Page 21 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – January/February 2020

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
AAA
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What Our Members are Saying
AAA NOW!
Testimonials
On AAA Travel:
We had such a positive experience with AAA! We have no problem recommending their services. We’ll be back in SuAnn’s office planning another trip! It was the trip of a lifetime and SuAnn’s assistance made it so – she’s a treasure!
— Lori from Camp Hill
On AAA Member Services:
Lisa assisted me with hotel arrangements, trip insurance and passport pictures. She was excellent! The savings alone pay for my yearly membership.
— Nancy from Lewistown
On AAA Insurance:
Thank you Paula for your updates and for personally getting involved to help me resolve may claim. You have been an excellent, excellent ambassador for AAA and they should be ecstatic to have someone of your caliber working on their team. Thank you again!
— Steve from Lancaster
On AAA Member Services:
Sally helped us through every step of the process of transferring a car title. She was exceptionally knowledgeable and patient with us. People like her keep us renewing.
— John from Lancaster
On AAA Insurance:
I have had exceptional service from Susan. I had two appointments with her and several phone calls. She resolved my problem and gave me her time until I understood the situation.
— Don from Harrisburg
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 may 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 may be visible
• Listen for strange noises including:
− Squeals – shrill, sharp noises, usually related to
engine speed
− Clicks – slight sharp noises, related to either
engine speed or vehicle speed
− Screeches – high-pitched, piercing metallic sounds
that usually 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
− Thesmellofrotteneggsoracontinuousburning,
sulfur smell
− Thick, acrid odors
− The smell of gasoline vapors
− Burning resin or acrid 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 occurs only when turning left or right
• If it occurs only when braking or accelerating
Communicate this information in your own words using simple terms. 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 may be appropriate to point out the exact symptom you are concerned about.
Sharing information empowers both you and
the technician. No one expects you to have the technical expertise to identify the problem, but your observations are important. If you don’t share what you know, the diagnosis could cost more and needed repairs may not be made.
When repairs are complete, arrive at the repair facility at least one-half hour before they close. Read your bill carefully and question any information or charges you don't understand. Test drive your vehicle and return immediately if the problem persists. Clearly state the correction you desire and give the facility a chance to correct any errors or oversights.
Clear, concise communication is the key to a successful repair experience. But remember, always provide information, not a diagnosis. Let the experts determine the problem and recommend a cure.
AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) 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.
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