Automotive Tips

Tips to Save Money on Your Car Insurance Premium

January 17, 2019 By audi vw mechanic

Lower your car insurance premiums by doing one of 8 things. When it comes to your insurance, you have more control than you may think.

Owning a car is already expensive, and when you add insurance to the cost, it can be downright ridiculous. By following simple steps, you can significantly reduce your auto insurance premium.

autobahn-performance.com presents an exclusive look at what causes high insurance rates, and 8 easy ways to lower those premiums.

Why Is My Car Insurance So Expensive?

Your driving record is one of the main influences on your insurance premium. Even if you have a spotless record, the following may increase your rates:

• Amount of Miles Driven Daily/Annually
• Make and Model of the Vehicle
• Vehicle Use
• Zip Code
• Credit Score/History
• Age
• Gender
• Marital Status
• Coverages
• Deductible

Now that you have an idea of why your insurance may increase let’s work on ways to lower it.

1 – Compare Insurance Companies

As in any competitive market, rates from one insurance company to the next will differ. Take the time to shop several companies before committing to any one of them.

Ask them about the following:

• Policy Discounts
• Running Promotions
• Payment Plans

Cheapest isn’t always best. As you are making comparisons, pay attention to how you are treated and how your questions are answered. These are the people that may have to guide you through catastrophic live events.

Check each company’s rating at bbb.org and read what other customers have had to say. Pay particular attention to any complaints regarding policy rate increases and delayed claim payouts.

2 – Group Affiliate Plans and Discounts

Make a list of organizations you are registered with; American Heart Association, National Rifle Association, American Cancer Society, etc. Don’t forget to include your employer.

Call your insurer and ask if they offer discounts for any of your affiliations or for your employer.

If you are still deciding on an insurance carrier, contact your employer and any organizations you are affiliated with to discover which insurance companies they are working with (if any).

3 – Bundle Multiple Policies

If you have or need multiple insurance policies like homeowners, auto, motorcycle, RV, etc., you may be able to save a significant amount by bundling them with one insurance provider.

4 – Increase Your Policy Deductible

Your deductible is the dollar amount out-of-pocket you must pay before your insurance claim is paid. The higher your deductible is, the lower your policy premium will be.

If you determine this to be your course of action, make sure that you are capable of covering the increased deductible in the event of a claim.

5 – Credit Score and Credit History

Many insurance companies leverage either your credit score, credit history, or both. Two of the factors that weigh heavily on this determination are your use of revolving credit (credit cards) and your payment history.

By paying down credit cards, making on-time payments, and increasing your credit score, you may become eligible for credit-related discounts.

You can check and monitor your credit score and activity at any time without impacting your score by using a free online service like creditkarma.com

6 – Buying a New Car

When buying a new car, be aware that the make, model, year of the vehicle, and safety equipment/features will all influence your insurance premium.

Most insurance companies will give you an immediate quote over the phone, so feel free to shop around.

Vehicle safety has significant influence over insurance premiums, and listed below are 5 of the safest vehicle brands according to multiple sources:

• Genesis
• Audi
• Subaru
• Kia
• Mercedes-Benz

For a current list of top safety picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, visit iihs.org/iihs/ratings/TSP-List

7 – Reduce or Eliminate Optional Coverages

For vehicles that are financed, there are minimum coverages that must be met. That said, most coverages outside of those minimums can be adjusted.

For vehicles that are not financed, all optional coverages can be removed from your policy leaving only state required minimums.

Note: While these actions will undoubtedly reduce your policy premium, you are also increasing your vulnerability in the event of a claim.

8 – Defensive Driving Course

If your insurance company allows this discount, one of the best ways to reduce your auto insurance policy is to take and pass a defensive driving course.

Taking this test is beneficial for you as a driver as well as reducing your premium. For more information about the defensive driving course, visit nsc.org or call your insurance provider for a link with login instructions.

For defensive driving tips, visit autobahn-performance.com/audi-vw/defensive-driving-tips/

Lower Your Auto Insurance Rate

Lowering your auto insurance premium can be done by using one or a combination of 8 easy tricks. Some are immediate while others may take some time, but all of them are worth the effort.

In this presentation, you discovered some of the factors that lead to increased insurance premiums and uncovered how to compare insurance companies, which discounts to ask for, how your credit history is used, what to look for when buying a new car, and how a defensive driving course can benefit you.

Your inaction, in this case, will cost you (literally) the amount of the discounts you could have had. Take control of your insurance policy and stop paying more than you should.

https://plus.google.com/113049509479264030696

Autobahn Performance

6476 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 409-8288

Guide for Buying a Used Volkswagen Jetta

December 18, 2018 By audi vw mechanic

Without knowing what to look for, you could be buying someone else’s problem instead of your transportation solution.

Volkswagen Jetta’s can be full of hidden and costly maintenance issues, so before purchasing one, you need to know what to look for, how to find it, and if it is worth fixing.

autobahn-performance.com assembled the following guide and common problems to look for when inspecting and test driving a used Volkswagen Jetta.

Used VW Jetta Common Problems and Buyers Guide

Before making any decisions about purchasing a used VW Jetta, use the following guidelines to ensure that you are getting a safe and mechanically sound car.

Test Drive During Daylight – Check panels for rust or repair. If you notice color variations between panels, chances are the vehicle has had bodywork.

Confirm Up-to-Date Maintenance – Look for Jetta models with complete service records and that the owner’s manual maintenance schedule was followed.

It is a commonly reported problem that previous Jetta owners failed to follow the recommended maintenance schedule.

Check Over the Engine – Inspect the engine, looking for wear on the engine’s belts, and rust or corrosion on the engine and its parts.

Confirm High-Quality Oil Changes – This is crucial for Jetta models with turbochargers. The quality of the oil and proper interval of oil changes is key to the turbocharger lasting the lifetime of the vehicle.

Verify the Automatic Transmission Performance – For Jetta models with “DSG” Direct Shift Gearbox or dual clutch transmission, mechanical problems, rough shifting, and noises have been reported.

GLI or 2.0T Turbo Charged Performance – For these gas engine Jetta models, there is no visual inspection for valve gunk or engine sludge without engine disassembly.

Indicators for this are sporadic performance and a check engine light. However, when using an OBD reader, you can look for the error code. There are times that it won’t trigger the check engine light.

Inspect the Fuel System – Specifically for the Jetta TDI, there have been reports of leaks that could occur from the sending unit, fuel pump, high-pressure lift pump, or in the fuel lines themselves. Check to ensure that nothing is leaking.

Listen for Knocks and Unusual Sounds – While operating the vehicle, turn off the fans, radio, other devices, and listen for any unusual sounds at different speeds, while idling, accelerating, and during startup.

Then turn the fans inside the vehicle on and listen to them for anything that may signal trouble.

Listen to this video to become familiar with sounds that indicate major car trouble.

Operate the Sunroof – Fully open and close the sunroof repeatedly and listen for either metal or plastic grinding noises. These noises indicate debris on the track and can strain the motor to the point of failure.

Test the Windshield Wipers – Regardless of the weather, turn on the windshield wipers and run them on each setting. Some owners have reported possible bad electrical wiring or bad wiper motors.

Inspect the (Alloy) Wheels – Look for any damage, corrosion, or wear to the finish. Some owners have reported poor durability of the finish.

Verify that the vehicle has a valid VW rust and corrosion warranty to potentially have them replaced.

Check the Tires – If they are worn and in need of replacement, replacing them can cost $700 to $900 for new ones.

Look for uneven wear which may indicate trouble in the vehicle’s suspension.

Verify Recall Campaigns – The Jetta is no stranger to recalls. Make sure to have a dealer run the vehicle’s VIN number through the computer system to ensure that there are no outstanding VW recall campaigns.

If there are, have them addressed. Recalls are issued when the safety of the vehicle, driver, and passengers may be put at risk.

Verify the Factory Warranty – When purchasing a used Jetta, verify the status and limitations of the factory warranty.

Have a dealer service department or authorized VW auto shop like Autobahn Performance document all potential issues for potential warranty claims.

Autobahn Performance advises that:

“The best way to buy a used Jetta is to take it to a Volkswagen specialist and have a pre-purchase inspection done. You need a lift to get it up in the air to really see what’s going on. It may cost $100 or so but it is always worth it.”

“Or to take it to an auto parts store to have them do a free engine scan (with an OBD reader) to see if it has any codes in the system.”

Used Volkswagen Jetta Test Drive and Buying Guide

Avoid buying a “lemon” by knowing what to look for when test driving and inspecting a used Volkswagen Jetta.

In this article, you discovered an informative guide with helpful tips to assist you during the test drive and inspection of a used VW Jetta.

If you purchase any vehicle without knowing what to look for, its maintenance history, or having it inspected, you could be throwing away hundreds if not thousands of dollars on repairs. More importantly, your safety on the road may be at risk.

Autobahn Performance

6476 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 409-8288

Defensive Driving Tips

October 10, 2018 By audi vw mechanic

Auto insurance rates seem to keep going up! Are you aware that by taking a defensive driving course, your insurance carrier may lower your premium? In some states, taking one of these courses may even help you remove points from your driving record.

A defensive driving course can help you save your time, money, and the lives of others by avoiding bad driving habits and understanding that you cannot control everything on the road. All drivers should take a defensive driving course once every few years. If not for the discounted insurance premium, at least to remain aware of lifesaving driving techniques.

With your vehicle and driving safety in mind, Autobahn Performance collected the following defensive driving tips, unsafe behaviors, and answers to help you become a better driver.

Defensive Driving Definition

Defensive driving is: Driving to save lives, your time, and money regardless of the road, weather conditions, and the actions of other drivers.

What Are Unsafe Driving Behaviors?

Driving behaviors that result in, YOU, being in less control of yourself and your vehicle are considered unsafe driving habits. The following are some of the most unsafe driving behaviors:

1 – Improper Speed – Driving at the improper speed is the number one behavior that contributes to tickets and accidents. In a recent year, speeding contributed to nearly 30% of all collision deaths.

Improper speed can be defined as driving too fast for road or weather conditions, as well as driving in excess of the posted speed limit.

2 – Violating Right-of-Way – It is essential to understand that NO ONE has the right-of-way. Traffic regulations only mandate who must YIELD the right of way.

In a situation where a driver is required to yield the right-of-way but fails to do so, it becomes your responsibility to stop or yield as necessary for safety.

Note: More than half of all collisions happen at intersections. Likewise, rural intersections can present just as much danger as those in an urban setting.

3 – Following Too Closely – Commonly known as tailgating, is considered aggressive driving and is a ticketable offense.

The risk of a collision is increased by tailgating because: the distance needed to stop your vehicle is dependent on the speed you are traveling, the condition of the driver, the vehicle, and the road.

Use what is known as the three-second rule to give yourself the proper time to see hazards, react to them, and stop, slow down, or turn to avoid a collision.

4 – Passing Improperly – When passing another vehicle, there are risky behaviors that should be avoided. Some of these behaviors include:

Accelerating beyond the speed limit to pass.
Cutting off another driver.
Passing in no-passing zones (lane or roadway with a solid line (white or yellow), school zones, school buses when stopped and signaling the boarding or discharging of students, railroad crossings, bridges, tunnels, posted no passing zone)
Weaving in and out of traffic.
Passing when there is not enough time or space to do so.

Passing improperly is very dangerous, violates the law, and could result in a deadly head-on collision. Protect yourself and other drivers by not doing this.

5 – Turning Improperly – Making improper turns is another contributing factor to collisions and violations. Improper turns occur when:

You turn from the wrong lane.
You turn into the wrong lane.
You make a U-turn from a lane not designated as such.

Making safe and legal turns is as simple as:

Entering the correct turn lane in advance of the intended turn.
Using your turn signal to show your intent to turn.
Turn into the proper lane.

Note: It is a ticketable offense to change lanes or turn without using your turn signals.

Seatbelt Use – It’s the Law

Wearing your seatbelt every time you operate a vehicle is one of the most essential safety mechanisms you can employ. Seatbelts will increase your chances of surviving a collision by:

Preventing ejection from the vehicle.
Keeping passengers from flying around inside the vehicle.
Keeping the driver in the driver’s seat where he or she can maintain or attempt to regain control of the vehicle.

Follow the link to find out the seatbelt law where you live.

Hands-Free Systems and Distracted Driving

Nearly everyone has a cell phone. Using or manipulating that phone while driving takes your attention from the road, and many states are now responding with strict usage laws.

While the utilization of a hands-free system may appear to be safer, it is not. The use of your phone in your hand, through voice commands, or other hands-free methods while operating a vehicle are all equally unsafe, as they reduce one’s cognitive awareness to the road.

Follow the link to find out the cell phone usage and text while driving law where you live.

How Does One Become A Good Defensive Driver?

From the time you begin using defensive driving techniques and avoid unsafe driving behaviors, your safety is already improving. As with any skill set, the more you know and the more you practice, the better you will be.

It is essential to remain aware of the following defensive driving habits every time you get behind the wheel:

Decisions – Every driving decision you make should be legal and safe.

Personal Space – Your personal driving space in and around your vehicle should be maintained safe and stress-free.

Arrive Safely – Reach your destination safely without a ticket or collision, and without affecting the safety of other drivers.

Share the Road – Always use common sense, cooperation, and be courteous.

Pay Attention – Recognize in yourself and other drivers, the risks of hazardous driving behaviors and conditions.

Improving Driving Skills and Awareness

The tips above are intended to assist you in understanding what it means to be a defensive driver and reduce the risk of a collision or getting a ticket.

In this article, we have defined some unsafe driving habits, discussed how to properly change lanes, the dangers of cell phone use, and simple measures to be a defensive driver.

The more you learn and practice good driving habits, the better driver you will become. The better driver you are, the less likely you will be to receive a traffic violation or be involved in an accident.

Sources:
https://www.nsc.org/

Autobahn Performance

6476 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 409-8288

Fuel Economy – 10 Tips to Improve Vehicle Gas Mileage

July 19, 2018 By audi vw mechanic

Saving on gas isn’t only determined by the prices you pay at the pump. When you take steps to raise the fuel economy of your vehicle, you will essentially end up spending less money and buying less gas.

Between your driving habits and vehicle maintenance, our goal at Autobahn Performance is to get your vehicle to deliver the best gas mileage possible. The following ten tips will help you reduce gas consumption and save money.

Improving Fuel Economy – Driving Habits

The way you drive has a substantial effect on how much fuel your vehicle uses. The following will help you identify ways to operate your vehicle more efficiently:

Slow Down on the Highway – Just because there’s an open road ahead for miles, doesn’t mean you should push the pedal to the floor and exceed the speed limit. The faster you travel, the more fuel is needed to maintain that speed.

We suggest you use cruise control on highway trips. It can optimize your fuel consumption by letting the vehicle regulate acceleration and deceleration when needed.

Potential fuel economy can reach from $0.20 to $0.40 per gallon.

Air Conditioning or Open Windows – Depending on how hot it is outside, what the weather is like, and how far you plan to travel, it may be more cost-effective to crank up the air conditioning versus rolling the windows down.

Running your car’s A/C puts extra stress on the motor, causing it to consume more fuel, which is most evident in city “stop-and-go” traffic. Likewise, driving with your windows down during highway travel creates more drag on the vehicle, also reducing fuel economy.

The compromise is to do your city driving with the windows down and A/C off. When on the highway or freeway, using the A/C with the windows up is the more economical of the two options.

Poor Air Conditioning usage in conventional vehicles can potentially reduce fuel economy by as much as 25%.

Carry Less Weight – Unload unnecessary weight from your vehicle. For every one hundred pounds, you can expect to lose one to two percent of fuel economy.

The smaller your vehicle is, the more impact weight will have on its efficiency.

Potential fuel economy can reach $0.03 per gallon/100Lbs.

Remove Bicycle and Luggage Racks – By removing these racks, you are reducing drag on the vehicle. Consider hauling items in the trunk or backseat instead of the roof. The savings from this simple change can be stunning.

If a luggage mount is necessary, consider one that attaches to the rear of the vehicle. This mount will still reduce your fuel efficiency, but by far less than one mounted on the roof.

Potential fuel economy can reach from $0.03 to $0.48 per gallon.

Plan Your Trips – Rather than making several trips over a few days, schedule your store runs, salon visits, school, gas station, etc. in a methodical sequence.

Carpooling and using public transportation are also options to reduce fuel consumption substantially.

Potential fuel economy can reach significantly higher amounts when planning trips. You can save up to fifty percent of your overall fuel consumption when actively carpooling.

Vehicle Maintenance Increases Gas Mileage

Keeping your vehicle performing at its best depends on addressing and performing regular maintenance and not stalling to take care of minor issues.

When small problems arise, it is in your financial best interest to get them fixed. If ignored long enough, they can quickly become significant expenses. See The Real Cost of Car Ownership to understand further the urgency of getting your car repaired when something goes wrong as opposed to repercussions of delaying it.

The following tips will help you keep your vehicle optimally operating, delivering the best fuel economy possible:

Oil Change – Changing your vehicle’s oil is a constant necessity over its lifetime. The rate at which this should occur depends on the make, model, age, and driving conditions it must endure. Learn more about oil changes at autobahn-performance.com/audi-vw/why-when-should-get-my-oil-changed/.

The grade of motor oil used in the vehicle will also factor into its fuel economy. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation to achieve optimum performance.

Potential fuel economy can reach from $0.03 to $0.06 per gallon.

Air Filter – Replacing a clogged or dirty air filter on older vehicles with carburetors will improve their fuel efficiency.

Replacing the air filter on more modern fuel injected, diesel, or computer-controlled motors doesn’t necessarily improve fuel efficiency. It will, however, improve the vehicle’s acceleration.

Potential fuel economy for carbureted motors can reach from $0.05 to $0.12 per gallon.

Gas Tank Cap – Gasoline evaporates. Your gas tank cap is meant to stop this from occurring by creating an airtight seal when screwed on.

If the cap is left off or can no longer create that seal, fuel can escape faster and the vehicle’s check engine light may be activated. If a new gas tank cap is needed, get one that is compatible with your car or one from the manufacturer (the sensors may not properly function with a “cheap” replacement).

Potential fuel economy can reach up to $0.03 per gallon or more.

Tire Pressure – The correct tire pressure is vital to your car’s optimum operation. Fuel economy, traction, tire alignment, and much more are affected when your tires are over or underinflated.

Properly inflated tires increase fuel efficiency, are safer, and will last much longer.

Potential fuel economy can reach $0.02 per gallon or higher.

Scheduled Maintenance – Keeping your vehicle running at its best will help it deliver consistent fuel savings.

Found in your owner’s manual is a schedule for recommended maintenance. The manufacturer produces this schedule and bases it on either time or mileage for each required service.

By following this schedule, your car can achieve better fuel economy. Your mechanic is also able to inspect and detect any underlying issues.

Potential fuel economy and repair savings are incalculable.

What is Good Gas Mileage?

Good gas mileage is relative to the type of vehicle you own. “All Electric” and “Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles” can reach a combined (city and highway) mileage of 90 to 135 mpg (33.7 kWh = 1 gallon of gasoline) depending on the model.

For (non plug-in) hybrid vehicles (uses more than one source of fuel) good combined gas mileage is considered to be within 45 to 60 mpg.

Good gas mileage for standard gasoline powered vehicles is relative to the make, model, size, and upkeep of the vehicle. The following ranges are by brand in combined average mileage:

VW – 29 to 35 mpg
Audi – 25 to 30 mpg
Hyundai – 25 to 30 mpg
Jeep – 20 to 25 mpg
Dodge (SUV) – 15 to 19 mpg
Trucks (Super Duty) – 10 to 15 mpg

If you are already using and following the above tips, there is the possibility is that your car is already giving you the best fuel economy it can deliver.

That said, how you drive, the conditions you drive in, the geography of where you drive, and the regular maintenance of your vehicle all factor into the gas mileage it can deliver.

While you may take outstanding care of your vehicle, over time, its fuel efficiency will begin to drop naturally. For this reason, regularly scheduled maintenance is vital to your car’s delivery of peak fuel economy.

How to Calculate Miles Per Gallon

In order to calculate how many miles per gallon your vehicle is traveling, you must:

Fill the gas tank and note the mileage on the odometer.
Take your trip or part of it.
When you stop for gas, note the mileage again, subtracting the original reading to give the number of miles traveled.
Fill the gas tank and note the number of gallons used to fill the tank.
Divide the number of miles driven by the number of gallons filled in the tank to give you the miles per gallon.

Resources:
https://www.fueleconomy.gov
https://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/fuel-efficiency/how-to-maximize-fuel-economy
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/CIS_EO_20_tips_fuel_savings_136359_7.pdf

Autobahn Performance

Website: autobahn-performance.com

Address: 6476 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 409-8288

What the Dealership Won’t Tell You About Auto Repair Services

May 23, 2018 By audi vw mechanic

After a candid conversation with Paul Cassara of Autobahn Performance, we get an in-depth insider look at the differences between dealership car services and those of independent mechanic shops.

Post Warranty Car Service – Dealership vs Independent Mechanic

When your warranty has expired and your car breaks down or needs servicing, it’s already a major inconvenience. Now, comes the decision of whether you should take it to a dealership or an independent shop.

To aid in this process, we sat down with an automotive insider and prepared information that will be helpful in making an informed decision about servicing and maintaining your car.

Insider Secrets From an Ex-Dealer & Independent Mechanic’s Perspective

Paul Cassara of Autobahn Performance has worked on both sides within the industry. He agreed to share his insight on what the dealerships won’t tell, or don’t want you to know. Let’s get into it:

Q. Why do car dealership Service department always seem to charge so much?

A. “Because the dealership runs only retail prices on OEM (original equipment manufacturer), the prices you find at independent shops are always better because they are able to shop around several different suppliers for parts that meet or exceed OEM requirements, and in most cases for much less money.”

Q. What is another aspect of a great independent shop that is often overlooked?

A. “Besides the financial aspect, you aren’t dealing with layers of employees. You are able to build a relationship with a mechanic that enjoys his work, is not simply an employee number, and knows in detail what is happening with your car.

One bad review hurts an independent shop much more than a hundred for a dealership. We have to get it right the first time.”

Q. We know dealerships are motivated to sell new cars, what is the independent mechanics’ motivation?

A. “An independent shop is not there to upsell you on buying another car, our goal is to create loyal customers by doing great work, educating customers, and keeping your car running and on the road.“

“Car maintenance is inevitable and we have plenty of consistent work; but more importantly, we value integrity, our customers trust and relationship, so we are always upfront about what needs to be done and why.”

Q. Why is the dealership service priced higher than most independent mechanics?

A. “Most people don’t realize that (in a dealership) they’re paying a lot more for the repairs because of the nice waiting room, retail location, and fancy building, along with the hierarchy of investors that are never present. Prices reflect increases to cover all these expenses.”

Q. Why do most ‘gear-heads’ and car enthusiasts bring their cars to independent mechanics?

A. “They prefer to build a connection and appreciate the personal relationship and service they get. Also most dealers won’t install aftermarket parts, which we are happy to do if the customer wants it.”

Q. What is the last thing you would tell a retail customer about independent mechanics?

A. “We are car enthusiasts that love, are passionate about the cars we work on, and customers we create relationships with during that process. You are more than a number, and we value your trust and long-term business.”

We learned a lot from the sit-down conversation, but have tons more info on the topic of dealership repair services versus independent mechanic shops.

What Happens in a Dealership Service Department?

First and foremost, a dealership exists primarily to sell cars. While they will, their priority is not to fix your car; they ultimately want you to trade in your car and have you buy a new one.

A great example is when you have a thousand miles on your tires, the dealership will tell you that you need new tires. This is how they treat repairs.

Increased Prices – They will frequently overcharge for their work and find things that are not truly in need of service solely to bill for more hours.

Older Car Service and Repair – For those who take care of their cars over many years, it is important to understand that most dealerships will refuse cars over 10 years old, nor will they service or install aftermarket parts.

Dealership Communication Sucks – When you enter a dealership, you typically are greeted by a valet, then you see a secretary, and a service advisor to hear “what brings you in” and your description of the issues.

They then communicate what they understood to service management, who passes their interpretation to the actual maintenance and repair service technician.

Your explanation of the issue changes hands multiple times. The actual mechanic that is working to fix the problem has gotten instructions passed down – similar to playing the game telephone – and is at the mercy of and hoping your problem was communicated effectively.

What Does A Mechanic Make at A Dealership – While salaries and commissions vary from dealer to dealer, there are two principle questions that you ought to consider:

“Are Dealer Mechanics Better?” The average dealership mechanic has 1-2 years experience. Another startling point is that it’s unlikely the same mechanic works on your car twice, and consequently they certainly don’t know who you are. Thus, it’s not a personal experience, so they are far less likely to care or go the extra mile. Much like your landscaper or dentist, you should know the person working on your car, and they should be familiar with its history.
“Do Car Dealerships Fix Cars?” Dealership mechanics don’t care as much to fix problems because they get paid based on how many hours they log and bill. So they essentially just want billable hours, and are less concerned with getting your issues fixed correctly or efficiently.

Advantages of Independent Car Shops and Their Mechanics

Independent Mechanics depend on quality work, speed of service, and their ability to keep competitive prices so they can grow their clientele and earn a stellar reputation. In addition to the aforementioned, the following are some advantages of using an independent car shop mechanic.

Better Investigation of the Problem – Independent shops typically ask a lot of questions, while the dealership valet usually doesn’t know what to ask.

In order to diagnose and best solve a car problem, you have to ask the right questions. Then that information is used to gain an understanding of the situation that will be investigated. You may find mechanics ask more prying questions like, “What is it doing?” and “What was it doing beforehand?”

In addition, it is common in an independent shop to find the receptionist is the mechanic that will be working on your car; or at the least he communicates directly with the mechanic that will, thus reducing chances for errors or breakdowns in communication.

This means the person hearing your issues can immediately ask the right questions, get to the source of and resolve your problem faster than is possible in a dealership that’s playing “telephone”.

Better Assessment, Price, and Turnaround – You will usually get a better diagnosis and upfront assessment from a certified mechanic. A better assessment translates into more accurate pricing, and getting your vehicle repaired and returned quicker.

When the problem is difficult to identify, it is usually the independent mechanic that has previous experience and the expertise to identify the otherwise hidden cause behind the problem.

It’s an inside secret that dealerships often bring cars they cannot fix to these specialists for their more experienced mechanic to fix.

Personalized Service and Customer Care – In the dealership, there are rarely accommodations or the “personal touch” available at a local mechanic shop. Say you need to take your child to a baseball game the following day, you will simply be put in line and become a number in their system.

In a smaller independent shop, because it’s personal and they actually know you, your mechanic will typically stay later when possible to try and accommodate your needs.

Note: Some dealerships do provide a courtesy vehicle when a repair extends beyond a reasonable time. There are usually a limited number of loaner cars, but this is a benefit that a dealership can offer.

Moreover, one of the greatest advantages of the indie shop is that the mechanic can bring you into the shop and show you damage parts, reasons for necessary repairs, and ask questions about your preferences, such as:

What do you want this car to do?
How do you want it to run?
Is this your work car?
Do you drive more in the city?
Is this vehicle used for weekend driving?

The independent shop is able to apply personal tuning and modifications to fit your lifestyle, and the way you drive your car.

Experienced Mechanics Leave the Dealership for Independent Shops – The last point to be aware of is that mechanics typically want to leave the dealership and go to work in an independent shop. As a result, they use a dealership and your car repair work as a stepping stone, and their opportunity to learn how to work on cars.

The reason being, at an independent shop, they find better pay, a less hostile work environment, and no competition – no one is trying to steal hours from them.

Quality Car Service and Your Independent Auto Shop

Ultimately, the decision of where to take your car when service or maintenance is needed is up to you. However, if it is a more personal touch with mechanics that care about your satisfaction and your car’s performance, an independent auto shop is the way to go.

Sources:
https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/loans/car-repairs-independent-mechanics-vs-the-dealership/
https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/car-technology/a24394/dealer-vs-mechanic/
http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-choose-between-car-dealer-and-indie-mechanic-2016-8

Autobahn Performance

6476 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 409-8288

How the Car Anti-Lock Brake System Works

March 19, 2018 By audi vw mechanic

It’s one of the worst fears for anyone driving anywhere: In the middle of your commute, the person driving in front of you encounters a hazard and slams on the brakes. In a fraction of a second, you must slow your car down and steer yourself out of harm’s way!

If your brakes lock up the wheels and you begin to skid, you will no longer have control over the speed and direction of your vehicle. Fortunately, there is a major piece of engineering called ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) that won’t allow your wheels to lock up so you can remain in control of your vehicle while quickly coming to a stop.

During the 1990’s, ABS was available mostly on high-end vehicles. Since then, this system has become a standard feature in the automobile industry worldwide, and there are even conversion kits for older or low-end model vehicles. In this article, Autobahn Performance will cover what ABS is, how it works, and shed some light on common misconceptions.

What is ABS?

ABS is an acronym that stands for anti-lock braking system (aka: anti-skid braking system). This incredible automobile safety system helps a vehicle’s wheels maintain tractive contact with the road (while braking).

The primary function of ABS is to prevent the locking up of wheels, which not only prevents skidding, but most importantly provides the use of steering and the ability for a driver to maneuver away from or around an approaching impact.

Unforeseen obstacles, animals, and fast stopping traffic are common situations in which you can utilize this powerful technology. However, many do not understand the purpose and best practices for using ABS.

This video explains the number one mistake made when using anti-lock brake, and how to get better results and potentially avoid a car crash.

Do not confuse that ABS gives you the ability to stop sooner or faster. Its main benefit is allowing you to retain steering control, which can be a difference-maker in adverse weather or hard-stop traffic situations.

How Do Anti-Lock Braking Systems Work?

In a “hard” braking situation in which your ABS system activates, you will feel the brake pedal go soft and there will be an accentuated vibration or rumble as the system goes to work.

During braking, wheel speed sensors monitor the rotation of the wheels. When one or more of the tires try to cease rotation, a system composed of hydraulic valves take over the braking of the wheel in order to prevent the vehicle from skidding.

NOTE: It is a common misconception that ABS shortens the distance needed to bring your vehicle to a stop. That is not the case, and ABS is no solution for following a vehicle too closely.

Car Insurance Discounts for Safety Equipment

Standard brake systems are inadequate in providing sufficient traction in adverse road conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or a sudden situation calling for the immediate braking of a vehicle.

When a vehicle is equipped with ABS, it is considered as a safety measure or feature. Most vehicle insurance companies offer rate reductions or policy discounts for such features.

TIP: Make sure that you maintain a list of all safety features your vehicle is equipped with when quoting insurance companies for vehicle insurance.

Vehicle Control in Less Than Optimal Road Conditions

All of the safety features your vehicle possesses help you to operate the vehicle more safely and efficiently. A number of those features engage when road conditions become hazardous and you are forced to react suddenly.

Of those features, ABS is one of the – if not the most – important one. The ability of ABS to improve the stability of your vehicle during deceleration is of the utmost importance to keep you and your vehicle out of potential harm’s way.

NOTE: To ensure its optimal operation, request that your mechanic(s) check the ABS sensors and hydraulic system when having your vehicle serviced.

Autobahn Performance

6476 Buford Hwy Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 409-8288