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Are Women Charged More?

An article worth reading from Carla Swick at AxleAddict.com

Are Women Charged More for Car Repairs? 6 Tips to Help Women at the Mechanic

Updated on January 24, 2019

Carla J Swick  moreContact Author

Source

9 in 10 women believe they are treated differently at auto repair shops than men are.

“I have some bad news for you.” I was getting tired of hearing this same line over and over this past year as I attempted to keep my daughter’s late model Ford on the road. When my mechanic would call, I would brace myself and just wait for that line – it always came.

Finally, two mechanics later, I cut my losses and sold the car to salvage. I had no way of knowing whether the repairs to the car (which cost me at least $2000) were valid and every time we turned around the car was back in the shop, never really fixed and always breaking the bank.

Are Women Tricked Into Spending More Money at Auto Repair Shops?

“Nine in ten women believe they are treated differently at auto repair shops than men are,” says Jessica Anderson, Kiplinger.com. The information is from a national study done by the Car Care Council, an association that encourages consumer education.

According to Danielle Kurtzleben of US News, three Northwestern researchers wanted to know if women were treated differently based on their gender. Their study showed, “…that shops appear to have an attitude that ‘if you’re well informed you get the price that we cite to well-informed people, and if you’re poorly informed, whether you’re a man or woman, we cite you the price that we cite to poorly informed people.'” Apparently, women fall into this category more readily than man.

The Huffington Post shared a story about the Nightline Prime series called “The Lookout” wherein undercover cameras were sent to local mechanics and national chains – their findings, according to Huffington were, “… men were more likely to get only what they came into the shop for, while women were more often lied to and tricked into spending more money. Most of the time, the additional work the women were paying for wasn’t even done, as there wasn’t a problem to begin with.”

6 Tips to Avoid Being Scammed

In light of my research, not all mechanics will overcharge for repairs. Many are doing an honest job, so this is not an article to ‘raise your hackles!” This is an article to assist women in making sure that they know how to negotiate a fair deal. I decided to find out and better prepare myself for the future. Here is some of what was discovered and I’ve written up as 6 tips to assist you:

1. Many experts are pointing to a free app called, Repair Pal. The site offers a free “estimator” that allows you to plug in your vehicle information and then provides you with a close estimate of what the repair should cost in your area.
2. Author Lauren Fix also recommends using an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) mechanic. A sign should be posted in a visible location at the shop. The ASE site says, “The non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) works to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. Today, more than 330,000 professionals hold ASE certifications, and work in every part of the automotive service industry. Just look for the blue-and-white ASE insignia.”
3. Fix also recommends that you go armed to a mechanic with as much information as possible about the issue your car is having by asking yourself questions such as: What does it sound like? What does it smell like? What does it feel like? For instance, if a car smells like “rotten eggs”, this information can help a mechanic pinpoint issues easier.
4. Audra Fordin is a woman and a mechanic. She offer 10 tips that are worth reading. Tips as simple as “maintain correct tire pressure” and “ask your mechanic to show you the problem” help you know your car better and maintain good upkeep as well as assure you that you aren’t getting ripped off.
5. Along with showing you the problem, Fran Lostys (Reader’s Digest) says you should, “Always ask for your old parts back.” You or someone you know who knows cars needs to inspect the parts for wear or breakage. Don’t hesitate to ask your mechanic for a demonstration of what exactly is broken or damaged on the part. “This way,” says Lostys, “you’ll know they’ve been changed.”
6. Finally, I’ll add my own tip. Let your husband deal with car repairs or take a man (boyfriend, brother, cousin, friend) with you if you can. Why? In my personal experience – men listen better to men. And in the world of automobiles, we’ve already seen that mechanics typically assume that women know less than men. When it comes to cars, there’s a certain amount of the “good ole boys” mentality. Take a man with you if you can—you’re less apt to get ripped off. I have not proved this theory, but I highly suspect it’s true in some cases. In short, it can’t hurt.

AAA Survey on Car Repair

1 in 4	Could not pay for a car repair of $2000
1 in 8	Could not pay for a car repair of $1000
50%	Percentage of American drivers holding onto older vehicles because of financial reasons
25%	Percentage of American drivers neglecting repairs and maintenance due to economic reasons
38%	Percentage of American drivers who would use savings to pay for $2000 car repair bill
20%	Percentage of American drivers who would use a credit card to pay for $2000 car repair bill

http://newsroom.aaa.com/2011/08/1-in-4-cant-pay-for-major-car-repair/ August 3, 2011

Conclusion

In conclusion, I’ve learned about this topic the hard way. Hopefully, with these tips and a few tools women can better navigate the car repair world finding a fair and honest price from mechanics for needed fixes.

NOTE: IF you have a complaint that you cannot settle with an automotive shop manager, different states handle automotive complaints different ways and you’ll need to do a little research before moving forward.

://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/How-Can-a-Woman-Know-her-Mechanic-is-Legit-Six-Tips-for-Managing-Car-Repairs

How to Improve the Security of Your Vehicle With GPS

A helpful article from Ekim at https://www.rewiresecurity.co.uk. 

Vehicle industry is consistently growing, and we see more and more cars on the roads every year due to the increase in the population. Car manufacturers work on new technologies to improve the driving experience while adding new security measures to prevent theft and break-ins. Until a few years ago, these built-in safeguards seemed to be working, and the theft rates dropped significantly.
However, criminals adopted to the technological advancements and the vehicular crime is on the rise once again. The theft rates are increasing every year as the tech-savvy criminals find new ways to steal cars and their contents. With a greater variety of cars to target and the knowledge to steal them, thieves have been pretty busier than ever lately.
Car owners aren’t totally helpless against these adept criminals though. Thieves aren’t the only ones benefiting from the technological innovations; tech companies and security firms constantly work on new solutions for the security flaws of vehicles and vehicle tracking devices have become one of the most effective security systems on the market thanks to their efforts. GPS-based applications and devices help tremendously in improving the security of a vehicle and preventing car thefts.

It is a well-known fact that car thieves have been very active in the last few years. The onboard security measures of vehicles started to fail their owners when the criminals discovered new methods to work around them. Vehicle tracking devices have become reliable and affordable with the latest innovations and have become an essential tool for car owners to protect their pride and joy. GPS vehicle tracking technology is improving at an unprecedented rate, and new tools emerge every day to help vehicle owners improve the security of their cars. Vehicle tracking devices are equipped with prominent features such as real-time tracking, event alerts, sensors, and geofence zones to prevent theft and recover a stolen vehicle should the worst happen.

Some people are skeptical at first as to how a simple tracking device can protect a car against a determined thief, but GPS Tracker devices are anything but simple. Vehicle trackers are sophisticated devices that can calculate the location of a car in seconds, determine the speed and direction of a vehicle and have sensitive sensors that can detect the slightest tampering to alert the designated people. Car owners can use some of these features as an early warning and defense system. Geofence zones and sensors allow the owners to make sure that no one can move their vehicle or tamper with it without sending multiple alerts to them.

Geofence zones are virtual perimeters that trigger an alert everytime a vehicle enters or leaves one of the preset locations. People with access to the vehicle tracker can create safe zones around locations they park their vehicle for extended periods of time such as their garage and office parking lot. If someone moves a car outside of the zone without authorization, the vehicle tracker issues an alert to the owner immediately. Instant smartphone notifications give people the chance to call the police and recover their car by informing its location before the thieves manage to get away.

GPS tracking devices are armed with multiple sensors to prevent tampering, moving the vehicle or starting the engine without the owner’s consent. Owners can activate the sensors after they park their car for the night and they will be alerted immediately if anyone tries to break into their vehicle.

Despite having such effective security measures, a well-prepared and determined thief may be able to get past them and manage to drive away with your vehicle. Situations like these are when vehicle tracking devices help the most. With real-time tracking feature, a car owner can pinpoint the location of their stolen vehicle and alert the local law enforcement agencies. Police officers can recover a vehicle without breaking a sweat when they know its location and they may even be able
to catch the criminals red-handed as an added bonus.

As the theft rates increase at a record rate, vehicle owners have every right to be worried about the security of their cars. Vehicle tracking systems can help alleviate their fears and allow them to keep an eye on their vehicle at all times. In this day and age, owning a vehicle comes with a set of challenges but GPS technology helps car owners overcome their daily struggles. Security no longer becomes a major issue and thieves can’t get away with a vehicle tracking device onboard. Vehicles are sizable investments and having a vehicle stolen is the worst possible scenario considering most of the stolen vehicles are never to be seen again. The ability to recover a stolen vehicle alone makes vehicle tracking systems worth their cost and the additional benefits make them one of the best security systems on the market.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Car Transport – a Quick Guide

I’ve been asked this question many times, here’s a cheat sheet on how to do it! Thank you David Donahue.

Whenever you’re planning a long-distance move, driving your own vehicle doesn’t
always make sense. You may have multiple cars or may prefer not to put the extra
miles on your own vehicle. Whatever the case, car shipping is a great way to ensure the
safe delivery of your vehicle to a new destination.
If you’ve never used an interstate car transport service before, it can be helpful to do a
bit of research in advance on the company you will be using and the shipping process in
general. Knowing what to expect and being prepared will help everything go more
smoothly.
To help get you started, we’ve assembled this quick guide to car transport.

Questions to Ask the Auto Transport Company

Before choosing an auto shipping company, it’s a good idea to ask a few questions
about their process and expectations. Some things to look out for include:

– Will the vehicles be transported in covered or uncovered carriers?
– Will the vehicle be shipped door-to-door, or will you need to pick it up at a terminal?
– How long will the car take to ship?
– Will you pay in full upon delivery or do you need to pay a deposit up front?
– How much does it cost to ship a car to your destination?
– Will you be charged by the mile or a flat rate?

Door-to-door shipping is a convenient option that allows for your car to be picked up at
your house and dropped off at the final destination. However, this convenience does
come at a higher price; you may wish to save some money by arranging to drop the car
off at a terminal and pick it up from the shipping terminal in your new city.
Also bear in mind that it takes longer to ship a car than it does to drive it in most cases.
Expect shipping to take up to two weeks when crossing long distances.

What Kind of Insurance Do I Need to Ship My Car?

Insurance is an important part of keeping a vehicle safe and protected from damage.
The shipping company should do its part to protect the vehicle during transit, but
unexpected damage can still occur. Common scenarios include damage from road
debris, loading/unloading incidents and inclement weather during the transport period.
Having insurance in place on the vehicle prior to shipping will help to offset these costs
if they become a problem.
Before arranging for car transport, call your car insurance company to ask about how
the policy will apply to the vehicle while in transit. Ensure that you will be covered for
damage that occurs during transportation. Also contact the transportation company to
see whether they have additional protection that can be purchased or that is included in
the price of delivery. You should be able to obtain an insurance certificate to back up
whatever answer they provide.
Once you know what insurance is available, you’ll want to decide whether that coverage
is enough to offer peace of mind or if you’ll want additional protection. You can buy
specialized shipping insurance from your insurance company or even the transport
company itself that can help fill in any gaps of missing coverage. This is especially important for collector cars and other vehicles that especially valuable.
Before agreeing to coverage, ensure that your vehicle has been appraised and that the
value of the insurance matches the worth of your car.

Preparing Your Car for Transport

When shipping a car, you’ll want to be sure that the vehicle is clean and free of any
extra items. To reduce the risk of theft or potential damage, be sure to remove any
personal items as well as aftermarket upgrades:

– Custom alarm systems
– Aftermarket sound systems
– Mounted GPS devices

Also be sure to remove any toll passes and anything else that might attract attention
from potential thieves while the car is being transported. If you have an alarm system
that can’t be removed, disable it to prevent it being triggered by the shipping company
employees.
Once the car has been cleaned out of these items, go ahead and wash the car of any dirt, grime and debris. This gives you a good opportunity to see the car’s current
condition so that it will be easier to spot damage later if something happens.
Take note of any existing damage such as nicks, scratches or dents. Take photos as
necessary to record this damage. This will protect you later if the insurance company or
transport company refuse to pay for damages incurred during travel. Keep your notes
and damage photos stored somewhere safe that you’ll be able to find easily once you’ve reached your destination.
You may also want to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to look for any non-
aesthetic damages or issues. It’s important to note that most vehicle transport services
require the car to be operable. If your car cannot be effectively and safely driven, you’ll
need to make special arrangements and may not be able to use a standard delivery
service. Have your car mechanic pay special attention to the emergency brake, which will be used to secure the car during shipping. Any fluid leaks should also be dealt with before shipping as these could be potentially dangerous. If you can avoid it, don’t ship a car with a full gas tank; the extra weight could cost you in shipping charges.
Finally, finish your preparations by securing any loose parts and pieces such as
antennas, convertible tops, sun roofs, roof racks and anything else that is detachable or
could spring open. Securing these items reduces the number of things that could
possibly go wrong during transport.

Dropping Off the Vehicle

Once you’ve completed your inspection, the shipping company will most likely want to
inspect the car themselves. Take this moment to bring up any preexisting damage so
that there is a record of it being discussed; this can save you a lot of hassles later if
something does occur while the car is in transit. You’ll also want to have a spare key made so that you can hold onto the original keys and give a spare to the transport driver.
Take this final opportunity to ask any questions and be sure you know the answer to the
question of, “How much to ship a car to my destination”. You don’t want to be met with any surprises on the other side.
After everything is squared away with the transport company, you can rest easy
knowing that your car is prepared for the road. Damage during transport by a
trustworthy service is uncommon, but you’ll be well-protected if the unexpected happens
after following the tips in this guide.

Drive Safe.

From my personal injury lawyer friend, it’s an eye opening infographic.

Life on the Road: The Cost of Distracted Driving

In the United States, driver mistakes are the leading cause of road carnages. Studies posit that distractions, lack of attention and performance errors, are the major factors contributing to road fatalities. Distracted driving is very costly. The net loss in terms of dollars is heartbreaking. Moreover, the precious lives that are lost everyday due to road crashes.

Economic losses associated with distracted driving

As seen in this distracted driving infographic below, distracted driving was costing $175 billion in 2014. Though these are the damages recorded on paper, the actual costs are usually way over these values. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that the economic damages by road accidents account for about $1 trillion.

The economic losses are constantly increasing due to the increasing incidences of distracted driving. With the increasing technology, mobile phones, road maps and GPS systems are the major causes of distractions. Moreover, radio systems, familiar passengers and unprecedented eating while driving also cause unnecessary distractions.

Life

Your life or the person you are carrying is very precious. On average, taking your attention off the road for just five second sis equivalent to travelling an entire length a football field at 555 miles per hour with eyes closed! A sad reality is that most drivers are aware of the dangers of getting distracted while during. However, most of them usually put forward claims that they are experts behind the wheel and can multitask.

Besides all these, distractions are equally as deadly as driving under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, it does not only endanger the life of the driver and the passengers but it also has a direct impact on the life of the pedestrians.

Physical loses

Road crashes always end in partial or complete destruction of vehicles. Moreover, electricity lines and telephone lines are usually destroyed. Buildings are also always damaged. The physical destruction associated with road crashes are tremendous.

From the first day in the driving school, drivers are always encouraged to put their eyes on the road. Although most of them do not usually heed to this instruction, they should be constantly reminded and enlightened on their roles to help keep the roads safe.

Top 10 Diesel Cars and Trucks for Resale Value

From Steve at www.fordiesels.com.

While the price of fuel vacillates with current events, the economy of diesel engines remains a constant. Any diesel owner will tell you about the love they have for the engine. The unmistakable audio signature of the incredibly high compression piston chambers exploding with mathematical precision is captivating for such aficionados.

Having a great car or light-duty truck with a diesel engine can be an incredible and irresistible delight. If you are among the chosen few who find fascination with diesel-powered vehicles, then you might possibly have such a vehicle right now, or are considering purchasing one.

The question often asked from current and potential diesel owners is “What diesels have the best resale value?” There is a bit of irony here because if drivers take proper care of their cars, diesel vehicles can last, virtually, for a lifetime. People have been known to wear out the upholstery in the car before they wear out the engine.

An overview

Here is our list of top ten diesel cars and trucks that hold their resale value best:

Light Trucks	Cars
1. Dodge Ram 1500	Audi A3
2. GMC Canyon	BMW 3 Series
3. Chevrolet Colorado	Chevy Cruz
4. Dodge Ram 2500	Jeep Grand Cherokee
5. Nissan Titan XD	Mercedes Benz GLK
6. Dodge Ram 3500	Volkswagen Jetta
7. Ford F-150	Volkswagen Passat
8. Ford F-250	BMW X-5
9. Toyota Tacoma	Mazda 6
10. Ford F-350	Land Rover Range Rover

Now let’s look at the reasons behind our list.

Current popularity

The current popularity of any model of truck or vehicle closely follows the historic value it will have a few years down the road.

This means, for example, that one of Detroit’s greatest success stories, the Ford F-150, when acquired with a diesel engine, could accrue in value. The Ford F-150 comes in at number seven on our truck list. The same would go for Ford’s F-250, F-350 and so on, with those models coming in on our list as numbers eight and ten, respectively.

Another car manufacturer who has seen similar success with its diesel models is the Dodge Ram. The Dodge Ram 1500 (number one), Ram 2500 (number four) and Ram 3500 (number six) all come with diesel engine options.

Both Detroit and foreign auto manufacturers recognize the popularity of diesel power plants and adjust their models accordingly. As far as cars are concerned, this would include Audi, with the Audi A3, number one on our list, the BMW 3 series, number two and the Chevy Cruz, number three. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, number four. The Mercedes Benz GLK, number five. The Volkswagen Jetta is number six and the Volkswagen Passat model weighs in at number seven in our car category.

It is notable that Volkswagen has been phasing out diesel production given the precipitous drop in gasoline prices.

Not surprisingly, the diesel models Jetta and Passat will likely hold their prices for the foreseeable future given the phasing out of the diesel production. These cars are at the top of the list in terms of popularity so you can expect their value to remain high should you seek to sell or trade-in your car. The same goes for light trucks as we look at the most popular Ford F-150, it’s cousins the F-250 and F-350.

All available in diesel and sporting the modern interiors that current vehicles afford, these models, particularly in diesel over gasoline, can retain their value.

Not to be excluded are Dodge Ram 1500s along with their cousins, the 2500 and 3500 series. All available in diesel, these light trucks boast a luxurious interior, and with the proper care and maintenance schedule, they can be expected to run easily for over 100,000 miles!

The Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon belong in this class of vehicle. We couldn’t properly finish off this list without mentioning the Nissan Titan XD.  All these vehicles are readily available with a diesel power plant and ready to work hard.

Custom packages

The accessory package sold by the original equipment manufacturer can add plenty to the MSRP of the vehicle and so too will it help the resale value down the line. While this has pretty much always been the case with cars, the recent explosion of light truck sales and the proclivity that owners have for customizing them has just made the market go wild.

While it was in part the relaxing of gasoline prices that revived interest in the purchase of gas-guzzling light trucks, the diesel models also derived a benefit from it because they too could be purchased with special packages. This further fortifies their resale value.

What is a good truck without a good tow package to go with it? If you’re going to be towing, you’re going to want a suspension upgrade, right? Now, is that truck the right height? You may need a lift kit, particularly if you are seeking to use oversized tires. Speaking of which, you’re going to need to expand the wheel well fairings for those tires.

These would just be some of the thoughts that can add madness to any effort to calculate the intrinsic value any given vehicle will retain. You’ll have to keep those x-factors in mind as you peruse our lists.

What’s the takeaway?

Buying a new car or a new truck is an option for many. Credit ratings, bank accounts and the like may have an influence on how you purchase vehicles.

If you are buying a diesel-powered car or light truck, you must know that the vehicle, with proper maintenance will live on practically forever, and it will retain an intrinsic value beyond. That value, in the long term, will be greatly dependent on the long-term popularity of that model.

The long-term popularity is tricky to predict. Today’s most popular cars and trucks equipped with diesel engines are in a class of their own and will certainly retain their value beyond their gasoline-fueled models.

The cars and trucks mentioned here are without a doubt, the most likely to retain value through the years and when resold, get a very good price.

 

Best of 2017….

Thanks to Off The Throttle!

The pros and cons of buying a used vehicle!

This is from a reader Jess Lambert.  I believe that it’s almost ALWAYS better to buy slightly used but here’s what she says.
Considering the purchase of a used vehicle may bring with it some apprehension and fear. But sometimes, purchasing a used car can be a fantastic and rewarding experience. If you’re not sure what to expect and want to know the downsides as well as the positive aspects, this list of pros and cons for purchasing a used vehicle is perfect for you.
Pro: Cost Savings!
You will definitely save money buying used. There’s often no monthly payments unless you buy it off of a lot, and you won’t have to deal with depreciation, which is a very big issue when buying new. People who purchase a brand new vehicle lose thousands of dollars just driving their car off of the lot due to depreciation. Not only this, but because you’re not going to be driving around a new car, your insurance rate will also be lower!!
Con: No Warranty or Guarantee
A con to buying used would be that oftentimes, you won’t end up with a warranty or a guarantee. You’ll end up with exactly what you paid for. This is why it is extremely important if you’re purchasing used to have a mechanic give it a thorough glance over to be certain nothing is terribly wrong and will end up costing you more than the car is actually worth.

Pro: All Business
When you’re purchasing a used car, especially from a private seller, they’re going to be in a hurry to sell you the vehicle. You won’t have to deal with long negotiation or mountains of paperwork, either. And the best part? No additional fees!
Con: Repairs
Purchasing a used car does bring with it risk in the area of repair work that has to be done. If you had a mechanic look over it before purchase, you’re probably aware of how much it will cost to get the car up and running again. Before purchasing the car, be certain you are aware of exactly what you’re getting and how much it will cost. A car with a bad engine or transmission is probably not the car for you unless you are prepared to spend the money and think that it’s worth your time. Perhaps the car is in good working order, but has some minor dents or scratches. Either way, a dealership won’t be there to cover these things for you, so this is an expense you will have to cover yourself.
Pro: A Falling Registration Fee
In most States, the rate of your registration will be based on the make, model and year of your vehicle. You can expect your registration fee to fall dramatically the older your car gets. This is also true of insurance rates.
There are a lot of cons to purchasing a used car, but there are even more pros. Why spend money you don’t have to on a used car that loses over 15% of its value each year you’re driving it around? Not to mention the thousands of dollars you lose driving it off of the lot for the first time. Purchasing a used car is daunting, but making the decision will mean saving money and enjoying a new set of wheels that is all your own. Say goodbye to mountains of fees and endless piles of paperwork and purchase your used car today.

Questions:dontgetwrenched@gmail.com

Jessica Lambert is a freelancer who enjoys writing on a variety of different subjects, including but not limited to: lifestyle, finance,
vintage and used cars, artwork, history, baking, and travel. She currently resides in rural Alabama in a lakehouse and spends any free moment with her nose in a book.

http://mckenziemotorsdeals.com/

And Another Award!

Top 25 Automotive Bloggers

We have a large automotive category on Savant Magazine that includes detailed reviews on auto products, such as infant car seat covers, tire snow chains, car air fresheners, tire shine and more.

We wanted to take a moment and recognize bloggers who are passionate about autos and who are producing great content on their blogs. Take a look at our Top 25 Automotive Bloggers below. Congratulations to our winners!

Don’t Get Wrenched

Author: Elayne Kling

https://dontgetwrenched.wordpress.com

Question:

This question comes to me from a mens fitness magazine.

Q: My car battery was stolen twice in just a few days—is there some way I can stop this from happening? (yes—it’s a scam, they steal your old battery, then come back and steal the new one you bought to replace it! So don’t put in a new battery.)

A. My first suggestion would be to fiddle with the wiring and shock the heck out the next person who touches​ it.

N​ow I could say ‘just kidding’ because it’s not nice to hurt people but I’ll actually say ‘just kidding’ ​because it would be too much work​ to fix that every time you started the vehicle.​

There are really 2 ways to deal with this issue.

#​1– The unsightly way would be to buy a cable with a​ lock and make it so that no one can open the hood. We actually did this to many vehicles in the East Village, NYC​ back in the late 80’s when the crackheads were stealing spark plugs. Even newer model car owners were doing it because the issue was so prevalent.

​#​2– Buy a system to lock the battery into place. These generally come as a ​cross bar with a lock​ set up or as a lock box. They aren’t available for every car though, ​b​attery shapes and sizes are vehicle specific so you’d have to look up yours and see if they make them. If they don’t make them for your battery ​and this ​theft issue ​is a common problem in your area then your local mechanic will know someone who can make/weld one for your car.

I’ve been asked if there is a third way: i.e. put in an old battery until the thieves move on and this could seem like a good idea but I have caveats.

I suppose if you were really DESPERATE you could ask your mechanic if he had an old battery that you could replace it with temporarily (so if the thieves come back they can take that instead of a new one). I don’t love this idea because there are so many variables.

A- Old batteries can be dangerous (some of them can leak acid).

B- They can cause your car to have other issues if they won’t take a proper charge.

C- Only do this if you either know what you’re doing or can ask a mechanic to help you.

As with everything I recommend, finding a good local repair shop is the key to keeping your car in tip top shape and they ​are a fountain of information for all of these problems (even your personal problems)​ because they’ve seen it all!