Top 10 Things You Should Know Before Going At Car Mechanic
Unless your car is shiny and new with a warranty, it’s probably going to need some fixing up during the year. This can vary from small stuff like changing the oil to more extensive repairs.
Most car fixers, whether they work solo or for a big car shop, are good folks who won’t push you into fixing things that aren’t really broken. But sometimes, they might suggest fixing stuff that’s not really necessary.
Their point is solid: Why wait until a tiny problem becomes a giant headache? But it’s also your cash, and you deserve to know some secrets your car fixer might keep from you.
Just so you know, I had a car doctor in Los Angeles for a long time who was honest about what absolutely needed fixing on my cars and what could wait or be left alone. But finding a mechanic like that is pretty rare. So, the smart move is to get informed.
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Here are ten tips about what even the best car mechanic might not tell you:
10. DIY Oil Change: You Can Do It!
Changing your car’s oil is a bit like making tasty omelettes for a skilled chef – not their favorite task. But it’s something most cars need regularly. You can get an oil change kit at an auto store for under $40, while having a mechanic do it can cost around $75 (some places might charge less, but it’s fair to pay for their work).
Oil changes are an easy way for repair shops and car dealers to make money. They’ll often recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles, even though modern oil can last much longer, sometimes up to 10,000-20,000 miles.You can stick to the 3,000-mile schedule if you like. It might even help when you sell your car, as some buyers want proof of regular maintenance.
But in my opinion, if you’re okay with getting a bit dirty and handling the used oil, doing an oil change twice a year is the classic DIY choice.
9. The Check Engine Light: No Need To Panic
For new car owners, the check engine light can be a real anxiety-inducer. However, it often signals a minor issue with the exhaust system.
In most situations, you can safely disregard it, especially if you have a newer car. Older vehicles might need a closer look if their emission parts are getting worn.
Don’t stress too much; you won’t have a car catastrophe if you wait a bit. Just remember, there’s one crucial exception: if that check engine light is flashing, it’s time to rush to your mechanic.
8. Considering a DIY Brake Job? Here’s Why You Should!
When you start doing your own oil changes, you might consider tackling brake jobs too. Mechanics don’t often talk about this because fixing brakes is like a cash machine for them. It’s simple but time-consuming, so they make good money from it.
You can do it yourself, but it’s a bit tricky, messy, and tiring, especially without a fancy hydraulic lift like repair shops have. If you’re using a jack, it’ll take several hours, assuming everything goes smoothly and you’re only changing brake pads.
But once you give it a shot, you might become a DIY brake pro for life.
7. How To Easily Buff Out Car Scratches Yourself
This is less about car mechanics and more about body shops. Have you ever stepped into a well-run body shop? Unlike some car repair places that can be a bit messy, body shops are often incredibly neat and organized. That’s because just walking through their door can set you back a hefty $1,000.
I once had a Mazda Miata with a decent dent, so I took it to a body shop. It ended up costing me about $1,200. But for all my other cars, I’ve handled the dents and fixed up the scratches and scrapes myself. You won’t get a professional-level job, but the results are usually decent. And if you’re still not satisfied, your mechanic can recommend a good body shop.
6. When Is Buying A New Car The Best Choice?
Sometimes, a new car is the way to go. If you’re looking for three to five years of smooth driving, crave the latest tech, or have the means to make your dream come true, a new car could be your answer. New cars are generally reliable, and if anything does go wrong, the dealer typically takes care of it through the warranty.
This idea doesn’t sit well with experienced mechanics because they’d prefer you to buy a quality used car and bring it to them for repairs. It’s partly a business thing, but there’s also a sense of pride in working on an older car that you’ve built a connection with – it just feels better.
5. The Dream Of Every Real Mechanic: Turning Your Car Into A Classic
For a genuine mechanic, the highest accomplishment is transforming your car into a vintage treasure, boasting hundreds of thousands of miles on the odometer and a shiny, like-new paint job. Any skilled mechanic will advise you to keep driving your car until it’s practically falling apart – although, in truth, they hope it never does, as long as they have customers like you.
4. Personal Style vs. Mechanics: Adding Extras To Your Car
Now, this is my area of expertise, and I’ve got to admit, I’m a bit skeptical of mechanics who support the idea of jazzing up cars with aftermarket add-ons like spoilers, unconventional wheels, or flashy paint jobs. BUT the truth is, these upgrades are a piece of cake for most mechanics to install, so they’re unlikely to discourage your bolder style choices.
3. Infotainment: Not Exactly A Mechanic’s Thrill
For those who make a living working on cars, infotainment systems might not be the most thrilling topic. Moreover, the software part of these in-dash systems is usually handled by the dealership, often with help from the car manufacturer.
While a few mechanics do offer services related to infotainment, most of them are more interested in what’s beneath the hood than what’s on the screen.
2. Mechanics Don’t Like Quick Fixes
Professional car mechanics don’t really endorse makeshift repairs. This includes anything that involves duct tape, for instance. The reason behind this is simple: mechanics have the proper tools for every job. In contrast, most car owners are fortunate if they possess one or two tools designed specifically for fixing cars.
Mechanics have those big, red, rolling tool cases you often spot in the garage, and they’re loaded with the right tools for the task at hand.
1. Honest Mechanics vs. Dealership Upselling
A trustworthy mechanic typically sticks to the estimated repair cost and won’t overcharge you, unless they discover a major issue while working on the agreed-upon repair, and they inform you about it.
On the flip side, when you visit a dealership service center, a certain degree of upselling is often expected (though it’s usually okay to decline unless they tell you that you can’t take your car until they address the problem).
A mechanic who follows the industry’s ethical standards would prefer to have an engine block dropped on their foot than to surprise a customer with an unexpectedly high bill.
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