February 27, 2022
Ever wonder why it costs so much more to fix a similar problem in two different vehicles? Let's say you now own an SUV and before that, you owned a car. Your SUV's air conditioning system needs a new evaporator, but the cost for the new one is way more than you remember it was for your car. How can there be that big of a difference?
There are many reasons. For one thing, vehicles aren't all the same. Yes, they have engines and steering wheels and suspensions, but engineering and design can vary widely among different styles and brands.
In the case of replacing the evaporator, the one in your former car may have been located in a spot where the technician could get to it easily. Plus, the part may have been less complicated and, therefore, cheaper. Your SUV may require the entire dashboard to be removed with special tools to detach the a/c lines from the evaporator. Plus, since it is supplying cool air to a bigger cabin, it may be more complicated; the part itself may cost quite a bit more.
But you're not an expert, so how do you know the price is fair? This is where it helps to establish a good, long-lasting relationship with a reputable service repair facility. They know you, they know your vehicle and they value keeping you as a customer. A facility that doesn't care about repeat business may try to suggest more repairs than are needed or inflate their prices. But those shops are unlikely to stay in business very long since their reputation gets around.
If you've been taking your vehicles to the same shop for several years, you've had experience with them and know their policy on labor costs and parts prices. At some point you may wonder if it's worth it to keep putting money into your vehicle, and if you know your service advisor, you have developed a trust for his or her advice.
Keep this in mind, too. Vehicle designers and engineers have made significant progress in things like powertrain technology and rust prevention. That means today's vehicles are meant to last longer. One study in a major consumer magazine shows that if you can keep your vehicle on the road for 200,000 miles/320,000 km, an average of 15 years, some vehicles can save you up to $30,000 or more. Investing in repairs can make a lot of sense.
Tuffy TIre & Auto Service Center Orland Park
7900 W. 159th St.
Orland Park, Illinois 60462
708-444-2966
March 30, 2025
If you haven't shopped in the Orland Park area for a new vehicle recently, you're likely to experience some sticker shock. It seems everything is costing more these days. And when you consider the price of auto financing in Orland Park, and insurance, the idea of hanging on to your old vehicle fo... More
March 23, 2025
You probably figured out those shifty letters. They're what you see on your automatic transmission shifter and stand for Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Low. Your automatic transmission is one of the great automotive inventions; here are some ways you can keep yours working well. Maintain you... More
March 16, 2025
If your vehicles power goes to the rear wheels, then you have something called U-joints in the drivetrain. U-joints are connectors that allow the rotating power from your vehicles engine to deliver its power through a driveshaft to make the rear wheels rotate. You need U-joints because the surfa... More