WIJIBY FREE PRESS, Durham Moves, OCTOBER 19, 18,PG i Ask qusions before deeidigw ere to service a The automotive industry is making rapid changes, not only in the manufacturing, and sales of cars, but also in automotive servicing. Today' cars are so advanced that the stereotype "greasy mechanic" is a thing of a past. Mechanics are now» called automotive technicians, trained to work with not only the traditional wrenches and screw- drivers, but also with high-tech computers worth thousands of dollars. Communications skills are as important! as the technical training mechanics receive, so .hat they can effectively discuss 2ar repairs with their customers. Cars are* expensive. Auto j maintenance is expensive. Customers are demanding more for their money than ever before. Goodyear is trying to help women car owners to cope with these changes by holding a series of free car care dlinics for women. Held during -the fali and winter months in specific Goodyear certified auto service centres, the clinics teach women the býasic functions of a car, maintenance tips and how to ensure fair treatment when taking the car in for service. They are held right in the stores' showrooms and service bays on predetermined evenings from7 until abutlO0p.m. Once you've learned more about Vour car, where do go for good automotive service? Before you make that decision, here are a few questions you should ask about the auto service centre you are considering -- before you take your car in for repairs. 1. Company name - Go for a major company that bas a chain of stores. Large companies have Iongterm experience, good training programns and a national reputation to baeck them up. 2. Better Business Bureau - Check to make sure the company is a member of good standing in the Better Business Bureau. 3. Witten estimates - Make sure a written repair. estimate is supplied. Always ask for an estimate before you authorize any work. 4. Warranties - National warran- ties are important. Read the warranty carefully to see what is covered and for how long. Remember to keep all work invoices in a safe place for future references. 5. Worn Parts - Make'sure the outiet wilI return alI worn parts where replaced and that you are not sold unnecessary repairs. 6. Customer complaints - Is there a way of voicing your concerns that will be effective? Does the company have a toll-free customer complaint number that you' can caîl, if you can't resolve the problem yourself with the store manager? 7. Second opinions - If you feel unsure with one mechanic's opinion, are you encouraged to take your car somewhere else for a second opinion? Will the first outiet charge you labor cost for their diagnosis of the problem? 8. Take a look - Are you allowed Bus, r~ail terminal subsidies Ontario's Ministry of Trans- portation bas established a sub- sidy program to help small mu- nicipalities to upgrade their inter- city bus and rail terminaIs. ."The Passenger Terminal Pro- gram includes a variety of im- provements, to existing bus and rail passe nger facilities, such as waiting rooms, washrooms, acces- 'sibility for disabled persons, tick- et -sales and travel information avmilability," said '1'ansportation Minister Ed Fulton. Under the program, munici- palities receive grants of up to 75 per cent to help themn improve their existing intercity passenger terminaIs. "Bus agencies and rail stations in small communities often offer limited passenger facilities," said Fulton. "Our program is designed specifically to meet the intercity terminal needs of Ontario's smafl municipalities." MTO bas already run a dem- onstration project in Graven- hurst. The renovated rail station opened in 1986 and now provides improved facilities for both rail and intercity bus passengers. TPhe success of the Graven- hurst project bas led te feasibility studies for projects in St. Marys, Orillia and Napanee. Several oth- er municipalities across the pro- vince have also shown interest in the new MTO initiative. BOTH THE old asnd new in tires, indluding the Yokohama, were on display at the car show at the metro east trade centre Iast week Frc lremo photo I to go out into the service bays to talk with' the mechanic and to inspect the ýcaÈ yourself? Would the mechanic take the time te fully explain the work that ýis required and in terms that you can understand? 1 9. Location and appearance - Is the store dlean and comfortable? Is there a waiting area free from the dirt and smells of the service area? Is the store lhandy 50o you can easily drop off your car? Is there shopping nearby so that you Now At These Locations OSHAWA, 197 Bloor St. E., 579-9884 SCARBORUOGH ETOBICOKE NEWMARKET 733 Kennedy Rd. 383 Albion Rd. 213 Eagle St. 264-3216 PICKERING 746-7270 TORONTO .8822 ICEE 1652A Bayly St. 1830 Bayview Ave 50 Lancaster 839-4421 487-5271 744-2213 can do other. errands while your car is ir1 being serviced? 10. Word of niouth - A good personal experience can be the best referral. Ask your friends, fanlily and, co-workers where they take their car in fo& servicing. NEW LOCATION Mssissauga 1325 Eglington Ave. E. 238-8222 I AI & Id & A A A A a a A A a'é~I'Aêaa&I8&* I b i bAiS b 4 4II~ Il t~ ~¶11~ ~ ~j ~j ~*j j j~jj jj Ç~ ~ ~ ~ NEW CAR AND TRUCK IDEAS FROMM. Thee -alotmoe t e * elthnj tseed an utoe Moe foreyer carth-n ee er -,-- -l .-7. -- 1 - - , - -- - > - - ,7 ý ..19qu 1 -MW»---Z j ý ý M. rL'Eýýâ A 1 do- .