The Top Home Audio Store.

Auto Reverse

Auto Repair Chicago - are you Being Scammed? Here's How to Tell

Auto repair Chicago needs some help. Just because around 95% of locals don’t know much about their cars and don’t really want to, is no reason to be taken to the cleaners. You want to wake up, turn the key, and have the car do what it's always done: drive to and from work. But on those gut wrenching mornings when the car won't start, or there's an evil little light on the dash, we know it's time to telemarket the pros and hope we get a fair deal and not a sharp stick in the eye.

Now you're in the shop They're looking at your car, charging you for it, and when they walk into the waiting room, wiping the grease off their hands, how do you know the car repair estimates they rattle off aren't complete works of fiction?

Let's pause for a moment of clarity. Just what is an car repair scam? We'd like to offer some auto repair help using this simple analogy... Going out to dinner.

Imagine walking into a restaurant any given night of the week. You're craving (let's say for sake of argument) a burger, fries and coke. You sit down, the waiter walks over, and before taking your order tells you about the specials. He tells you about their tender sirloin tips, sautéed in a cabernet butter sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes and delectable grilled asparagus spears drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Your mouth begins to water, and you picture a glass of Shiraz to wash it all down.

Fast forward about an hour. You're leaving full and happy having spent about $55 more than the original $12 you had planned on. Congratulations! You were just unsold.

Let's repeat this experience and this time explore a scam... You order the burger, fries and coke. The waiter brings you the carrot plate with an orange juice, charges you for the steak, and then the valet refuses to give you your keys until you pay for the entire dinner including tip and a saganaki you never even knew they served.

Now THAT is a scam.

The truly insidious problem with car repair is how hard it can be to tell the difference. Unlike dinner, the inner workings of your transmission can be subject to interpretation.

The most powerful tool you have against car repair scams is this: Stop using auto repair service in Chicago that refuse to provide quality information over the phone or internet. We have a simple, hard and fast rule If a mechanic is not knowledgeable enough to provide at least basic, quality information when I contact them initially; he is not knowledgeable enough to be working on a vehicle. Period.

Service writers and technicians need to understand that the rest of the world lives in the information age. With the ability now for consumers to use free public resources (like IanAuto!) and get information to compare notes, mechanics must stop chanting the old mantra "Can't tell you, won't tell you! Bring it in and we'll take a look".

Auto Repair Chicago - You Need To Be Aware.

You Are Not Helpless. You Do Have Choices The major reason for prescreening is that failure to do so opens you up to a host of potential scams and creepy, high pressure sales tactics.

How hard do you think it'll be to reverse a mistake when your car is 6 feet in the air with the tires off and they're pointing out fictitious emergencies?

And if the person on the phone is doing nothing but evading your direct questions, just picture the customer service if you have a problem later on.

Remember, there are some amazing auto service pros out there who will blow your mind with knowledge, honesty and willingness to share. People like this should be given a medal for saving customers on a daily basis. The best thing is they're either a phone call our mouse click away!

Auto Repair Chicago - Understanding A Very Important Fact:

While you should never use a mechanic who will not provide honest, direct answers to your questions, you must also know they will have to take a look at your car to give a realistic, accurate estimate. The truth is that almost 100% of car repair related situations do require a physical inspection by a trained service professional. Cars are highly complex machines and a problem with one system can frequently effect the performance of another.

For example: Check Engine Lights. These little buggers pop on when there's an issue with a sensor buried in some deep, obscure system. We can all blame the manufacturers for not making this easy to diagnose. In situations like this, there is no way to get around a systems test. You will have to bring in your vehicle, the technician will have to plug in a diagnostic tool, and within about an hour (in most cases) you'll have a solid idea of what's wrong. But why can't the technician tell you that?

We have called hundreds of shops across the country and have been hearing the same thing from close to 96% of them: "Nope, we can't tell you anything until we see it." Or "We don't give any information over the phone, you'll have to bring it in." We've heard these exact two sentences so many times at this point, we're starting to think there's a mechanic's phone call evasion phrase book!

Here's a response directly from our database: This is a shop who knows how to answer your questions, even when there is no direct answer...

The "check engine" light is an indication something is wrong somewhere in your vehicle. What it's saying is one or several sensors/components is failing or providing readings within specifications. Diagnosis and troubleshooting is required to determine the cause of the problem, and this will allow us to provide an accurate estimate regarding exactly what needs to be fixed. The cost for an initial diagnosis runs $X. You can expect the whole diagnosis process to take around an hour. Our technicians are trained to handle these problems and are available ASAP. Please call to set up an appointment.

Now isn't that better than, "Nope. Can't say until you bring it in"?

Auto Repair Chicago - The Most Astounding Fact Ever: Your answers are found in your mechanic's questions. Even though having knowledge of your vehicle is the #1 way to avoid a scam, you can offset being less than informed by digging out good questions from the mechanic. There's a simple reason for this; it shows they know what they're talking about.

Because cars have become amazingly complex systems, you should not expect to get a diagnosis over the phone or online. But you should expect information. When you call a shop, the person who picks up the phone should be able to tell you something about something. They should also be able to ask you enough questions to draw out info and further highlight their knowledge and professionalism. They should also disclose if they have an inspection fee, disclose if that fee will be waived if you approve the work, and then be courteous enough to ask for an appointment.

Brakes, engine trouble, weird smells, and noises... in almost every auto repair related situation you must find a person who may not give you an exact answer, but will be able to tell you exactly why.

Auto Repair Chicago - Bottom Line: An up sell is offering premium parts instead of the basic stock; a scam is creating problems or lying about repairs needed. Scams can be avoided by finding a service pro who will directly address your questions and/or concerns. And while maybe not diagnosing your problem, at least offering quality information as to why.

About the Author

Drew Turnbaugh is the leading authority on communication for the auto repair industry and founder of The International Automotive Network (IanAuto). IanAuto is responsible for helping consumers demystify auto repair Chicago.

XXX KP9800 Auto Reverse AMFM Cassette Player $32.59 Auto Reverse Cassette Player. 2 x 25 Watt Max Output Power. Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured. High quality components.

Afa Otto Gauge Faces - Black Reverse Glow Gauge (130MPH) [90-93 Honda Accord Auto] $78.3 Afa Otto Gauge Faces - Black Reverse Glow Gauge (130MPH)

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver Reverse Glow Gauge [88-91 Honda Civic Auto w/o Tach] $78.3 Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver Reverse Glow Gauge

Best Motoring Reverse Tshirt - Black (Small) [N/A] $19.95 Best Motoring Reverse Tshirt - Black (Small)

Best Motoring Reverse Tshirt - White (Small) [N/A] $19.95 Best Motoring Reverse Tshirt - White (Small)

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Euro Reverse Glow Gauge (140MPH) [90-93 Honda Accord Auto] $78.3 "SILVER REVERSE METALLIC SILVER FACES DURING THE DAY,ONLY THE NUMBERS/DIGITS GLOW AT NIGHT AS SHOWN"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver Reverse Glow Gauge (130MPH) [90-93 Honda Accord Auto] $78.3 "METALLIC LOOK DURING THE DAY,SILVER REVERSE OTTO-GLOW GAUGES -METALLIC STYLE FACES DURING THE DAY."

Vtech Taillight Covers - Blackout w/Reverse (Black) [98-00 Cadillac Escalade] $32.12 Vtech Taillight Covers - Blackout w/Reverse (Black)

Vtech Taillight Covers - Blackout w/Reverse (Black) [92-99 Chevrolet Suburban] $32.12 Vtech Taillight Covers - Blackout w/Reverse (Black)

Vtech Taillight Covers - Reverse & Sidemarker (Black) [98-00 Cadillac Escalade] $32.12 Vtech Taillight Covers - Reverse & Sidemarker (Black)

Vtech Taillight Covers - Reverse & Sidemarker (Black) [92-99 Chevrolet Suburban] $32.12 Vtech Taillight Covers - Reverse & Sidemarker (Black)

Vtech Taillight Covers - Reverse & Sidemarker (Black) [92-99 Chevrolet Tahoe] $32.12 Vtech Taillight Covers - Reverse & Sidemarker (Black)

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Black Reverse Glow Gauge [00-03 Mitsubishi Eclipse Auto] $78.3 "Upgrade your factory gauge lighting to the newest style in the market. The black reverse glow gauges replace your factory gauge to make only the numbers light up instead of the whole gauge face. When installed, this gauge will look similar to many upscale vehicles with European influences. An inverter is already included with the gauge faces so you may install the whole package once it arrives"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Black Reverse Glow Gauge [96-00 Honda Civic EX Auto] $78.3 "Upgrade your factory gauge lighting to the newest style in the market. The euro reverse glow gauges replace your factory gauge to make only the numbers light up instead of the whole gauge face. When installed, this gauge will look similar to many upscale vehicles with European influences. An inverter is already included with the gauge faces so you may install the whole package once it arrives."

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Black Reverse Glow Gauge (160MPH) [92-95 Honda Civic Auto] $78.3 "Upgrade your factory gauge lighting to the newest style in the market. The euro reverse glow gauges replace your factory gauge to make only the numbers light up instead of the whole gauge face. When installed, this gauge will look similar to many upscale vehicles with European influences. An inverter is already included with the gauge faces so you may install the whole package once it arrives."

Pyle Plrcs20U Am/Fm Radio/Auto Reverse Car Cassette Player $50.69 AM/FM 2BAND RADIO WITH ANTITHEFT PULLOUT SYSTEM; 200W OUTPUT; AUTO REVERSE CASSETTE PLAYER; DIGITAL DISPLAY; CLOCK FUNCTION; BUILTIN USB PORT; MP3 COMPATIBLE; 4 CHANNEL OUTPUT; NIGHT ILLUMINATION; AUTO ANTENNA LEAD; AUX INPUT FRONT PANEL; RCA PREAMP OUTPUT; CHASSIS DIM: 7.1 W X 5.5 D X 2 H

Tape2MP3 Portable USB Cassette To MP-3 Sound Converter w/Auto-Reverse (Silver) RIP Your Old Cassettes To MP3! $29.39 Tape2MP3 Portable USB Cassette To MP-3 Sound Converter w/Auto-Reverse (Silver) RIP Your Old Cassettes To MP3!

Vtech Taillight Covers - Blackout w/Reverse (Black) [92-99 GMC Yukon;;98-00 GMC Denali Yukon] $32.12 Vtech Taillight Covers - Blackout w/Reverse (Black)

Vtech Taillight Covers - Reverse & Sidemarker (Black) [92-99 GMC Yukon;;98-00 GMC Yukon Denali] $32.12 Vtech Taillight Covers - Reverse & Sidemarker (Black)

Reverse $10 Reverse - Sean Simmons

Reverse Osmosis Auto-Shut Off Kit W/Float Valve And Gauge: A $106.25 This auto-shut off kit will prevent overflowing. Can be used with any of our SpectraPure Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Systems. This is the shut-off kit only. The Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Systems described below are available separately. Just hit the manufacturer name for a complete list. The ‘combo’ kits already include the auto-shut off assembly. Three-Stage MaxPure™ MPRO Systems Full-Size, Wall-Mount RO Water Purification Systems for the Serious Hobbyist and Small Business RO pure water at an economical price High-silicate removal Reverse Osmosis Membranes High-efficiency MicroTec™ 1 micron Sediment Pre-Filter High-capacity Carbon Block Pre-Filter (9,000 gallon chlorine removal) Clear filter housings Filter wrench and garden hose adapter Dimensions: 14'' x 6'' x 15 Line Pressure Operated Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Systems are available in production rates of 40, 90 and 180 gallons per day (gpd). SpectraPure® MaxPure™ Systems incorporate a high-silicate removal TFC membrane, a 1 micron MicroTec™ Sediment Filter, and a Carbon Block Filter. The membrane is the horizontal white cylinder that fits above the two filters in the picture. The 180 gallon system comes with two 90 GPD high-silicate removal TFC membranes. Reverse Osmosis Combo Kits include the Water Purification System, plus the float valve, the auto shut off, and the pressure guage. The 90 and 180 gallon per day system is the same three stage system, but the memebrane is slightly different than the 40 gpd system. The 90 and 180 gpd membrane is not detachable, so the whole membrane unit must be replaced after its 1-2 year lifetime. Our Line Pressure Operated Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Systems will: remove over 98% of all ionic impurities remove over 95% of organic impurities remove colloidal and particulate impurities remove microorganisms and pyrogens remove chlorine, chloramines, pesticides etc. SpectraPure® Line Pressure Operated RO Systems remove over 98% of sediment, chlorine, pollutants, bacteria and other contaminants, to produce high-purity, good tasting water. SpectraPure® Systems operate on normal city or well water with pressure greater than 40 psi, and are designed for home, hobby, and light commercial applications. SpectraPure® Reverse Osmosis Systems provide superior rejection of ionic, organic and particulate impurities and thus produce contaminant-free water. Line-pressure operated systems operate on household water pressure. We use superior quality, 100% tested, TFC membranes in our RO systems. TFC membranes used are rated at standard feed conditions of 60 PSI (4.1 Bar) at 77°F (25°C), and 500 ppm TDS (750 µS conductivity).

Afa Otto Gauge Faces - Black Reverse Glow Gauge (130MPH) [90-93 Honda Accord 5-Speed] $78.3 Afa Otto Gauge Faces - Black Reverse Glow Gauge (130MPH)

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver Reverse Glow Gauge [92-96 Toyota Camry] $78.3 Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver Reverse Glow Gauge

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Euro Reverse Glow Gauge [93-97 Lexus GS300 Auto] $78.3 "WHITE FACES IN THE DAY,AT NIGHT,ONLY THE NUMBERS/MARKINGS WILL GLOW IN RED,BLUE,LIGHT-GREEN!"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Euro Reverse Glow Gauge [93-97 Volkswagen Passat GLX Auto] $78.3 "INCLUDES 2-COLOR BLUE/GREEN INVERTER SWITCH -NUMBERS & MARKINGS WILL GLOW AT NIGHT 4 TOTAL COLORS-RED,LIGHTGREEN,BLUE,HYPERBLUE -SCRATCH RESISTANT,ANTI-GLARE SURFACE"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver Reverse Glow Gauge [00-03 Mitsubishi Eclipse Auto] $78.3 "METALLIC LOOK DURING THE DAY,ONLY THE NUMBERS/MARKINGS WILL GLOW AT NIGHT"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Euro Reverse Glow Gauge [93-96 Mazda MX-6 Auto] $78.3 "INCLUDES 2-COLOR BLUE/GREEN INVERTER SWITCH -NUMBERS & MARKINGS WILL GLOW AT NIGHT 4 SEPERATE COLORS-RED,LIGHTGREEN,BLUE,HYPERBLUE -WHITE DURING THE DAY"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver Reverse Glow Gauge [93-96 Mazda MX-6 Auto] $78.3 "SILVER FACES IN THE DAY,AT NIGHT,ONLY THE NUMBERS/MARKINGS WILL GLOW IN RED,BLUE,LIGHT-GREEN!"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver Reverse Glow Gauge [00-01 Nissan Maxima Auto] $78.3 "WHITE FACES IN THE DAY,AT NIGHT,ONLY THE NUMBERS/MARKINGS WILL GLOW IN RED,BLUE,LIGHT-GREEN!"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - White Reverse Glow Gauge [00-01 Nissan Maxima Auto] $78.3 "GLOWS AT NIGHT, AS SHOWN, USING STATE OF THE ART ELECTRO-LUMINESCENT TECHNOLOGY -INCLUDES 12V POWER INVERTER/SWITCH."

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Euro Reverse Glow Gauge [89-91 Ford Taurus Auto] $78.3 "85MPH top speed. INCLUDES 2-COLOR BLUE/GREEN INVERTER SWITCH -NUMBERS & MARKINGS WILL GLOW AT NIGHT 4 TOTAL COLORS-RED,LIGHTGREEN,BLUE,HYPERBLUE -SCRATCH RESISTANT,ANTI-GLARE SURFACE"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Euro Reverse Glow Gauge (130MPH) [90-93 Honda Accord Auto] $78.3 "INCLUDES 2-COLOR BLUE/GREEN INVERTER SWITCH -NUMBERS & MARKINGS WILL GLOW AT NIGHT 4 SEPERATE COLORS-RED,LIGHTGREEN,BLUE,HYPERBLUE"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver Reverse Glow Gauge (140MPH) [90-93 Honda Accord Auto] $78.3 "SILVER METALLIC LOOK DURING THE DAY,ONLY THE NUMBERS/MARKINGS WILL GLOW AT NIGHT"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver/White Reverse Otto Racing Gauge (130MPH) [90-93 Honda Accord Auto] $78.3 "GLOWS AT NIGHT, AS SHOWN, USING STATE OF THE ART ELECTRO-LUMINESCENT TECHNOLOGY -INCLUDES 12V POWER INVERTER/SWITCH"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver Reverse Glow Gauge [94-01 Acura Integra Auto] $78.3 "METALLIC LOOK DURING THE DAY,ONLY THE NUMBERS/MARKINGS WILL GLOW AT NIGHT"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver/White G3 Reverse Glow Gauge [94-01 Acura Integra Auto] $78.3 "GLOWS AT NIGHT, AS SHOWN, USING STATE OF THE ART ELECTRO-LUMINESCENT TECHNOLOGY -INCLUDES 12V POWER INVERTER/SWITCH"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver Reverse Glow Gauge [96-00 Honda Civic EX / LX / HX Auto] $78.3 "SILVER FACES IN THE DAY,AT NIGHT,ONLY THE NUMBERS/MARKINGS WILL GLOW IN RED,BLUE,HYPER-GREEN!"

Alfa Otto Gauge Faces - Silver/White G3 Reverse Glow Gauge [96-00 Honda Civic EX Auto] $78.3 "GLOWS AT NIGHT, AS SHOWN, USING STATE OF THE ART ELECTRO-LUMINESCENT TECHNOLOGY -INCLUDES 12V POWER INVERTER/SWITCH"