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Tips for Auto Maintenance Florida

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

AAMCO Transmission
(727) 796-7878
27989 US Hwy 19 N
Clearwater, FL

Meineke Car Care
(727) 799-6869
2436 Gulf to Bay Blvd
Clearwater, FL

Mister Car Wash
(727) 446-1804
1880 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
Clearwater, FL

Morgan Tire & Auto/Tires Plus
(727) 441-3727
2021 Sunnydale Blvd
Clearwater, FL

Clearwater Collision Center
(727) 797-6335
2300 Drew Street
Clearwater, FL

JRS Ventures Co. dba Maaco
(727) 447-0100
1315 South Missouri Ave.
Clearwater, FL

A-1 Mr Auto Mechanic
(863) 294-4353
3599 Recker Hwy
Winter Haven, FL

Don's Garage of Ocala
(352) 732-7153
218 SW 10th St
Ocala, FL

Dillards Automotive Inc
(407) 957-4400
1207 Jersey Ave
Saint Cloud, FL

Steve Wheeler Automotive
(386) 752-0700
2300 SW Highway 47
Lake City, FL

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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

AAMCO Transmission

(727) 796-7878
27989 US Hwy 19 N
Clearwater, FL

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Environmental	Home Electronics	Pets	World History