Your Fiat is your dream car. That’s why you want to take good care of it. Knowing when to take your car to the mechanic and which mechanic to take it to, can be a tough decision.
Even before all that, you should know what your car is capable of. This way, you’ll always be prepared if something does go wrong. We’ll cover some basics so you can have a proper discussion with the mechanic.
If you’re the proud owner of a Fiat 500 and you’re wondering about how to find the right mechanic, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll also discuss a few tips to get you started. Keep reading to learn more.
About the Fiat 500
Knowing your vehicle is the first step in finding the right mechanic. You want to be able to understand basic terminology when the mechanic is communicating with you.
The Fiat 500 is noted as distinctive and stylish with a bit of flare. And, just because you drive one, doesn’t mean you know everything about it, yet.
Design
The Fiat 500 is a charming compact vehicle with a unique design. The materials used are relatively inexpensive, although you might not notice for the luxurious feel of the interior. Many reviews claim the design blends playful and practical well.
Performance
Of course, your Fiat gets you from point A to point B on the regular. That’s why it’s important to understand its performance capabilities in case you need to call a mechanic.
Depending on which model you chose, it will also depend on the size of your engine. The base model comes with a 101-horsepower engine. The next model offers a turbocharged 160-horsepower Abarth engine. Both come in either the 5-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic.
Reviews tend to mention that either model is short on power but that’s because they’re 1.4 liters, 4 cylinder units. You should also know that in order to get the most out of your Fiat, you should run the gears high. The rasp at 3000 rpms and above is normal.
Comfort and Quality
You know by now that this is a small car. That’s why it gets low ratings for comfort, utility, and quality. The seats are small and there’s not much cargo space.
Keep in mind that a small car has small parts and it will be more difficult for mechanics to work on. This could mean additional service fees for labor and time when your Fiat is in the shop.
Features
Your Fiat comes equipped with 15-inch painted aluminum wheels, power windows/locks/mirrors, and Bluetooth capabilities. Other options include heated seats and a power-operated sunroof.
Fuel economy is a good reason to bring your Fiat to a mechanic if you’re experiencing less than 34 mpg average. The Fiat boasts 40 on the highway and 31 around town.
Safety
Your Fiat is safe in the event of an accident with dual front, side and curtain airbags to protect you from injury. It features anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control. You’ll also benefit from the hill-hold feature which is great for both rural and urban driving.
Maintaining Your Fiat 500
Finding the right mechanic for your Fiat 500 doesn’t have to be overwhelming and stressful. In case you’re wondering who’s going to take care of your car if something goes wrong, we’ve outlined a few key details for you here.
Do Your Research
There may be mechanics all over town, but are you sure they specialize in your vehicle? It’s important to ask questions specific to your issue when speaking with the mechanic, over the phone or in person. First, you need to perform a little research to make sure they’re qualified.
You can search online for mechanics that are close to your home or work. Ask if they offer shuttles as an added or complementary service. You can also find out how familiar the mechanic that will be working on your car is with the Fiat 500.
If you find a mechanic that checks all the boxes on your search criteria, congratulations. Don’t forget to search for reviews as an added measure. You can learn a lot about a business related to how they deal with other customers.
Ask for Referrals
One of the oldest and simplest ways to find a good mechanic is to simply ask around. Ask your friends and family. Ask your neighbors and co-workers.
Better yet, ask other Fiat 500 drivers where they have their car serviced. This is also a good way to learn more about the Fiat 500 and how other drivers rate its performance and dependability. The more you know about how the same vehicle is performing for other drivers, the better prepared you’ll be for issues that other drivers are experiencing.
You can do a little online research for referrals, too. Search through forums about your car and you’ll find somebody that has a free recommendation.
Do It Yourself
There’s always the option to fix any simple and minimal problems you’re experiencing with your Fiat, yourself. If it’s a simple fix, especially, you can save some money by not taking it to the mechanic. And, you’ll learn more about your car in the process.
All you need is a few tools and a user manual to guide you.
Fixing your own vehicle can be fun and even a little exciting. You’ll get to experience the thrill of accomplishment when things start working again. And, you’ll have bragging rights, so go ahead and tell all your friends!
When the fix requires professional help, we’re here for you.
If you’re ready to tackle your Fiat 500 and fix the issues you’re experiencing, use our Fiat repair manual.