The internet has a ton of information on vehicles, vehicle maintenance, vehicle repair, along with consumer reports on vehicles and a ton of opinions about vehicles, what to buy and how to take care of them. Today I read an article that is published online at MSN.com about The Ten Most Costly Repairs on an Automobile. This article was so incorrect it was frustrating. It was inaccurate as to how some of the different systems on a vehicle operate, proper verbiage was not used on how different parts fail, what the proper repair would be and the price range on the repairs was considerably off.
With the internet readily available to most consumers, are we being bombarded with information, some accurate and some inaccurate. Are we, as consumers believing everything we read as truth? How are we to know the difference?
A couple of things that everyone should look at is; who is writing the article, what are their qualifications, and where are they getting their sources. An article or publication can be accurate even being written by someone without practical knowledge, but with proper research, the right sources and a good editor it can be accurate.
The other thing to look at is, if you have read something that you are not sure of, or it raises a question about your vehicle, one of it’s systems and the proper way to maintain it. Go to your trusted repair facility and get your question answered by a professional. These technicians have training, knowledge and the experience to be able to accurately answer any questions, they can explain how your vehicle operates and can guide you as to the best way to take care of your vehicle and to avoid costly repairs on your vehicle.
According to the US Dept. of Transportation the average age of a vehicle on US Highways in 2011 was 11 years old. So in order to make those cars, safe, reliable and perform properly, they are going to need maintenance and repairs. Just make sure that your information source on your vehicle is accurate. Happy Motoring!
Steve and Karen Johnston are owners of All About Automotive, providing auto repair and auto maintenance in Historic Downtown Gresham. If you have questions or comments, call them at 503-465-2926 or email them at [email protected], you can also visit our website at allaboutautomotive.com.
