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Tips for Auto Maintenance California

A visit to the repair shop can feel like a visit to a foreign country if you don't have good communication with your service advisor or mechanic. You need to understand any questions they ask, as well as the details of any problems they find, in order to make appropriate decisions about what repairs to authorize on your vehicle. Here are some tips to help ensure solid communication, whether you are bringing your vehicle in for regular maintenance or a major repair.

Local Companies

Carmax
(559) 593-6354
7180 N Palm Ave
Fresno, CA

Electric Laboratories, Inc.
(559) 448-8300
133 E. Sierra
Fresno, CA

HONDA SPECIALIST TOP LINE AUTOMOTIVE
562-807-2266
11742 E IMPERIAL HWY
NORWALK, CA

Autotech
(310) 390-1108
3817 Sepulveda Bl.
Culver City, CA

7 Flags Car Wash & Express Lube
707-426-2123
145 Valle Vista Ave STE G
Vallejo, CA

7 Flags Car Wash & Express Lube
707-642-2143
145 Valle Vista Ave Ste G
Vallejo, CA

DentPro of Fresno
559-905-0326
7084 N. Cedar Ave.
Fresno, CA

Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting of Concord
925-798-7145
2330 Bates Avenue
Concord, CA

Doctor Injector of Sacramento
916-859-0800
11395 Pyrited Way #E
Gold River, CA

A+ Japanese Auto Repair, Inc.
(650) 595-2277
780 Industrial Road
San Carlos, CA

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The maintenance visit
Before you schedule a visit for regular maintenance, such as a 30,000-mile service, check your owner's manual to see what work is recommended by the manufacturer. Then, call your shop and ask for an estimate on that service, along with a list of the items that are included in their fee. Compare the list against what is recommended in your owner's manual.

It is sometimes common for a shop to suggest items that are above and beyond what your owner's manual lists, but this does not necessarily mean they are trying to convince you to purchase additional services. The "extras" may be important to the health of your vehicle. For example, many manufacturers recommend oil changes at 5,000-mile intervals and sometimes even longer, such as every 7,500 miles. A mechanic, however, may recommend changing the oil about 2,000 miles sooner than the manufacturer recommends. This is a realistic recommendation for some driving situations, especially if most of your driving is around town versus on the highway, or if you frequently use your vehicle for towing (both conditions fall under the heading of "severe operating conditions"). If the shop is suggesting something beyond what you think is reasonable, ask your advisor about it, then assess the costs involved before deciding if you want those services.

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Featured Local Company

Carmax

(559) 593-6354
7180 N Palm Ave
Fresno, CA

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Business Services	Fashion	Industrial Goods & Services	Retail & Consumer Services
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Cars	Food & Beverage	Internet	Technology
Computer Hardware	Franchise	Legal	Telecommunications
Construction	Health	Miscellaneous	Trade Shows
Education	Holidays	Nightlife	Travel
Entertainment	Home Appliances	Online Database	Weddings
Environmental	Home Electronics	Pets	World History