA’s tough consumer standards for quality and reliability.
• 24-month/24,000-mile repair guarantee by the facility
• Free maintenance inspection with any paid service
• Discounts on labor for auto repair or maintenance service (up to $50)
• AAA’s support to help resolve disputes arising from a service or repair at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility
Akron Auto Clinic
922 W. Bowery St. Akron, OH 44307 (330) 434-9740
Amer’s West Hill Marathon
569 West Market St. Akron, OH 44303 (330) 253-0666
Conrad’s Tire Express & Total Car Care
580 Ridgewood Crossing Drive Akron, OH 44333
(330) 664-1481
Conrad’s Tire Express & Total Car Care
1091 E. Aurora Road Macedonia, OH 44056 (330) 468-6100
Conrad’s Tire Express & Total Car Care
10211 Liberty Road Reminderville, OH 44087 (330) 998-6710
Conrad’s Tire Express & Total Car Care
3747 Massillon Road Uniontown, OH 44685 (330) 896-1600
Goodyear Auto Service Center
3453 S. Arlington Road Akron, OH 44312
(330) 896-8633
Goodyear Auto Service Center
1800 Buchholzer Blvd. Akron, OH 44310 (330) 633-7000
Goodyear Auto Service Center
90 Graham Road Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223 (330) 923-0656
Goodyear Auto Service Center
4445 Kent Road Stow, OH 44224 (330) 678-0600
Goodyear Auto Service Center
438 Summit Mall Fairlawn, OH 44333 (330) 867-2300
Jim & Sons Transmissions
2786 Front St.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 (330) 923-8604
Twinsburg Auto Service
9315 Darrow Road Twinsburg, OH 44087 (330) 425-9191
Wheatley Automotive
2195 N. Cleveland Massillon Road Bath, OH 44210
(330) 659-2022
18 CALL, CLICK OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL AAA OFFICE
SPRING 2020
Now!