Today's cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. When properly maintained and repaired, they run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past.

Our Service Consultants, Steve and Bob, are the heartbeat of Clovis Garage. They value the personal relationships that are built and the trust that is earned in the process of fixing a customer's car and helping them get back on the road. The Clovis Garage team then operates in an efficient and timely process to produce the best possible results for our customer.

But when it comes to repairs, some things stay the same. Service Consultants Steve and Bob suggest the following tips to help you along the way, however, we are just a phone call away if you ever have a question or concern:

Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service.

• Read the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle's systems and components.
• Follow the recommended service schedules.
• Keep a log of all repairs and service.

When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals.

Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for:

• Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings.
• Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels.
• Worn tires, belts, hoses.
• Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations.
• Note when the problem occurs.
• Is it constant or periodic?
• When the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
• At all speeds? Only under acceleration? During braking? When shifting?
• When did the problem first start?

Once you are at our location, communicate your findings.

• Be prepared to describe the symptoms.
• Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give us.
• Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. Just as you would with your physician, tell us where it hurts and how long it's been that way, but let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.

Stay involved. . . Ask questions.

• Ask as many questions as you need. Do not be embarrassed to request lay definitions.
• Don't rush the technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. You may ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins.
• Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.
• Leave a telephone number where you can be called.