Churchill Auto Care

We know that not everyone understands the complex systems that drive your car, and in order to make your experience as painless as possible, we will give you expert advice based on our diagnosis and inspections. Ultimately, you drive the decisions, so please work with us to understand our advice and diagnosis. To get the best service, keep the following tips in mind while communicating with your mechanic:

• Describe Your Car’s Symptoms as Accurately as Possible
  When you bring your vehicle in for repair, give the service advisor a complete, accurate description of the symptoms your car is displaying. Let him decide what a course of action should be taken. His job is to help you resolve your repair needs as effectively as possible. The more accurately you give information to your technician, the faster and better he can identify needed repairs and make recommendations. Leaving out critical facts more often leads to additional problems and expense for you. Offer information on past repairs, service history, modifications, and unusual or ordinary sounds:

  Common Car Sounds and Description
  boom	Low, resonant sound, like a drum roll or distant thunder
  buzz	Low-pitched sound, something like a bee; usually associated with vibrations
  chatter	Rapidly repeating metallic sound, like teeth chattering
  chirp	High-pitched melodious sound that repeats rapidly, like a bird
  chuckle	Rapid noise, like a stick rubbing against the spokes of a spinning bicycle wheel
  clang	Heavy sound of metal-to-metal, like a gong
  click	Light sound, like a ballpoint pen being clicked
  grind	Abrasive sound, like a grinding wheel or sandpaper rubbing against wood
  groan	Continuous low-pitched sound, like a person groaning
  growl	Low, guttural sound, like an angry dog
  hiss	Continuous sound, like air escaping from a balloon
  hum	Continuous sound at varying pitches, like a wire humming in the wind
  knock	Heavy, loud, repeating sound, like a knock on a door
  ping	Similar to knock, but at a higher pitch
  rattle	A sound suggesting looseness, such as marbles rolling around in a can (Be sure to check the passenger areas for loose items)
  roar	Deep, prolonged sound, like a lion’s roar
  rumble	Low, heavy, continuous sound, like thunder or wagons
  squeak	High-pitched sound, like rubbing a clean window
  tap	Light, hammering sound, like tapping a pencil on a table
  whirl	High-pitched, buzzing sound, like an electric drill or motor
  whistle	Sharp, shrill sound, like a tin whistle (normal for most cars at highway speeds)

• Be Truthful
  Some customers withhold facts because they think it will save money, or because they are embarrassed about the way they treated their car. Everyone has been late on an oil change, run over a curb, run the engine too hard, or lent his or her car out to someone. Perhaps you tried to fix it on your own, and made a stupid mistake. A professional mechanic wants to provide your car with the best service and you can relax knowing that you won’t be judged or sold more than your car needs.
• Tell us Your Expectations
  Be specific about what you expect when you get your car back (for example, say: “My steering wheel shakes on the freeway, I want that fixed” instead of “Give me an alignment.”) Tell your mechanic what time you need your car back. For multiple repairs, prioritize your list, and inform the service advisor if some minor items are not as important to you, or if you don’t want to spend too much money for repairs at that visit.
• Tune-ups Don’t Address Every Possible Problem
  Many consumers believe that a tune-up will solve a multitude of problems. Noises, loss of power, poor gas mileage, vibrations, hard engine starting and dying are usually caused by problems that are not directly solved in an ordinary tune-up. Most new cars can go 25 to 30 thousand miles between tune-ups, and quality tune-up parts seldom cause problems unless they are very old. Be sure to address the specific issues you want resolved, instead of just asking for a tune-up.
• Provide the Best Phone Number
  Be sure you give your mechanic accurate information about how you can be reached. Provide your cell phone number if that is the best way to reach you. It is important for him to be able to contact you about your vehicle’s repair needs and the associated costs as they arise. If you can’t be reached after you drop off your vehicle, you may authorize agreed-upon repairs up to a certain amount. You may also call us anytime to check the status of your vehicle.
• Large Repair Jobs
  If you are dealing with an honest and competent repair facility, costs for repairs are dictated by your car’s problems, not by the shop or your mechanic. Your mechanic understands that costly repairs can be frustrating, but please don’t get upset with him. He is only the messenger, and is telling you the facts because he wants your car to be happy and reliable. If you are unable to afford an entire repair, ask your mechanic to help you prioritize parts of the task.
• Patience Pays Off
  Try to be patient about time. Specially ordered or wrong parts, small jobs that become bigger ones, sick employees, and emergency repairs are challenges facing your mechanic every day. A mechanic with a good reputation would rather do the job right than do it hastily. Your mechanic is doing his best to keep you and other customers happy. You can help by saying, “I would really a like to have my car back today, but if it doesn’t happen, that’s OK.” Remember, a mechanic with a good reputation will often be very busy, and getting the best possible car care is usually worth waiting for.
• You’re the Driver
  A good mechanic will provide you with advice and information about your auto, but the repair and maintenance decisions are up to you. Depending on your individual situation, perhaps you would rather repair anything at the first sign of trouble to avert potential problems. Perhaps you’re on a budget and would prefer to repair only serious problems. Remember that there are trade-offs and different suggested maintenance schedules that balance your usage and risk tolerance. Ultimately the vehicle service decisions belong to you. (Should your constraints eventually lead to serious problems, we won’t judge or ridicule your choices. It is possible to arrange to tow/transport your car, and we are located near a rental company that may be able to provide you with temporary transportation.)

The Bottom Line is a Better Experience
Follow these tips and your car will thank you by being more reliable and efficient and your service will be better. You will have a more rewarding customer service interaction, and your mechanic will provide you with the best possible information so that your car will meet or exceed your expectations.