Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop 101

We’ve been talking about auto repair rip-off avoidance in the past as a better option compared to having the need to fight off a rip-off after it has occurred. And, I’ve also stressed out several times how important finding a good shop is—it’s still the best way to have a good auto repair experience and avoid repair problems.

Here, we take a look again at the things you need to consider when looking for a good shop to entrust your car to:

1. Certification

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a basic seal or certification that you need to look into when it comes to the mechanics handling your car. If you’re looking at the entire shop, check out for the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence, a proof that at least 75% of the techs working in the shop have ASE certification. Next week, we’ll look at a list of certifications that you can look into as proof of a shop’s excellence and reliability.

2. Record

When it comes to shop records, the Better Business Bureau is an institution that can help you. Whereas the certifications mentioned above will give you proof of excellence and skills, institutions like the BBB will tend to provide you with a complete picture that considers the overall attitude of shop mechanics. Any complaint about the shop, you will find here.

3. Specialty

We’ve already talked about skills and attitude, now let’s move on to expertise. I remember mentioning once that auto repair shops are not know-it-all. Even the most general shop will have shortcomings in terms of the automotive systems that they can handle. So, if you have a car problem that requires specialty, choose the shop that can deal with the problem well.

With these three things in mind, you’ll be a step ahead in your search for the right auto repair shop.

Mechanic Rudeness and Inefficiency

Many of us have had our share of nightmares when dealing with auto repair shops and shop mechanics—from mechanics that will perform unneeded repairs just to charge a higher fee, to those that will tell you they’ve replaced a part even if they actually didn’t, and those that will perform a repair that you did not permit and then charge you for it later on. Other than these, however, there are also mechanics who are outright rude to their customers.

I have a buddy who once encountered a mechanic that performed a wrong job, and then threatened him when he complained about the job. Some mechanics use physical intimidation to get away from their deeds, and many poor customers give in to this tactic, suffering from unsatisfactory service and sometimes, even more damage and expenses than what was originally present.

Some mechanics are merely irresponsible, leaving their customers hanging when they leave an automotive job while it’s not yet done. And the result? Well, the poor customers are left without a car for several days. Others are merely inefficient, repairing a car, only to cause more damage and then make excuses, telling the customer that the new problem is totally unrelated to the first one.

Most unscrupulous mechanics choose their victims carefully. They get easily rude to people they think will not stand up to them. Others may simply be enjoying the feeling of being in control, especially if they encounter a customer who knows nothing about his vehicle and who solely relies on the mechanic’s words.

And sometimes, mechanics get away with these because customers don’t complain. As a good advice, customers should always be assertive and should know their rights. And when a problem happens, there are always institutions to which one can file a complaint against the erring shop or mechanic. 

Getting a Second Opinion on Repairs

One sure way to protect yourself from possible car repair rip-offs is to shop around for auto repair prices and for car shop mechanics. If you’re bringing your car to a shop for a repair and the mechanic gives you a quote, you can ask around from other shops until you find the cheapest price. The same goes true for vehicle diagnosis and repair. A second opinion is important.

I can never stress this enough. Sometimes, it’s the best door that you have towards finding that the mechanic that you have chosen was only trying to rip you off all along. So, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion from another mechanic when needed.

According to professionals, a second opinion is needed if you are spending more than $200 on car repair. That is a big amount, so you need to be sure that you’re spending it on something worthwhile, something useful. Another time to get a second opinion is when you bring your car to a shop for a particular repair, and the mechanic gives you a litany of other repairs that your car needs. That, and similar incidents that may indicate that you are being ripped off—all these warrant a second opinion from another professional.

Remember, though, that you also need to protect yourself from rip-off when dealing with the second mechanic from which you’re trying to get another opinion. Never ever tell the second mechanic about the diagnosis of the first mechanic and the price that the mechanic has given you. In fact, you don’t even need to tell him that you’re there to get a second opinion. You don’t want to be giving him ideas, do you?

A second opinion is a powerful tool when it comes to auto repairs. In fact, it’s one of the most common suggestions of automotive experts to those who bring their car to auto repair shops. By asking and shopping around, you get away from big chances of being ripped off. 

Generalist vs. Specialist Auto Repair Shops

Your car is made up of complicated systems. And, even without saying, it’s a fact that auto mechanics are not know-it-all in the automotive field. There are also some things they’re not aware of, some problems that they cannot solve as easily as they solve other problems. That said, you have to decide with whom to entrust your car when you need any auto part or system repaired.

Generally, there are two categories of mechanics and repair shops: the specialists and the generalists.

The specialists are those shops and mechanics that focus on and specialize in the repair of a particular part or system. For example, a mechanic may specialize in transmission repair and rebuilding. You can expect him to know all about both manual and automatic transmissions, down to the very last component or problem. You can also expect that mechanic to know all about the developments in the field of transmission systems.

On the other hand, the generalists are those shops and mechanics who can work on all systems and parts of vehicles in general, the so called jack of all trades in the auto repair industry, without necessarily specializing in any of the said parts and assemblies.

If you need a repair done in your vehicle, you can choose between a generalist and a specialist shop or mechanic. A specialist is a good pick for very serious problems that generalists may not be able to handle. However, should you have a problem whose effects are evident not only on a single system but on a wide range of systems, you might want to go for a generalist, one that can handle the problems plaguing different parts and systems. The selection could be crucial as this can spell the difference between the success and failure of the repair.

Leaks: How Serious are they?

In one or two of my previous posts, we’ve talked about urgent and not-so-urgent repairs that every driver needs to know so that he can make a wise decision when he brings his car to an auto repair shop and is informed about a problem he doesn’t know is existing. Now, let’s take a look at one of these possible problems: a leak.

A leak is probably one of the most common problems that thousands of drivers encounter daily—leaking coolant, leaking oil, even leaking fuel. These actually seem very simple problems, but leaks can be the beginning of a major damage or even hazard.

An oil leak is relatively safe, as long as you notice it and you top the oil now and then to ensure that you replace the lost one. The only problem that you might encounter here is complete oil loss, which can lead to the damage of the engine because of loss of lubrication.

Another is coolant leak. Like oil loss, you won’t have any problem as long as you top it off and prevent it from getting totally depleted. When the latter happens, you’ll have a great likelihood of being stranded at the side of the road because of engine overheating. Engine damage may also result.

Fuel leak is a completely different story. No matter how small the leak, it has to be addressed, and fast. Why? All it takes is a drop of fuel for a fire to occur, and possibly lead to an explosion. So, wherever it’s leaking, it should be fixed fast.

There’s also a brake fluid leak, which must be addressed immediately to avoid compromising the efficiency of the brakes. Otherwise, accidents are also possible.

Very common, yes, but leaks are small problems that can just be the beginning of a bigger problem if they are ignored. So, they should be addressed at once.

Friday’s Advice: Why It’s Not Always Good to Say Yes to an Oil Change

You’ve heard this many times: the oil is the lifeblood of your engine. You might have also heard the many problems that your engine might encounter when it is oil starved, so grave that they almost want to make you run to the nearest repair shop for an oil change. But, you will be glad to know that you can rest easy these days and say goodbye to all those needless worries about the oil in your car.

For a long time, there’s this long-standing rule about changing oil every 3000 miles (that’s about every three months). But, you’ll be happy to know that this has already become a myth these days. All it ever does? Well, it makes the business of oil change shops lucrative, no doubt. But for your car? It has already been proven that more frequent oil changes than recommended doesn’t actually give any additional benefit. Additional expense—more like.

Knowing this now, you can already say no to all those mechanics out there who would suggest an oil change when you bring your car to a shop for a specific problem. When you check your car owner’s manual, you will see the recommended interval for changing oil. This varies from car to car, but most of them have a 5000-mile mark. This mark is even for severe driving conditions. And what are these conditions? Well, these include driving in very hot weathers, frequent driving in stop and go traffic, and driving in rugged terrains.

If you drive in normal or mild conditions, however, you can extend that interval to 10,000 up to 15,000 miles. See? That would be too much of savings for your vehicle. If you want to be sure of your specific car’s oil change interval, you can check your manual thoroughly for the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Test Driving Before and After an Auto Repair

When you bring your car into a shop for repair, there are instances when test driving is crucial before and after the repair. Why?

If a problem that you’re experiencing in your drive only occurs in certain conditions when you drive, such as the occurrence of abnormal noise when cornering, and you cannot specifically describe the problem, it is better that you test drive your car with the mechanic present so that he himself can experience and observe the problem. This is crucial to easily diagnose the problem and to promptly provide the needed fix.

You need to pay proper attention to your car, sound and feel, when doing the test drive to get accuracy in the results of your observation,

After a repair, you might also need to test drive your vehicle to see whether the problem is already gone. This is especially important if you have the occurrence of a problem like mentioned above. Test driving is crucial to ensure that the symptom (like a noise) is already gone. Test driving is also especially important if you have a suspension job done. Only by test driving can you determine whether the job done is correct and whether there is no strange feel in your drive. You must also see to it that there is no problem with handling and steering—these are very crucial aspects of your drive and a problem with these systems could mean danger.

Most shops will allow you to do a test drive after the repair. You may have the mechanic accompany you so that you can discuss remaining problems should anything else occur. Other than test driving, there are still other after-repair inspection guidelines that you need to follow to ensure that all will be well with your newly repaired car. We’ll discuss these in one of the posts next week.

A Look at the Science of Upselling

Have you ever brought your car to a shop for a simple oil change, only to end up having all your filters and tires replaced? You might feel bad about the shop and about yourself after the incident, not able to explain how you were tricked into giving in to the mechanic’s suggestion when all you really wanted in the first place was a simple change of oil! Well, this happens all the time, and we’ve had some mention of this in the past.

That, friends, is what you call upselling. That is a selling technique that many establishments employ, not only auto repair shops. Even fast food chains employ that technique. Remember the time you gave in to the counter personnel’s suggestion to upgrade your fries and drinks? That’s upselling, and there’s nothing illegal about it.

As a car owner, however, you’d want to avoid incidents like this. Often, the extra services offered to you may not actually be necessary, so you’re just like wasting money. To avoid falling into this technique (or trickery, as you may want to call it), you must anticipate upselling when you bring your car to the shop. And, you must have the courage to say no when the mechanic starts his litany of extra service offers.

If you tend to give in easily, bring a list of services that you want performed on your car when you go to the shop, and show the list to your mechanic. Tell him that those services are the only (and you mean the ONLY) services that you want done. Once he insists anything, just refer on the list and remember—that’s all you need, and nothing more. Upselling will always be a part of any business enterprise, but you can deal with it effectively if you’re prepared.

Paying Less and Avoiding Rip Offs with Lower Cost Alternatives

Despite all the DIY automotive works available for average drivers and vehicle owners to perform, there are still certain tasks that are too heavy for individuals without proper training and are best left in the care of professional mechanics. So, how can you save on these? How can you avoid possibilities of being ripped off?

Well, remember that mechanics want to earn. When you bring in your vehicle for repair, many of them would suggest the repair that will give them the most earnings, and a repair that will be easiest to perform on their part. But, you must know that there could be other options available.

One way to save is to ask your mechanic upfront if there are other options or alternatives available other than the one being suggested by the mechanic. For instance, if the mechanic is suggesting to replace a certain part that is already showing signs of damage, ask if there is any way the said part can be repaired, or if it would be cheaper if only the specific component of the part is replaced instead of the entire part (i.e. replace just the damaged light bulb instead of replacing the entire lighting assembly).

Any reasonable mechanic, and one who wants to establish a good relationship with you, will explore other means of solving the problem at a lesser cost. If you have the chance to do a research, you can find out on your own whether there is another way to solve a car problem other than the expensive and more common means.

By exploring all the other alternatives, asking the right questions, and doing the necessary research, you can save more and you’ll be able to leave the auto repair shop without feeling like you have just been ripped off big time. 

Is Your Mechanic an Alien?

There are some of them out there, mechanics who live in their own world. They don’t know how to differentiate. When you visit the shop and bring in your car for a repair, they assume you’re one of them – that you’re also an alien. They explain the problem to you, with hand demonstrations and all that. And then they look at you with that confused alien look when you begin to scratch your head.

Do you know what I’m talking about? I’m talking about mechanics who have their own dictionary that they use even when talking to average mortals like their customers. They fill their explanations with jargons and technical terms that will make you stare at them blankly in confusion. These mechanics don’t have it in their head that they’re talking to someone who’s not inside the automotive arena. There are also some mechanics who use this “technique” to be able to intimidate their customer, making it easier to rip them off.

If you encounter a mechanic like this, don’t give in to the intimidation or the confusion—ask questions and clarifications about things you do not understand. Insist that your mechanic explains any problem or procedure on your level, not on his level. Ask that the explanations be done in layman’s terms. Any reasonable mechanic should understand this.

Of course, as I have mentioned repeatedly in the past, it would help if you do some readings and familiarize yourself with some terms and some conditions about your car so that you don’t go totally clueless while your mechanic is explaining. But while this is a responsibility that you should handle, remember that your mechanic also has the responsibility to make it absolutely clear to you what the problem of your car is and how it can be resolved.

Friday’s Advice: Asking the Three Questions You Dread

If you’ve ever had a car repair rip-off experience in the past, chances are you almost always think you’ll be ripped off every time you bring your car to the mechanic for repair. But, a one-time rip-off experience doesn’t actually need to stand as a representation of all mechanics and shops out there—your previous experience doesn’t really have to happen again.

And, you have control over that. There are certain things that you can do to be able to avoid a future rip-off, and one of these things would be being upfront with your mechanic when it comes to issues that you want clarified. Yes, there are issues that are a little awkward and a little uncomfortable to discuss with your mechanic, but these issues are better left out in the open from the start so that they won’t cause trouble later on.

It’s good advice that you already ask certain questions and clarify some things with your mechanic the first time even before you have to bring your car in for the actual repair. One, ask about the shop’s use of “used parts.” Ask whether it installs used parts in vehicles and how it charges customers for used parts mounted. Once this is clear, the shop will have no need to hide you the fact that a used part is mounted in your car should it fail to find a new part as replacement sometime soon. Two, ask about warranty before any job is started. Ask what kind of warranty it provides to its repairs, and if there are warranties from manufacturers for all parts mounted in your car (in case the shop is the one that provides the replacement). Have the warranty in writing to back you up in case you need to file a claim later on. And three, ask about supply charge. Ask what the shop includes in the supply charge and how much it usually costs.

In all of these questions, it’s easy to gauge whether a shop can be trusted or not, not only according to its answer but as well as to the way it delivers that answer. The shop should be direct and should not appear as if it is hiding something. Once all the issues are clear, you’ll be at peace during the car repairs.

Revealing Too Much May Work to Your Disadvantage

Many of my latest posts have been about effectively communicating with your mechanic in order to avoid possibilities of rip-off and to ensure the success of any auto repair. We’ve talked about what not to tell your mechanic and what questions not to ask your mechanic to avoid giving him a chance to rip you off.

In connection to watching what you say and not say to your mechanic, it’s very important to remember that you shouldn’t reveal too much details to your mechanic—whether it’s about your car or about your life in general.

I’ve mentioned in one of my posts before that it’s not a good idea to mention your own assumption about a problem to your mechanic because he can use that assumption to rip you off. He could just take on that suggestion and build up on it, and you may well spend a lot more than you should simply because of your suggestion or “idea.”

It’s always important that you give your mechanic the space to make his own diagnosis and observation, and let him find out the real problem. All you should do is to help him in the diagnosis by pointing out symptoms that you have observed.

Other than this, you shouldn’t also clue your mechanic in on your activities and on the amount of money that you can and are willing to spend on the repair (more on this next week). Yes, it’s important to build a good relationship with your mechanic. But, while you have not built that up just yet, stick to the basics of the conversation and simply observe. Only when the mechanic has already proven his honesty and only when you have already developed trust on the person should you take the relationship farther than the work level.

Friday’s Advice: Things Not to Say to Your Mechanic

In my previous post here, I mentioned some things that you should and should not tell your mechanic when you bring in your car for repair. In this post, we’ll expound more on the things you shouldn’t tell your mechanic if you don’t want to give him any chance to rip you off.

As I have mentioned before, some mechanics are on the lookout for indications that you may fall into a scheme easily, and when they see that, they grab the chance to pull their tricks on you. So, never allow them to see any opportunity to rip you off. One way to ensure this is to watch what you say to your mechanic and what you say around him.

1. I have to prepare my car for a travel. This means you want everything in good shape, and that you want to be safe in your travel, so the mechanic can rip you off by telling you there are problems with your car parts such as the brakes – you don’t want to travel with busted brakes, after all.

2. What does my car need? Don’t ask as general a question like that, because you’re giving the mechanic a huge door into which he can enter and rip you off. (More on asking questions on my post next week)

3. Any plan involving money – car related or otherwise. For some mechanics, the first criterion that will categorize a person as a candidate for rip off is the fact that he has a lot of money to spend. So, don’t give your mechanic a clue.

4. Do everything you have to do to fix the problem. Again, you’re opening a wide door for rip off. (More of this here.)

5. Give me the cheapest option available. Though this may sound valid, it isn’t. (Find out why here.)

Auto Part Conditions that Require Immediate Attention

Yesterday, we elaborated on immediate car repairs and repairs that you can postpone for later, looking at specific systems such as the suspension and the brakes. Today, let’s take a look at specific parts instead. And instead of discussing the two types of condition mentioned in my last post (those that require immediate repairs and those that don’t), let’s focus only on conditions that necessitate immediate attention.

TIRES:

It is advised that these components be replaced every 6 years, but that’s not the only measure. The real criterion to check would be the tread of the tires. If they have gone too thin (the given figure here is 1.6mm or less), then that is a great indication that the tire is already nearing its lifespan.

BELTS:

Belt damage and failure is not easy to detect, mainly because it doesn’t manifest any symptom. So, the only preventative maintenance that you can do to ensure that it won’t break is to replace it before or on the given period interval. You will find this in your manufacturer’s manual. Once the belt reaches its replacement period, you should get a new one immediately. Otherwise, when it breaks, you’ll be facing a more serious trouble as this can lead to a damaged engine.

LIGHTS:

Whether it’s your headlights, tail lights, or signal lights, they need to be replaced at once when damaged—not only because of the safety threats that they pose but as well as the road regulations being imposed today. A damaged lens could be tolerable for a while, but a completely busted bulb spells trouble.

Automotive problems in general have to be addressed at once. But, there are more important problems that should be addressed now as may be suggested by your mechanic. By familiarizing yourself with these problems, you’ll know how to deal with repair suggestions.

The Power of Communication When Dealing with an Auto Repair Shop

When you bring your car to an auto repair shop, you expect it to be fixed—nobody expects problems or rip-offs. Do you know how important proper communication is if you want the repair or replacement process to be accomplished fast and successfully? By communicating with your mechanic well, you get down to real business smoothly. Now the question: what is the proper way to communicate with your mechanic when you bring in your vehicle for a diagnosis and fix of a problem?

Be factual.

First off, don’t panic about the problem. And don’t rant. The problem’s already there; you can’t do anything about it. What you should do is tell your mechanic what you’ve observed about your car when the problem occurs. Enumerate the symptoms. Don’t exaggerate. You want as accurate a diagnosis as possible, so be factual and objective down to the last detail.

Be direct.

Tell your mechanic what you want done. If there’s anything not clear with you, ask. Don’t beat around the bush and don’t avoid any detail that you feel may not be received by your mechanic well but can help in the diagnosis. And don’t hold back: your mechanic will need your help in diagnosing the problem.

Be honest.

In relation to the last pointer, it’s important that you be honest (a more elaborate discussion is posted HERE) when dealing with your mechanic. If you have any part in the damage that happened to your vehicle, say so. The mechanic can even help you in avoiding a similar incident in the future.

You never know how much hassle you can avoid and how much time you can save on repairs by communicating with your mechanic well. By being factual, direct, and honest with your shop technician, repairs become smoother and faster to accomplish.

A Look at ASE-Certified Mechanics

Similar to being a doctor or being a teacher, being a mechanic is also a serious profession that requires skill and specialty. And while other professions have board examinations, there’s an ASE certification offered for mechanics. This certification is one proof of a mechanic’s competence and experience in the particular field in which he specializes.

There are different fields in automotive in which a mechanic may want to specialize. Tests are offered focusing on several systems such as the brakes and suspension, and a mechanic may want to take a test on any or all of the systems. Other than passing the test given, at least two years of experience is also needed if a mechanic wishes to be a Master Technician.

Many shops today require ASE certification when employing a mechanic, although there are still others that don’t. The good thing about having an ASE-certified mechanic work on your car is the fact that you know your car is in competent hands, one who knows what he is doing and one whom you can trust to do the job well. Plus, you can be sure that an ASE-certified mechanic is serious about his career and would not do something that will jeopardize it.

If you are looking for a shop with personnel who are good at what they do, you may want to look for an ASE seal in the shop. This would mean that the shop has mechanics who have ASE certification. Take note, though, that it doesn’t mean all mechanics in the shop are ASE-certified, only that there are some. If you want your car to be handled by a mechanic who has the certification, you may want to ask for that. ASE-certified mechanics also have different specialties. So, it doesn’t necessarily mean that a technician with ASE certification is good for all your needed automotive repairs.

Paying for Diagnosis

Think that the money you spent on car repair was only for the actual part and for the time it took the mechanic to fix the problem? Not in all cases. In many instances, part of the work that you pay for is vehicle diagnosis. In fact, in some situations, a great part of the number of hours that you pay for is spent on checking your vehicle in order to find just what the problem is. Sometimes, depending on the problem, it may take a long time for your mechanic to do the correct diagnosis, so you pay more.

When it is right: Paying for diagnostics is but fair. After all, your mechanic spends a lot of time determining what the exact problem is, something that is necessary to find the right solution and bring your vehicle back to life. It is only right that mechanics be paid for doing a good job. After all, if they do not take diagnostics seriously, they may simply resort to guessing and trial and error, the result of which could be more problems for you.

When it is wrong: Paying for vehicle diagnosis becomes unfair if you find out later on that the mechanic actually failed to pinpoint, and solve, the problem. Consider this: the mechanic tells you that the problem has to do with the spark plugs and persuades you to have the plugs replaced, only for the problem to recur when you’re back on the road. When you bring in your car the second time, you find that it’s actually the coil and not the plugs, so that means you paid for nothing during the first time.

If the latter situation happens, you can ask for a refund from the mechanic or shop, or you can ask that they perform the correct repair free of charge, depending on what your arrangement is. 

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.

Friday’s Advice: Why Being Honest With Your Mechanic Pays

So, you have a mechanic that you always turn to whenever you encounter problems with your vehicle. But, there are some things that you think you can’t tell your mechanic because of certain reasons.

Most vehicle owners get into this kind of situation once in a while. For instance, some people would feel afraid telling their mechanic just what the entire scope of the problem is, due to the fear that their mechanic will charge them higher. Others are ashamed to admit that they forgot to perform the needed maintenance, leading to the problem, or that they tried to improvise a fix for a vehicle problem that they experienced and the improvised fix failed. Or even more, that they brought the car to another repair shop.

Yes, admitting these things to your mechanic may have repercussions. You may have to pay higher because of a problem that you caused, or a tension may develop between you and your mechanic when you tell him you brought it to another shop or entrusted it to another specialist. But, in the end, being honest is still the best option. Why?

It is in honesty from which you will be able to establish a good relationship with your mechanic. For one, you want your mechanic to be honest with you, so you need to be honest with him as well. Besides, no matter how much you keep something from your mechanic, he is sure to find out later on. Being honest about a problem will save more time on diagnosis, and will even reduce the possibility of misdiagnosis, therefore saving you on unnecessary costs.

And, if you want your mechanic to take you seriously when you get his advice about vehicle issues in the future, you need to show him that you’re being responsible in maintaining your car – being honest is one way to do that.