We all know that at some point, our trusty vehicles will face hard times. Breakdowns are inevitable, and most of us have our own horror stories with them. Now, there are some things that we can do to help reduce the impact a breakdown has on us, and there are some things to consider as we move forward. This month, let’s look at what to do when our vehicle breaks down and how we can help prevent that in the future.
Who Do I Call?
Before you panic, there are plenty of people and companies out there willing to help. If you can’t drive your vehicle at all, call your insurance company. Any insurance company worth its weight will help you arrange a tow service to a trusted repair center of their choice. Of course, you can decide where your vehicle goes, but many insurance providers have repair vendors that they contract with.
We also suggest that you consider a AAA membership. AAA has different membership tiers, all of which come with their perks. Many of them include towing services, sometimes for more than 100 miles! Take it from us; this can really help reduce the burden and stress from a breakdown.
What Can I Do To Avoid A Breakdown In The Future?
This is where preventative maintenance and a healthy relationship with your trusted auto repair center of choice come in. It is so much easier to prevent a breakdown if you have a better picture of where your vehicle currently stands.
By that, we mean bringing your vehicle to an auto repair center and having them examine it for where you might want to invest some preventative care. Auto repair centers have some amazing ways of giving you a deeper picture of your vehicle, one you can’t easily see at home.
Some of the services and tools that an auto repair center might use include:
DVI – Digital Visual Inspections or Digital Vehicle Inspection (depending on who you ask) lets mechanics interface with you directly. Allowing them to attach detailed reports, photos, videos, and suggestions for future vehicle repairs. It gives you an ultra-deep and personal understanding of your vehicle’s current health.
Code Readers & Scanning Tools – While many people own a small code reader that they use at home, not a lot of people have the education to interpret the data they present. It is one thing to have the tool, but it is another thing to have the tool and the lifetime of experience to put that data to use!
Pre-Purchase Inspections – What’s worse than a breakdown? A breakdown in a used vehicle you just bought! We all know what a “Lemon” is (a car you buy, not knowing that it is actually in terrible condition), but it can be very difficult to actually spot what makes a ”Lemon.” A pre-purchase inspection includes a vast list of checkpoints and procedures that ensure you know exactly what you are buying; this will help you avoid a breakdown in the future.
So, stay safe on the roads and find yourself an auto repair center you can trust to help keep you safe. Breakdowns happen; we can’t avoid that, but we can minimize how often they happen by staying on top of our vehicle’s health and wellness!Bring your vehicle to Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, CA, and we will help give you an idea of where your vehicle currently stands. We can perform in-depth testing and provide you with a service schedule that should keep you on the road for many years to come. Don’t hesitate to contact us today, and please schedule an appointment via our website. Also, visit us on our Facebook page and get involved in our community!
