Finding Quality Auto Service
Sourcing these parts is a big challenge. To start collecting them, begin by approaching people who have classic cars that are not in a good condition and are not in use. You might just get an original part that is in good shape.
The customer service of a location that does lube services is also important. If you go someplace often, you expect to develop a professional relationship with the people that work there. You probably hope to find this to some degree in a car shop. Obviously, they all have different personalities, and they are not here to be personable, but it is definitely a nice trait to have in a car mechanic.
Over the years, I learned another little handy trick that seems to help when it comes to saving money on parts for my car. You know all of those old "buy here, pay here" car lots? Well, if you run into one that is locally owned, you may get a little deal on any spare parts that they have laying around. Many times, these spare parts are just lying around and cannot be used for anything in the lot. The owners of these little side car dealerships love to make a fast buck and are often more than willing to part with a few vehicle parts to make some fast cash.
It goes without saying that if there is a problem in your auto parts, even one that you are not positive is there, but you just suspect; you bring it in to get checked. It is not worth the risk. These slight problems can grow. If you smell something in your engine, especially a smoky smell; these are warning signs. If your brakes are squealing, that is also a reason to take your car to be checked. Brakes are a very delicate auto part, and must be taken extreme care of. It is beyond dangerous for someone to have brakes that are not working. As soon as it seems like they are not at their best, you need to get them looked at.
One of the most reliable ways to find an automotive shop is through word of mouth. Asking friends and neighbors where they go is a good place to start. If you know someone with the same make of car or who has had extensive work done, make sure to ask them first. Of course, there are other important factors to consider when choosing a shop and mechanic. Don't simply take your vehicle to the first place you hear about.
You can ask to have the bad parts returned to you, thinking that will offer proof that the work was really required. What you don't know is that the unethical repaired salvage cars often stockpiles bad parts just for this purpose. The ruined part you receive may well have come from another vehicle! The mechanic, who is instructed by the shop owner to practice such deceit, wants to keep his job and thus goes along with the program.
In fact, many lives are saved this way. People go in for routine checkups; the doctor orders routine tests, and lo and behold there is a problem. If it would have been caught later on it might have become a bigger problem. It is the same thing with your car. If you take your car in to the mechanic to check out the car parts; you can very easily catch something early on in the game.