How to Help Diagnose Your Automobile Problems

If you go to a doctor you don't just say "my bodyForget about that "it won't turn over" statement, it is
hurts". Of course not, you would be more specific.most often misunderstood as to what symptom this
How about going to your bank and say "there's apertains to.
problem with my money". They will look at you asDon't say "my car shakes"
though you had two heads.Specify; Does the steering wheel shake at high or low
If you take your automobile to a repair shop and sayspeeds, does the steering wheel shake when stepping
"my car doesn't run right", what are they supposed toon the brakes, is it the steering wheel shaking or does
do with that lack of information?the whole car vibrate.
I guess by now everyone should have gotten what IDon't say "my car stalls or quits"
am driving at. If you want something corrected youSpecify; Does it stall after starting, does it stall coming
must give as much detailed information as possible toto a stop, does it stall at idle, or does the engine just
expedite the matter as quickly as possible. No wherequit while cruising or accelerating.
is it more important to be specific about a problemDon't say "my air conditioner or heater doesn't work"
than in today's complex automobiles. The better oneSpecify; is the air conditioner blowing warm, or the
can explain the problem the better your chances areheater blowing cold. Many times people say their ac or
of getting them corrected the first time and notheater is not working when they really meant the
wasting money on misunderstandings. Most people areblower motor was not working. Again be specific.
in too much of a hurry and just scribble a quick noteDon't say "my car has a strange noise"
when dropping their cars off for repairs and not evenSpecify; the noise is a rattle, rumble, squeal, knock,
taking the time to talk to the technician or servicevibration, ticking, and so forth. Specify; this noise is
writer. Bad mistake! This leads to poor communicationscoming from the front, right or left. Rear, right or left. At
and the necessity for several phone conversationshighway speeds, or coming to a stop. Only happens
that may end up being misunderstood. To make theduring a full moon or total eclipse (just kidding). You get
problem easier to understand, follow some of thesethe picture.
guidelines.I could go on and on but by now you can see how
Don't say "my car will not start"important the right information can be towards a
Specify; Does it crank but not startspeedy diagnose and save you some money by not
Does it just click or buzz when turning the keyhaving misunderstood symptoms worked on. Did I
Is it just dead with nothing happening?mention "Specify"?