I recently had to take my car in to the dealer for repairs. What happened was, that the engine temp indicator kept fluctuating from hot to cold. So when I checked the coolant level, there wasn’t any there. So when I took it in they replaced the thermostat sensor (?) and the pressure hose for the thermostat. There was a leak in the hose initially which is why the coolant had leaked out. That was about 2-3 mos ago.
As it turns out, last week, the same thing happened that the temperature gauge was fluctuating. So I’m thinking, that it’s the same thing that needs to be done. I wasn’t prepared for the radiator to be replaced!!!! They claimed that the radiator was clogged and wasn’t covered under warranty, and the engine would surely blow up if I continued to drive it as it was. It cost me an arm and a leg to pay for that.
My question is: Is it possible that they overlooked something and the problem from two months ago was misdiagnosed initially? And do they owe me money?

This is the very reason, mechanics like myself have a hard time dealing with customers. There are so many dealerships and shops out there that hire shabby mechanics and end up costing the customer more than what it should. That almost everybody you come into contact with thinks initially that your trying to rip them off.

I always recommend getting a second opinion, and try to show the customer the problem before the repair is made so that the customer can feel comfortable with there decision to let me work on there car.

Unfortunately for you, It was the mechanics fault for not checking this when it came to them originally, but you probably won’t see a dime in compensation for there mishap.

On the behalf of all the good mechanic out there, I apologize for the trouble you’ve had with this shop/dealer. I can ensure you that not all mechanics are this careless. But keep searching around, cause like they always say, "if you can find a good doctor and a good mechanic you’ve been extremely blessed".

Good luck and I hope this helps!

If you are not at fault in an accident, what will your insurance company do in order to get your car fixed? How much help will they give you, or are we supposed to settle everything, make the calls etc. with the other carriers insurance. I was hit from behind while I was stopped at a yield sign. The other drivers fault ( a no-brainer). Yet I am getting different information from my agent, the other drivers agent, and even the auto-repair shop !!! Any feedback will help greatly.

To answer the main question, the insurance company’s responsibility is to indemnify you or another party in accordance with the coverages you selected and the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.

If you are rearended and your vehicle is driveable, you have the option of going through the other person’s insurance for your damages. However, they must complete an investigation of the accident and will not pay for anything until they have done so. They may require you to meet an appraiser to view your vehicle. They may also wish to take a recorded interview. Cooperating with their insurance company will just make matters easier.

If you are not happy with the settlement, and provided that you have collision coverage with your carrier, you may choose to use your carrier to handle the damages minus your deductible, and they will pursue the other carrier through a process called subrogation. Your job is basically done.

Hi, I have a dodge minivan, the very bottom front bumper (which feels to be all plastic to me) is cracked from an impact with an unlucky coyote. (Don’t yell at me, I feel bad enough already, I did try to miss him.)

Is there a product out there, some sort of tape or bonding agent, that I can put on the crack lines from behind to keep them from shifting around and getting worse? There aren’t any pieces missing, it’s just split.

Thanks to all in advance!
Hi Kelly, I actually was on the interstate at night and he shot right out in front of me.. all I could do was brake, but I hit him dead center.

I was the only car for a mile in either direction… suicide or accident, we’ll never know..

Sure. There are several products that will repair that, I do them quite frequently.

Bondo is actually my preferred product, but not the body filler. Bondo makes a two part flexible repair kit that works well on the ABS and olefin bumper covers. I can’t remember the name of the product, but it is packaged in a white and green box, has two tubes and a sheet of reinforcing mesh. To use, clean and sand the inside of your bumper cover, use masking tape on the front side just to hold stuff in place, then mix and apply the repair goo using a bit of the mesh for strength.

I have used this stuff many times, and have put covers that were in pieces back together, as well as filled large holes. When hardened, this stuff can be sanded, then a bit of filler can be used before painting.

Auto_zone used to carry it, but if they don’t look for a auto paint supplier in your area.

Don’t fret over the coyote. He must have been trying out for a Geico commercial! Dumb coyote!

When a person takes a car to an auto repair shop for an estimate where does the mechanic get information on how many hours it is supposed to take to do a certain job? This is called "real time" correct? And is there an online site that I can look up this information for free? I want to start an automotive repair shop and have a mechanic, but I need to know if this info is available online or do I have to sign up with a company like Alldata? I was also wondering if you can get free schematics online also. Or is being a member of something like Alldata the best thing to do?

If you want to open a repair shop, expect to pay for a good program like Alldata. It is part of the cost of doing business, just as lifts, brake lathes, and the power bill are.

What you are referring to is not "real time", but rather "flat rate" or "book time". A flat rate sets the price for a certain job, no matter how long it actually takes for the job to be done. This prevents the slower worker, or the less skilled one, from making more for doing the same job as a faster technician would make.

My ‘96 Buick Skylark needs new rear brake pads, I plan to do it myself for the first time and have watched a few youtube clips; the professional auto repair vids. say all the hardware should be replaced…. but does it have to be? Do the springs really wear out as fast as the pads, or can they be reused? Personal experience or expert advice appreciated!

they dont wear out but they do rust and break, I always replace hardware. Its cheap insurance, if a spring breaks it usually ruins the drum.

Hey guys right now im in a collision repair class for my school. Im a junior and right now im pretty sure i want to do something with cars when i graduate. Whether its customizing, repairing, or painting or w/e, im into it. The thing is i really didnt decided what i wanted to do until this year so im kinda behind everyone if ya know what i mean. As far as cars go. Lots of grease monkeys in my class and i feel behind if ya know what i mean. So my question is what kind of books could i read or what websites would help me in this class. Besides reading the text book i got in there. Really looking for websites on painting, or welding, or anything as far as cars go. I want to know it all if ya know what i mean. Id ultimately like to be able to restore an entire car by myself. Next semester i got auto tech so links or books you could recommend would be helpful. Thanks!

If you can, I’d see if a local shop would let you work part time and kinda do an apprenticeship. I’d learn best by doing things hands on versus reading about it in a book. You can know how it’s supposed to work by reading a book, but actually doing this is a whole different thing.

On April 4,2007 my husbands car was parked in the street which is in a culdesac, the neighbors daughter was dropping her off and when she reversed hit our parked car. We were told by the officer that her Insurance company would be contacing us. On May 23,2007 we called the Insurance company to find out she never reported or filed a claim. since then they have made several attempts to call only to get hung up on and have sent a certified letter with no response from her. The claim adjuster today told us they have the right to get a statement from their insured (usually about 30 days ) and if they dont get one they may decide not to pay out the claim (money to repair the vehicle) for damages. I told her what am I supposed to do now she said I would have to take it up with my insurance. I dont think that would be fair. What rights or actions could I take if she decides to deny the claim in order t otry to get them to payout the claim? They have the police report which has her statement.

You have the right to be compensated for damages that their insured caused. Sounds like their playing hard ball. If they stall you long enough then youll go away (or call your own insurance company.) You may need to give them some time. In the meantime I would call your states consumer protection department, insurance commission or other government office to find out if its okay for her (the insurance adjuster) to arbitrarily decide which claims they pay and to tell you they wont pay if they dont get a statement from their insured (a criminal by the way – for not reporting an accident to her insurance company) I would call the police and ask if she was obligated to report it (at least for your sake) If that isnt illegal it ought to be. If it is hopefully she gets in trouble.

It wasnt paris hilton was it.

Good luck to you.

P.S. just wanted to add that some say to call your insurance company. I was in an accident and did that. I claimed against the others insurance but I let my insurance agent know but no one ever put anything into the data base. Nearly a year later I had to claim the same injury using my insurance company and they didnt know anything about the accident. Keep documentation, get verified statements from both insurance companies if possible, cause in the end none of them care and will try to disclaim any liability. You never get reimbursed enough for all the trouble you go through.

I’m going to get a job that pays $180,000 a year for up to 3 years. I want the money to make more money while I’m working that job through stock markets.

I want to take the money I earned and quit the job and with that capital I want to start my own small business. I want to open up an auto repair shop. A nice one that also does more stuff than repair cars. I don’t want to blurt out my exact business plan since it’s my own idea.

I then want to have the money to build my dream house which should cost around $500,000

Can I do this? Is this possible? Do I need a financial consultant? Stock Broker? A good lawyer? What do I need to do? What should I watch out for?

Look for a business coach, but you want one with experience in what you’re seeking to do. Check with your local chamber of commerce or the Small Business Administration to find one. For investing your money now, look for a financial consultant that makes a flat fee, not a broker who only makes money when you buy and sell stocks. Good for you, you’re ambitious! That’s great.

I am looking to open an auto repair shop on Pleasant valley Rd. just near the new Moore Cadillac.

Two questions: Anybody living in South Riding, northern Centreville or western Chantilly feel as though South Riding would be a feasible (BUSY) (work your tail off) area? Or do you feel the area INCLUDING South Riding is already saturated?

And secondly do you know approximately how many (total) homes, townhouses, condos, apartments, etc. (separate living spaces) that are presently in South Riding?

Thanks in advance to anyone with the kindness or knowledge to help, I hate to bankrupt myself if no one would come.

P.S. I have been at this for 25 years and have a number of equally qualified techs looking to go there if we open it. Pricing would be extremely reasonable with free pickup and delivery to South Riding, along with a customer shuttle and all the customer service items you could think of. Would this make a difference to anyone on the fence regarding usage of our facility?

South Riding has a lot of homes, but not a lot of industry. Most of the people work within the Beltway or along the I-66 or toll road corridor. That being said it would probably be not too bad to have an auto repair service in South Riding proper. Anything more east towards Chantilly and you’ll be directly competing with Curry’s which has a fantastic reputation among local residents. If S.R. is no bigger than Herndon, than it should have about 20k+ residents in the town proper.

I immediately called the other party’s insurance and filed a claim for property damages reimbursement… At that time I had provided information of an auto repair shop I had in mind, since then I have changed my mind because I found someone else to work on my car… I did have the inspection scheduled to be there, but called and canceled to have the car inspected at my residence instead, would this change automatically being seened at my residence make me the party of the payable check or even though I didnt have the car inspected there will they assume to issue the check to the Auto Repair shop I provided initially, do I have time to call and ask to delete this information from the claim and request the payment to be issued to me or is that illegal? Please someone orientate me, I have someone who can fix the car for a bit more than what the total cost is and I am in need of the remainder of it… I live in NJ… in case that matters… If I call and make that request ing the car it be suspicious, I am getting it fixed cheaper and it is my car… The traffic violation which caused the accident was the other party inattentiveness which was the code used on the police report…

If it’s the other insurance company paying, they can issue the check in your name only. You can then have it repaired wherever you wish. Do call the insurance and let them know you changed your mind and want the payment sent to you only.