Car to a Repair Shop

Unfortunately, car repair shops have gained a reputation for dishonesty. It is true that there are some shop owners who encourage bad habits and unfair deals, but the vast majority are still in the business to help their customers.

Here are five things to keep in mind during your next trip:

• Mechanics are human too. Even the most experienced technicians make mistakes. The trick is finding someone honest enough to admit when they have done something incorrectly. Once a problem has been found, all good shops should be willing to take the time to make things right.


• Contrary to popular belief, computer systems on modern cars do not always give a clear picture of what is malfunctioning. The more information you can give about a particular complaint the better. "My engine makes a noise while accelerating uphill on hot days" is much more helpful than, "My car makes a noise sometimes."


• Most shops aren't out to cheat their customers. Every businessperson loves a long-term customer, and repair centers are no exception. Part of every service writer's job is to make things clear for the customer. If you feel like you're being fleeced, take the time to ask questions. If repair bills seem to be piling up and money is tight, ask what needs to be addressed immediately versus what can be put off for a little while.


• Some jobs are actually cheaper (and easier) to do when other parts are removed for service. For example, a timing belt job is often an excellent time to replace an older water pump and thermostat. These are items that don't cost a whole lot, but are much more difficult to access with everything installed on the engine. Replacing them when it is convenient is usually much cheaper in the long run than paying for labor if they should happen to fail later.


• If you want to minimize your vehicle's downtime, you can always make a service appointment. This will help keep things a little more organized at the shop, and it guarantees your car will be worked on if there is a sudden influx of walk-in customers.

Following these few tips will keep your relationship with your mechanic running as smoothly as a well-maintained engine.