Automotive Companies

If you have recently had some car troubles, then you know how difficult it can be to shop around for helpful automobile services. Maybe you have been in accident or experience other types of car damage. Maybe you want to give your car a few upgrades like a new windshield, a paint job, or tinted windows.

It is important to find a reliable auto company who can give you quality service and improve the performance of your car. Of course you are probably interested in saving some cash as well. To have the best experience with your automobile care as possible, here are a few suggestions to help you.

First is choosing a car repair or service company where you can entrust your car. Some of the best referrals are by word of mouth, so speak to your neighbors or family or coworkers about what shops they use for their vehicle needs. Once you have several companies in mind, it is easy to do just a little bit of online research. Find the car company’s website to verify what services they offer and whether they have competitive pricing. Also verify whether the company has trained experts with great customer service who will not scam you with your car’s needs. One of the best guarantees you can have is whether or not the company will give you a written warranty for their services.

Next is to find some ways to save your hard-earned cash. Check with several different auto shops to compare their prices for the same services. One shop may offer cheaper prices, but lower quality services, so decide for yourself if there are any trade-offs you are willing to make. You may also want to check with your car insurance company to determine whether any repair services will be covered. Your insurance policy may cover some types of repairs, but they may have requirements limiting where you can take your car. You may have to take your vehicle to the dealer for services, but this isn’t always a bad thing because no shop knows your car better than the dealer. You can also collect coupons in the mail or the newspaper to help you find great deals on auto services.

You also need to be a savvy owner and make sure that you get the auto services that you need. Some places may recommend extra repairs that you do not necessarily need, while others may overlook simple fixes that you should have done. Of course there are some auto body shops that are very trustworthy and can help you meet your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations, but it is your job as the owner to be aware of certain requirements. Check your owner’s manual for the factory recommendations before you take your car anywhere. Also, never be afraid to question the suggestions of the mechanics working on your car. Make sure you understand what the problems are, what they are doing to fix it, and what the cost is to you before you give them the okay to proceed. If you are ever in doubt, try to take your car to another company to verify the problem as well as what can be done to fix it.

The next time you are sitting back watching a little television, I want you to pay attention to all of the car commercials. I’m talking about the ones that have the American flag waving in the background with all of its glory. And then theirs my favorite commercial – I’m talking about the one that makes you feel as if you are not a real American if you’re not Ford tough. Well if you are one of the millions of Americans who has your Ford proudly sitting outside in the driveway you may want to reconsider after reading this.

I don’t want to mislead you so allow me to explain. I like many Americans was under the impression that Ford was an American made car. Well that may be true unless you are driving a Ford Fusion. The Ford Fusion is built in a factory in Hermosillo, Mexico.

If you are a big fan of the Ford Motor Company, I do not want you to think that I am just picking on Ford, because there are plenty of other guilty parties. For example, Chrysler is another one that hasn’t been exactly forth coming with the facts. Only 35 percent of the parts used to build their PT Cruiser comes from the U.S. the rest of the PT Cruiser is built in Mexico. The headquarters of DaimlerChrysler is located in Germany.

Did you know that General Motors owns part of Suzuki as well as a Korean automaker known as Daewoo. The Chevrolet Aveo is imported from South Korea, and only 4 percent of its parts come from the U.S.

As I was sitting here writing this article a Ford commercial came on the television with the theme song “Born in the U.S.A.” playing in the background. I’m not against driving a foreign car, all that I am saying is I want to be told the truth. Further research on this matter revealed that by law, every new vehicle sold in the U.S. has to have a window sticker that states what percent of its parts are domestically produced. I’m not saying that – that’s not true. I am however saying that I do not recall ever seeing this information located on the window sticker.

BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota all build cars in the U.S. combined, they produce more than a third as many vehicles in the U.S., they produce more than a third as many vehicles in the U.S. as do the Big Three. However many of the parts for those vehicles still come from overseas.

Here is a list that is guaranteed to make you say, “WOW”.

American cars that are built in Mexico

* Buick Rendevous
* Cadillac Escalade ESV & EXT
* Chevrolet Avalanhe
* Chevrolet HHR
* Chevrolet Silverado
* Chevrolet Suburban
* Chrysler PT Cruiser
* Dodge Ram
* Ford F-Series
* Ford Fusion
* GMC Yukon
* Lincoln MKZ
* Mercury Milan.

I could go on, however I feel that my point should be solidified by now. I believe that ANY consumer has the right to know exactly what it is that he or she is purchasing. I understand that one could argue that you do not go to the grocery store and purchase a steak and ask the butcher where did the cow come from. I am however saying that if you are going to shove this patriotic sales pitch at us left and right that at the very least you should be honest about the entire thing.