An Honest Repair Shop

Honest and reliable mechanics are just as common as honest anything else. Dishonest ones are around too, just like dishonest plumbers, contractors, coating applicators or for that matter, inspectors. The trick is finding the honest ones.

The most common way people find a new shop for their service work is through word of mouth; the recommendation of their friends. This works fairly well in most cases.

Apart from that you should check with AAA of Texas, (www.aaatexas.org) or NAPA AutoCare (www.napaonline.com) for an approved shop in your area. Once you have a name then check with the BBB (www.bbbhouston.org) to see what their record is like. If they have unanswered complaints don't do business with them.

When you find a shop make it a habit of telling them everything you can about the car. Holding back information only makes it harder for them to find the problem. In other words, if you want the shop to be honest with you...so be honest with them too.

A number of things to keep in mind:

An honest shop is usually busy and may not be able to get to you right away.
An honest shop will charge somewhere between $80 and $100 per hours for repair work.
An honest shop will make between 40 and 50% on parts.
An honest shop will charge for diagnostic services.
An honest shop will make mistakes, but...
An honest shop will admit and correct their mistakes.
An honest shop will provide a detailed estimate, a clear explanation and an itemized bill.

MY MOMMA DIDN'T
RAISE NO FOOL !!!!!!!

When the man at the auto repair shop told me that it would cost $1400 to fix my car's air conditioning, I just laughed at him and said, 'I can fix it myself for a whole lot less than that!'

Automobiles Don't Do Well In High Water

With the likelihood of heavy rains, Houston and the surrounding area is know for flooded roads and highways. Remember...if you drive into high water, and that water gets into your car's air intake...it's very likely you'll be looking at some hefty repairs and perhaps a new engine. Plus, water can be insidious and get into your transmission or other operating areas of the car's mechanicals. If it does you will need immediate service to avoid possible major damage.

And...one danger many people never consider is the likelihood of having their car actually washed off the road - with what can be dangerous and even deadly results.

Water weighs 62.4 lbs. per cubic foot and typically flows downstream at 6 to 12 miles per hour.
When a vehicle stalls in the water, the water's momentum is transferred to the car. For each foot the water rises, 500 lbs. of lateral force is applied to the automobile.
But the biggest factor is buoyancy. For each foot the water rises up the side of the car, the car displaces 1500 lbs. of water. In effect, the automobile weighs 1500 lbs. less for each foot the water rises.
Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles!!!