Friday’s Advice: Dealing with a Suggested Repair that Doesn’t Sound Good

This post is in continuation of yesterday’s post regarding repairs suggested by mechanics. Every time you bring in your car for a repair or service, you must always expect to deal with additional suggestions from your mechanic—from a simple oil change to complete part replacements. If the mechanic suggests something that you’re not comfortable accepting, there are some things you can do about it.

1. Ask. As I have mentioned in my last post, you need to know fully well what the implications of the said service is, and what might happen if you don’t let the mechanic perform that service. Don’t be afraid to investigate. You have the right to know. How important is that repair or service? What might happen if you don’t take up the mechanic’s suggestion? How long until your car fails if you don’t let the mechanic do the service now? Once these questions are answered, either you’ll finally be convinced to have the service done or you will realize you are not really up to it.

2. Schedule it for a later date. If you’re still not convinced about the suggested service, postpone the service to another date. This way, you can still do some research or ask friends until you’re sure whether you really need the service or not.

3. Refuse. It’s your right to say no to your mechanic. Just tell him you haven’t decided yet, that you will inform him once you have already decided to have the service done. This is better than allowing your mechanic to do the service and having the feeling that you were only ripped off afterwards.

Suggestions from your mechanic will always be there every time you go in for a car service—you do not have to take them all the time, though.