Your Car’s 3 Best Friends

by Kevin Smith Author

Your car takes good care of you, so you should take good care of it. Here are three professionals that should be your car’s BFFs.

Mechanic

The first person your car should spend some time with is a qualified and trusted mechanic. Regular oil changes, rotating the tires, and replacing the windshield wiper blades, are just some of the small upkeep steps you can do to take good care of your car.

If you are new to the area you can ask your friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations and ask why they like their mechanic. Try to find a mechanic that is properly licensed and is associated with AAA or the Better Business Bureau. It is a good idea to build a relationship with your mechanic during the small fixes so you will feel comfortable and confident in choosing them when it is time for a major repair.

Auto Body Technician

Even if you are the best driver on the road, everyone else isn’t. When scratches, dings, or dents happen it is good to know an auto body technician that you can rely on.

A qualified auto body shop can help you with cracked or broken windshields or windows, and any manner of bodywork issues. They can also repaint your car and perform other cosmetic modifications. Follow the same evaluation steps for finding a mechanic, and be sure their work comes with at least a one year warranty. Don’t be fooled by flashy advertising, a smaller shop may do an equally good job, and the labor costs may be cheaper. So search around and get more than one quote.

Insurance Broker

Perhaps the most important person your car will need to know in its lifetime is your California auto broker. Having auto insurance is a must. Insurance can help cover the cost of repairs if you have an accident, and depending on what type of coverage you select, it can help cover damages from theft, vandalism, nature conditions, and more.

Having a good relationship with your California auto broker is essential to build an atmosphere of trust. Especially if you are involved in a multi-car collision there may be hospital fees and legal fees incurred. Knowing you can trust your agent and work with them will be invaluable. The type of agency and the type of coverage you choose will be up to you, but don’t be afraid to shop around and compare agencies before you make your final decision. As you choose your own friends wisely, you should do the same for your car.