With today’s technology at our fingertips, we are now able to retrieve automotive repair information online. All it takes is access to a computer with an Internet connection.

Having a drivability problem with your car and the repair facility is closed for the day? No problem! All you have to do is to get on the Internet with your favorite browser and search engine.  For me, I use Google, and type in the make of the car and what type of research I want to perform. 

For example, I want to find recalls for my vehicle.  I get on Google and type in “Ford recall” and search. The search engine will find all Ford recall information, including websites that list Ford recalls by year, make and model.  If I type in “2004 Ford Mustang recall,” a list of all recalls related to this vehicle will appear on the screen. The information will include the descriptions of the problem including Recall Number.  With this information, I would call my local dealer service department and inquire on the recall. The service manger would then tell you if the recall repair was done for my vehicle, or if I am in need of one. This information is very important, because most recalls are about safety issues that the manufacturer needs to correct. 

What is a RECALL?

A recall is a way the car manufacturer is able to bring a vehicle back to their facility to correct a serious problem, often a safety problem. The problem may even endanger lives. It is important to take recalls very seriously.

What is TSB?

Another type of online information for vehicles is the TSB, or Technical Service Bulletin. Again, from your search engine, you type in the year, make and model of your vehicle along with “TSB.” This would take you to websites that list the drivability problems for your vehicle. The information should tell you what the manufacturer has found, and how they corrected the situation. Note that this online information is to be used only as guideline.   A particular repair solution may not always be connected to a particular problem.  In other words, it is not recommended to use online information exclusively to repair your own vehicle.  It may take more than swapping a part to fix your problem. You may need to have access to repair and diagnostic tools that have the capability to do some sophisticated testing to verify a problem.

A website containing recall and TSB information.

TSBs are not Recalls, and should not be treated the same

A TSB or Technical Service Bulletin is information that should help you understand problems you may be having, and how these problems were repaired.  Again, this information may not apply to your vehicle or your particular situation.  It will depend on the production year your vehicle, and the components your vehicle comes equipped with.

IF you found an article that is related to your particular problem, you should print it out and inform your repair facility of your finding. By providing this information, it will help the tech to better understand your problem and shorten diagnostic time.

How else can I use this information to benefit me?

If you are in a market to purchase a used vehicle, you can go to these websites and find out about problems a particular vehicle may have.  You will find these tools could save you from buying a lemon. If the information on the vehicle has a long TSB list and has many recalls, maybe you should reconsider investing in that particular vehicle. (Remember, not all information may apply to your vehicle so be careful, and do your research before making a final decision.)

Today’s information superhighway is awesome, and if used properly, could save you tons money and wasted time.  It is important to use this information wisely to make your purchase and repair decisions.