News and Notes - Are We Too Picky? Some folks might say that we are too picky when it comes to finding problems with their cars. Okay, I'll admit it. WE ARE! And we should be! That's really what you hire us for anyway, isn't it?, our attention to detail? Just imagine your doctor conveniently "missing" that lump at the last checkup. How good is that for your wellness? We all know that sometimes "ignorance is bliss" and reality is just that... REAL. The manufacturers call it "maintenance" for a reason. We will help prioritize any issues that we are monitoring or have become "needs" Occasionally I will meet a new client (and you all know who you are) that like to delude themselves into thinking they are better off not knowing about the needs their cars have developed. This "don't ask / don't tell" game doesn't work very well when you rely on this machine every day. These folks know (at some level) that they need to do the service work but feel like they need to play "the game", discount this, rebate that, don't fix it if it ain't broke, etc. Essentially, if you don't maintain your car, it's sort of like running out of gas. Sooner or later you will be walking. The "savings" you thought you had saved by not maintaining your car, in reality is a continuous withdrawal from your "bank account". The value of your car is depreciated rapidly not to mention the diminished reliability. Honda and Acura cars maintain their value well because of their great history and engineering, but only if maintained properly using quality parts. Plain and simple, most clients have very little available time to play this "game". Cars needs maintenance, new or old, short drives or long commutes. You know it, we know it, and the manufacturers know it. Believe me when I tell you that we don't enjoy the idea of a two-page estimate either. It's like a dentist looking into a mouth that has not been checked in years, ugh! The inspection and estimating process for a neglected car is long and detailed (to be accurate) and the amount of time we spend explaining the needs and determining a "treatment course" are done as a courtesy to you. We feel that, the more pertinent information we can give you about the happenings with your car, the easier you can come to a decision with us about a treatment plan. Remember that "knowledge is power" and the more you are educated about your car, the better you can plan ahead, be inconvenienced less, use your money wisely instead of wasting it, "act upon" instead of "re-acting to" the inevitable repairs and maintenance that your car (and future cars) will require. We speak English here. If a word goes by that you don't fully understand, please stop us. That's what we're here for. We answer tons of e-mail requests for advice and information each year at no cost to anyone but us! We do it because it's a cool thing to do. We like helping people; it's a random act of kindness. Are there worse vices? Greg Skolnik