Find out what to do when your auto-car is sick! Today's auto-cars, light trucks, and sport-utility auto vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past. But when it comes to auto-car repairs, some things stay the same. Whatever type of auto repair facility you patronize--dealership, service station, independent car garage, auto specialty shop, or a national auto franchise--good communications between customer and auto shop is vital. The following tips should help you along the way: Do your homework before taking your auto-car vehicle in for auto repairs or auto service. Today's auto technician must understand thousands of pages of technical text. Fortunately, your required reading is much less. Read the owner's manual to learn about the auto-car vehicle's systems and components. Follow the recommended service schedules. Keep a log of all auto repairs and auto service. When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals. Use all of your senses to inspect your auto-car frequently. Check for: Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, auto warning lights, gauge readings Changes in acceleration, auto engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels. Worn tires, belts, hoses. Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations. Note when the problem occurs. Is it constant or periodic? When the auto vehicle is cold or after the auto engine has warmed up? At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting? When did the problem first start? Professionally run auto repair establishments have always recognized the importance of communications in automotive repairs. Once you are at the auto repair establishment, communicate your findings. Be prepared to describe the symptoms. (In larger auto shops you'll probably speak with an auto service writer/service manager rather than with the technician directly.) Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give to the auto technician or auto service manager. Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of auto repair. Just as you would with your physician, tell where it hurts and how long it's been that way, but let the auto technician diagnose and recommend a remedy. Stay involved... Ask questions. Ask as many questions as you need to, to understand the problem. Don't be embarrassed to request lay definitions. Don't rush the auto service writer or the auto technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. Ask to be called and with a description of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins. Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment. Leave a telephone number where you can be reached.