Auto Service (NAPSA)—Oneof the worst failures that can happen when you drive into an auto-repair facility is a failure to communicate. The following tips from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) should help when you bring your car to the repair shop. Be prepared to describe the symptoms. Carry a written list of the symptomsthat you can give to the service manageror technician. Note when the problem first occurred, whetherit is constant or periodic, happens when the engine is cold or warmed up, atall speeds, during braking,etc. @ Repairs go a lot smoother when you can describe what’s wrong. Resist the temptation to sug- gest a specific course of repair; let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy. Ask as many questions as you need. Do not be embarrassed to request everyday definitions for unfamiliar terms. Before you leave, be sure you understand shop policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. For car care tips, visit www.ase.com.
