Hello,
I have a 2010 Accent GLS. I'm a car noob, and would appreciate a bit of guidance. The past few mechanics I've been to, including a Hyundai dealership, have told me that all three belts (serpentine, A/C and power steering, I think) are getting shiny and cracked and should be replaced soon.
I found a place that will do all three for $120 USD total, which seems to be a good deal from what I can see. My uncle, who is a self-taught car guy, said make sure they change the tensioners.
I called the garage I'll be getting it done at, and they said that with newer cars you don't always have to replace the tensioner right away and will let me know when they see my car if the tensioners need replacing.
My uncle said this is BS, and I shouldn't go there. However, I take everything my uncle says with a grain of salt, since he is just a hobbyist and doesn't have any sort of certification.
So I have two questions:
1. Is this shop full of crap?
2. Should I get it done now, or should I wait? While doing research on the issue, I've seen people say you'll know when to replace your belts when they make a squealing noise, and mine aren't squealing yet.
As a side note, is it better in general to get work done at a chain (Firestone/Mr. Tire/etc) or a local garage? I've been going mostly to chains, but a few have swindled me. It sucks owning a car as a young lady because I feel like I can't trust any mechanic I go to.
I have a 2010 Accent GLS. I'm a car noob, and would appreciate a bit of guidance. The past few mechanics I've been to, including a Hyundai dealership, have told me that all three belts (serpentine, A/C and power steering, I think) are getting shiny and cracked and should be replaced soon.
I found a place that will do all three for $120 USD total, which seems to be a good deal from what I can see. My uncle, who is a self-taught car guy, said make sure they change the tensioners.
I called the garage I'll be getting it done at, and they said that with newer cars you don't always have to replace the tensioner right away and will let me know when they see my car if the tensioners need replacing.
My uncle said this is BS, and I shouldn't go there. However, I take everything my uncle says with a grain of salt, since he is just a hobbyist and doesn't have any sort of certification.
So I have two questions:
1. Is this shop full of crap?
2. Should I get it done now, or should I wait? While doing research on the issue, I've seen people say you'll know when to replace your belts when they make a squealing noise, and mine aren't squealing yet.
As a side note, is it better in general to get work done at a chain (Firestone/Mr. Tire/etc) or a local garage? I've been going mostly to chains, but a few have swindled me. It sucks owning a car as a young lady because I feel like I can't trust any mechanic I go to.