Seven Things Your Mechanic Wants To Tell You But Doesn’t
Dealing with car issues is never fun, and when the time comes to take your car into a shop, there are certain things you should also take into consideration for your mechanic. Although most mechanics are happy to accommodate anything that may arise, there are certain things that you can do to make their job easier, and everyone happier in the end.
Here are seven things your mechanic wants to tell you but won’t:
- Clean out your car before you bring it in – If you are preparing to bring your car in for any interior work such as electrical wiring or work for heaters, make sure your car is clean. No mechanic needs to sort through garbage or sweaty gym bags to complete the job.
- Don’t come with an empty tank – In attempts to replicate issues customers come in with, mechanics need to be able to take your car on test drives. In addition, mechanics need to do test drives after repairs are completed. It is a waste of time for mechanics to fuel up your tank, and you will see this charge on your bill at the end of your visit.
- Let’s value each other’s time – Do your research before deciding on a mechanic. Get quotes on costs for services, and remember that even a quick inspection can incur a cost. Your mechanic should be open and honest about service costs, but you should also compare costs at other shops to make sure it’s fair.
- Remember, you get what you pay for – Cheap is cheap. Trying to go for the cheaper option isn’t always best. This especially goes for oil. Always try to go for a semi-synthetic oil blend with a high quality filter. This can help you go for five months or 5,000 miles more per oil change.
- Make sure your wheel lock key is accessible – If work on your brakes are being done, it is wise to keep your wheel lock key accessible or visible. Otherwise, mechanics end up spending more time hunting for it, which may cost you extra for their time.
- Always get a second opinion if you aren’t positive – If a mechanic is urging you to get something done today, be wary. Even if you aren’t positive about what you’re talking about, tell them to show you the parts they’ve replaced. This will make them think you know more than you do. If you continue being uncertain of your mechanic, get a second opinion of someone else.
- Call for updates, and don’t feel bad about it – If you are interested in updates about your car repair, feel free to call. However, remember that ordering parts can take time, delays happen, and sometimes repairs can be more complicated and demanding than originally assumed. Keep in mind it is helpful to make arrangements for at least a day for transportation while your car is in the shop.