Today's cars, light trucks, and sport-utility 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 repairs, some things stay the same. The following tips should help you along the way:
Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service.

  • Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and components.
  • Follow the recommended service schedules.
  • Keep a log of all repairs and 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 car frequently. Check for:

  • Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings.
  • Changes in acceleration, 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 vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
  • At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting?
  • When did the problem first start?

Once you are at our location, communicate your findings.

  • Be prepared to describe the symptoms.
  • Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give us.
  • Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. Just as you would with your physician, tell us where it hurts and how long it's been that way, but let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.

Stay involved. . . Ask questions.

  • Ask as many questions as needed to fully understand your repair. Ask for laymen terms if needed.
  • Don't rush the technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. You may ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins.
  • Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.
  • Leave a telephone number where you can be called.

Car Warranty Scams FAQs

Is there a car warranty scam?

Yes, there are car warranty scams that try to take advantage of unsuspecting vehicle owners. You may have received calls from scammers that start with automated or pre-recorded prompts to enter basic information and stay on the line.

Once the call begins, the scammer pretends to be an auto manufacturer or insurer telling you that your auto warranty or car insurance is about to expire. Then they ask you to provide personal information, which will later be used to defraud you. Sometimes the caller will have actual information about your automobile.

What do I do if I fell for a car warranty scam?

There is no way to get your personal information or money back, but you can reach out to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file a complaint. You can contest any charges to your bank card through your bank. Consider using a credit monitoring service.

Who is behind the auto warranty scam calls?

Regulators allege the fake auto warranty calls, which scam customers out of financial and personal information, originate from a ring run by Roy Cox Jr., Aaron Michael Jones and Sumco Panama companies.

How do you check if your car warranty or vehicle insurance has really expired?

If you are afraid your warranty or insurance may have really expired: first hang up with the potential scammer. Next, call your car dealer or insurer and inquire about your policy.

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California Bureau of Automotive Repair
ALLDATA
CARQUEST
IATN (International Automotive Technicians' Network)
ASE Master Technician
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What our clients are saying about us

We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!

I found the service was honest, professional, and fair. This place will be my go-to auto repair shop for services in the future. quotes-image
, 09/11/2024
Doug and Triple A Automotive are awesome! As my wife and I were driving home to Los Angeles from Yosemite with our trailer in tow, my truck had a major breakdown. We were in Coarsegold on a Friday afternoon, and most auto shops couldn’t even look at the car for at least a week. As we were waiting for a tow truck, one of my wife’s friends recommended that we try Doug and Triple A Automotive. I called Doug, told him the situation, and he said that he couldn’t look at it until Monday morning but that I should bring it in. On Monday morning, I had the truck towed to his shop and left it there for Doug to work his magic. It wasn’t an easy fix, but the entire time Doug was always communicating with me and letting me know what they were going to do to get my truck back on the road. It took a few weeks, but that was mainly due to issues with parts. I finally got my truck back, drove it back to L.A., and even took another long road-trip with it this past weekend and it is as good as it ever was. I have a local mechanic that I trust and have been going to for years in Los Angeles. Now I have another mechanic that I trust in Clovis! If I lived closer, Doug and Triple A Automotive would be my go-to. Communication was awesome throughout and Doug was honest and forthright with his estimates and what they planned on doing to get my truck back on the road. Highly recommended!quotes-image
, 09/03/2024
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