6 Things Your Mechanic Doesn’t Want You to Know
Your car provides you with convenient transportation. You must keep it in its best condition to avoid unnecessary hassles. To do that, we need the help of mechanics who can diagnose problems and resolve them in the best methods possible. However, there are things your mechanic does not want you to know. They rely on your continued patronage to earn, regardless if you have a Protect My Car or other warranties. That is why there are certain things they would not tell you.
Here are the top six things your mechanic does not want you to know.
Some Cars Are More Reliable Than Others
Not all car models are the same. Some manufacturers are known to build sturdy vehicles that require less maintenance. Specific models such as Ford Fusion, Hyundai Tucson, and Lincoln MKZ are good examples of reliable cars. Your mechanic would prefer you not to have a reliable vehicle. The bulk of their earnings come from repairs. If you have one that constantly breaks down, they will see you regularly. That is good for them and expensive for you. Do your research before buying a vehicle. Read reliable car reviews and ask people you know about their own experiences. If you have a car enthusiast friend, that is a good place to start. Mechanics will certainly have their cars. Some of them would have reliable vehicles, but others choose to buy unreliable ones because they can buy them cheap and know how to maintain them.
Easy Maintenance and Repairs
You do not need a mechanic for all car problems. There are things that you can maintain and repair by yourself. With a little bit of elbow grease and practice, you can save a lot of money by doing certain maintenance and repairs yourself.
Some examples are:
- Replacing your oil – read your user manual to understand how to check your car oil level. Do this regularly and put a quarter of oil anytime it goes low. Make sure to use the correct engine oil.
- Rotating tires – rotating tires is done to even out the wear. That keeps them safe and performs at a high level. You can check your user manual on when to do this and how.
- Replacing engine belts – modern cars use serpentine belts that can last for thousands of miles, depending on your use. Check your belts for signs of wear. If there is a crack in the rubber, you can replace this with a simple wrench and socket.
Learning how to do simple repairs can start with reading your user manual. Other things you can learn through research.
Not All Garages Are the Same
Like with any service, each garage can be different. Not all garages have the same level of experienced mechanics. They also have different tools available. These differences affect the quality of service and the price. If you bring your car to a garage for an engine problem, check if the mechanic uses an engine analyzer or scan tool. Some garages may not even have them and try to guess the problem. Some garages are generally cheaper, especially those in rural areas. While not the most advanced garages, they can still perform regular repairs and checkups.
There Are Optional Repairs
Safety-related repairs are important. You never want to risk lives by driving a vehicle with issues. But there are things you can live without, or a workaround is possible rather than replacing the part. It can be tricky to understand what repairs are optional, though. Your mechanic is the expert, and they can talk you into doing every repair, no matter how minor. Ask questions like if there is an alternative before signing up.
A Labor Guide Exists
Car manufacturers have a guide that states how long specific repairs would take. It is common practice for a garage to charge based on what they feel is the appropriate labor rather than based on the guide. Ask for the breakdown of the labor to see if it lines up with the guide. If the numbers do not match and they cannot explain the discrepancy, it is time to take your car to a different garage.
They Can Mislead You
We entrust mechanics with one of our most expensive and least understood possessions. They are the experts, and you barely know how a combustion engine works. It is easy for them to trick you into things you do not need. A quick smile and charming attitude could earn your trust. Once they have that, they can trick you into spending more money than you should for repairs and maintenance.
Scare tactics are another tactic some mechanics can use. They would say the vehicle is dangerous to drive for another mile since it is prone to getting into an accident. If that diagnosis comes out of nowhere, it could be a lie. Take your vehicle to another garage to see if both have the same diagnosis. Taking care of your car can be a challenge at times. Some people just throw money to make problems go away. Whether the problem actually exists or not is up for debate. Try to learn more about your car and how it works. Understanding it can help you make the right decisions and save money on repairs.
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