New Movers and Community Guide - Automotive Edition

SPONSORS To Be Replaced

Social Media Can Help: It is common for local mechanics to advertise on social media. Utilize social media to network with the community on who they trust as their local or “family” mechanic. Social Media is now the new word of mouth.

Here are some tips on how to find the perfect local mechanic:

Do Your Homework: While searching for a trusted local mechanic, reviews are critical. Thoroughly search not just for positive reviews, but negative reviews as well.

Look for patterns in reviews that may accurately represent their work.

Reviews can also tell you what a mechanic may or may not specialize in. Doing your homework is invaluable when searching for the perfect mechanic.

Dealership VS. The Local Shop: When you need work done on your car, how do you know whether to take it to a dealership or the local shop? Believe it or not either place is fine, but if it’s something basic like an oil change or tire rotation, save yourself some money and take it to the local shop.

Dealerships are known to be more expensive, however, they come well stocked with top-of-the-line equipment and certified techs.

If your mechanical issue is more complex, consider a dealership that specializes in the brand of car you drive.

Share Your Experience:

The community loves feedback about experiences especially when it comes to mechanic work. Through your travels if you’ve found an amazing local mechanic, the people want to know!

You can help grow the community of trusted mechanics while also supporting small business. Share your experiences in a review on social media or Google.

Shop Around:

The automotive industry is very competitive, and businesses are always trying to find a cutting-edge way to make their shop #1. Price does not dictate value so you should shop around for a trusted local mechanic that will deliver an excellent experience.

Community:

Single mothers and fathers, the elderly, families and more, are always in the market for a mechanic they can trust. Through networking, research, and good ole’ word of mouth, the community will be filled with amazing businesses ready to grow together.

Let’s be honest, finding a trusted local mechanic is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but it doesn’t have to be that way!

Regular Mainteance Must-Haves

Regular Maintenance is the key to longevity in your vehicle. Here are some tips and tricks on how to keep your vehicle in great condition.

Check and Change your Oil:

Maintaining your oil is important. Regularly check your oil levels to ensure they are at the proper line on the dip stick. It is recommended to change your oil every 3,000 miles to ensure your vehicle remains in tip top shape.

High mileage vehicles may require additional maintenance. Never let your oil run low or run out, it causes serious damage to your vehicle that could lead to expensive repairs.

Maintain your filters: When you take your vehicle in for an oil change the tech usually shows you how dirty your oil filter is. Make sure you opt in to changing out your oil filter to ensure your vehicle can breathe properly.

Miles or Maintenance?

It is a common misconception that vehicles with a lot of miles may not run as good. The truth is, if a vehicle is maintained throughout its life it will last for a very long time.

Some models have been seen to have over 300,000 miles!

Top off your fluids: Most places offer to fill up your fluids at no charge during your oil change. This may include topping off your windshield washer fluid, coolant and more. Make sure you take advantage of all that is available to you while servicing your vehicle.

Check your tire pressure: During the cold months tires are known for loosing air. Always check your tires to ensure your tires are at the proper air level. You can purchase a tire gauge at any auto store to keep in your vehicle. Air levels vary for different tires.

Maintaining your vehicle is the key to ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition. It also ensures you can ask for top dollar when you get ready to sell your vehicle.

Keep your car clean: Regularly cleaning your vehicle can help with long term damage to the interior.

6 ways To Know If You Found The Right Mechanic

With so many mechanics to choose from, how do you know if you found the right one? Here are some sure-fire ways to know if you’re in the rightplace.

1.Explanation: Taking your vehicle to a mechanic you’ve never used before can be stressful. If the technician takes the time to talk about what your vehicle needs and why, you’re on the right track.

2.Fast and Friendly: A good mechanic will be courteous and understand your vehicle may need to be repaired quickly. They will explain exactly what is needed and how long it may take to repair and discuss your options.

3.Saving Money: It takes a lot of specialized skill to be an automotive mechanic. Parts and labor can be very expensive, and consumers as well as mechanics are looking for ways to save money on auto repairs.

A reasonable mechanic may elect to allow you to purchase your own parts instead of paying the shops mark up. It never hurts to ask when you need to save some money on auto repairs.

4.Show and Tell: Often a mechanic will meet you at the check out counter to pay for the work you authorized. Have you ever asked yourself, “what am I paying for and how do I know the work was actually completed?”

A good mechanic will “show and tell” you what was needed and what was not completed. Any work that was not authorized or completed should be listed on your invoice for your records.

5.Education: Once your current vehicles needs are squared away, a good mechanic should educate you on what your vehicle may need in the future. This is a great way to know what your vehicle may need so you can get ahead of costly repairs. Trusted mechanics always have repeat business.

6.Future Appointments: Lastly, once your vehicle has received its service and your mechanic has checked all of the right boxes, a good mechanic will schedule your next service. Establishing repour with a local trusted mechanic is a great way to always get the service you deserve.

Tires need love too. Maintaining your tires can improve your vehicles performance.

Tires

Pre-owned Tires: There are a wide range of things to consider when looking at preowned tires.

New Tires: There is a tire shop at every corner, how do you determine what is best for your vehicle?

New tires almost always come with a warranty, but make sure you check how many miles the warranty is good for. Also check if you must use the warranty at that specific location or, if it’s valid for all locations.

Most new tire resellers offer a wide range of options but sometimes what you’re looking for may not be in stock. A tire shop associate can order your desired tire straight from the manufacturer.

1.Check treading on the tire. Ensure the tire is not completely worn.

2.If you’re buying all 4 tires, make sure they are the right size.

3.Check the numbers on the tires to ensure the tire is not expired.

4.Research the brand and read reviews.

Keep your tires rotated: Rotating your tires when you go in for a oil change is standard practice. Maintaining rotations can improve your vehicles performance. This is also a great opportunity to check your tires to ensure they are in top notch shape.

Check your tire pressure, threading, and any possible holes/leaks. Checking your tires regularly can help avoid flat tires in the future.

Tire Alignments:

When purchasing tires of any kind, it is critical to make sure you get your tires aligned. Aligning tires prevents shaking at high speeds and improves your overall driving experience.

It is recommended to align your tires at the same time your tires are being serviced or rotated for maximum results.

Know your tire size: Servicing your tires may require that you know and understand your tire size. Tires come in a variety of sizes and purposes. It is helpful to know what you’re looking for when shopping around.

Automotive Reviews

When it comes to locking in the best place to service your vehicle, reputation matters. Here are some tips and tricks on how to read and understand online reviews in the automotive industry.

Does the business respond to reviews?

Check the rating: Online reviews are comprised of a variety of factors and google tends to favor businesses with a 4.2 or higher rating.

A business that responds to reviews is more likely to deliver an excellent customer experience. Pay attention to whether the business responds to positive and negative reviews, and if they take steps to resolve any unsolved matters. Take charge of your automotive experience!

Recommendations: The community is always looking for the go-to places for automotive services. You can help businesses and future customers by leaving a review or recommendation. By doing this, you are helping build a trusted community of experts in their field.

Thoroughly comb through how many reviews there are versus what star they reported. Ratings can help you determine what kind of service a business provides based on customer experiences.

Social Media Reviews: Most social media platforms now have an option to leave a review. Social media can be an excellent source of information in the automotive industry.

Minimal online presence: Some automotive businesses have been in business so long they lack any online presence. These kinds of businesses usually thrive on word of mouth.

Minimal online presence does not necessarily mean bad service. Most likely the business is a mom-and-pop shop that has been open for a very long time.

How to spot a disgruntled customer review: Reading reviews to make a good purchasing decision can be tedious and time consuming but well worth it. Sometimes reviews may not accurately represent the business due to disgruntled customers.

Read the reviews carefully and determine if the business has exhausted every effort to resolve any matters.

Look for common patterns and responses. Communication is key to ensuring your automotive experience is a good one.

Automotive On Social Media

Social media is a great tool for local mechanics and small businesses to affordably advertise on social media. The search tool allows consumers to do their research and empowers local businesses to manage their online reputation.

If you’re traveling out of state, you can use the search radius function on social media to find local mechanics while you are on the go.

There are endless tools available to consumers as well as business owners on social media.

price range, description, distance and more. It allows the consumer to be able to compare similar vehicles and the option to schedule a test drive. Social media has become a great tool for consumers and private sellers alike.

The future of automotive on social media:

Automotive manufacturers are paving the way for the future in auto. Each year some of the biggest brands out there take to social media to educate consumers on what’s to come.

BMW is now constructing new plants throughout Spartanburg SC to prepare for the future in auto. New vehicles mean more jobs for the great state.

Social Media platforms for Automotive:

Whether you’re a consumer looking for a car, or a business trying to advertise, there are many platforms to reference. Here are some of the most popular places for automotive:

·Facebook

·Facebook Groups

·LetGo

·Next Door

·OfferUp

·Instagram

·LinkedIn

·Twitter

·Ebay

Each of these platforms come with an easy-to-use FREE app. These apps can be found in the Apple Store as well as Google Play. Social media is a great tool that is easily accessible to the consumer as well as small or big business.

Must-Have Tools to Keep In Your Vehicle

Emergency Kit Must Haves: Keeping a spare set of tools in your vehicle can dramatically improve your vehicle emergency. Here are a few tools that are recommended:

jumper cables in your vehicle can help restart your car’s battery in an emergency. Jumper cables are available at any auto retailer.

Car Jack: Keeping a car jack in your vehicle in an emergency is critical to auto repair. If you experience a flat tire or need an in-depth look under the vehicle a car jack is your best friend. You can purchase a car jack at any auto retailer.

·Wrenches (variety of sizes)

·Channel Locks

·Screwdrivers (variety of sizes)

·Tire patch kit

·Lug wrench

-Gas Can

·Gorilla Tape or Duct Tape (patches holes in hoses)

·Organized toolbox

Fluids: Keep coolant, a quart of oil and windshield wiper fluid in your vehicle. Keeping extra fluids available in an emergency can drastically improve your situation.

Mechanic Gloves: When your vehicle breaks down it is important to let your vehicle cool off before any work is completed. It is helpful to have a spare pair of gloves during repairs to prevent any burns.

There are different types of car jacks; the hydraulic car jack and the hand jack. The hydraulic jack is usually heavier and more of a professional grade. It is easier to use, and it is stable.

Hand jacks are more for smaller vehicles. Typically, you must hand crank them and they do not always support the weight of a vehicle. Choose wisely depending on the type of vehicle.

Keeping these items in your vehicle at all times will give you the confidence to repair your vehicle in case of emergency.

Women Empowerment in Automotive

Take Charge: The automotive industry has drastically shifted in the last 20 years. The automotive industry has always been a male dominated industry. With the advancements in the digital world like YouTube, woman are more empowered than ever to take control of their automotive experiences.

Join the Industry: The automotive industry is thriving with knowledgeable and powerful women. There are a variety of roles within the industry that are growing each year.

Women in the Automotive Industry: Thousands of women around the country have joined the automotive industry in hopes of changing the dynamic. From service to sales to assembly and more, women are paving the way.

The Service Department: For decades, women have been intimidated by the automotive industry. Tales of being overcharged, underestimated and undervalued. Now, with platforms like YouTube, women can now be educated on everything automotive.

Big savings: Many automotive businesses offer discounts on products or services for women. Check with your local dealership or service department on what is available to you.

There are hundreds of groups on social media that support women in auto and help grow their businesses. Be a part of the conversation and help navigate the dynamic.

·If you know a business that supports women in auto, we want to know about it!

Be a part of the community: Believe it or not, being a woman in the automotive industry is not an easy task. Women face challenges in the industry most would not expect. You can support the community of women in automotive by joining Facebook Groups.