Though it’s great for watching funny cat videos, the Internet isn’t always the most trustworthy place and contains a lot of misinformation. It’s like when you look up a minor cold symptom and suddenly you’re convinced it’s a deadly disease. Sometimes it’s difficult to know what’s accurate and what’s not, especially when you’re not a professional.
“Google University”
Customers come in regularly with fear that there is something wrong with the vehicle because of a noise or smell. This fear is ignited by being a student of ‘Google University.’
“The Internet says it could be this and the Internet says I need to do this.”
“I’m worried because I read on the internet that my car might blow up!”
But here is some sage advice for all the Google gurus: remember that the Internet didn’t create this information. The internet only relayed it, and it isn’t always right. Man makes mistakes regardless of good intentions, and provides wrong information that can lead to false fear and panic.
The first step in solving a problem is recognizing there is one. Do the Internet research to give you an idea of what you’re dealing with. Don’t let it dictate the end result of what’s going on with your vehicle. For that, you need an open dialogue with your auto repair facility. The better you can convey what’s wrong, the easier it is for a technician to diagnose and fix the problem. Make sure to write down ahead of time what kinds of problems you’re having. Note specific sounds, sensations, odors, or leaks, and when and how frequently they occur. What happened just before the car stopped running? Did it function normally the day before it didn’t start?
Preventive Maintenance
Of course, many of these problems could be avoided altogether with a few measures of preventive maintenance. The basics; oil changes, tire pressure checks, and scheduled inspections are like getting regular checkups at the doctor. They maintain overall health and vastly improve your chances of catching anything serious before it becomes a major problem. The best way to save money over the life of a vehicle is to choose a high-quality, full service repair shop and allow them do all of the necessary maintenance and repair work.
Make the connection with your repair facility and have a dialogue about what’s truly going on. This will lead to recognizing what sort of problem your vehicle is having, and whether it’s safe to hold off on repairs. Developing a good relationship with your auto care provider will save you time and money in the long run. It can also help you to make informed decisions, no second guessing or Google required.