Good communication vital to trusting your technician (cont'd)

Malec, who built his own 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe replica from the ground up in his garage, said that motorists often wait too long to decide there is a problem before getting it looked at, and often make the mistake of trying to take matters into their own hands as well.

"One of the biggest problems people have is they let things go too long," Malec said. "That creates more problems than if you had just had it taken care of earlier. The other one is trying to fix your car yourself."

Bottom line: When it comes to repairs, good communication between a motorist and technician is vital. Here are some more tips on how to communicate for better automotive service:

• Do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs or service: Read the owner's manual, follow the recommended service schedules and keep a log of all repairs and service.

• Use all of your senses to inspect your car frequently. Check for unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings or problems in handling or vibrations.

• Note when the problem occurs: Is it constant or periodic? When did it start?

Professionally run repair establishments have always recognized the importance of communications in automotive repairs. Once you're at the repair shop, communicate your findings:

• Describe the symptoms and carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give to your technician.

• Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair. Let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.

• Stay involved: Ask as many questions as you need. Do not be embarrassed to request simple definitions of technical terms.

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.

You and your technician may never collect a pair of NASCAR Sprint Cup championships, kiss the bricks in Indianapolis or win a Daytona 500 like Malec and Johnson, but the trust and communication skills you build with your tech can help him or her better take care of your car, which in turn will take care of you.