How to Communicate Effectively With Your Mechanic

If you can't tell the difference between a catalytic converter and a carburetor, you can still communicate correctly and effectively with a mechanic. The end result will be inexpensive, quality auto care.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Describe your car trouble as thoroughly and accurately as possible.

2. Ask questions until you're sure you know what's being done to your car. You have the right to ask for information.

3. Make an appointment whenever possible. Make sure the service manager knows what the trouble is so he or she can assign the right person to the job.

4. Avoid misunderstandings by obtaining a written estimate. Many estimates contain language that allows the grand total to exceed the original figures by a certain percentage.

5. Test drive your car and take it back if it isn't running right. Schedule another appointment if the problem comes back or if new problems pop up.

Tips & Warnings

• Read your work order and watch for nebulous statements such as "correct engine trouble" or "repair transmission." You could end up with a new engine or transmission.
• Avoid vague statements yourself unless all repairs are covered under warranty. If you say "just fix it," they could fix things that don't need to be fixed.

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on 11/22/2005 Tell the mechanic what the car is doing wrong, not what you think the problem is. "It makes noise when I step on the brake" not "I think I need new brake pads." or "I have a fluid leak and my car overheats." not "I need a water pump."

on 11/22/2005 Anything you can tell the folks at the shop is helpful. Most cars have a variety of different minor problems only a mechanic would notice. If he doesn't know what you're concerned with, he'll probably fix the wrong thing. Make sure you tell them what you were doing when the problem started, any sounds the car made, the temperature on that day and time, whether you just started the car or had been driving for a while. All of these things help narrow down the problem for the mechanic. The more information you give them, the greater the chances for a swift and correct repair.

on 11/22/2005 Give your mechanic as much info as possible, even if you think it would make you look bad. It gives your mechanic a starting point when he has information. A good starting point can save you money and time. Don't ever try to tell a mechanic how to do his job. Face it, if you could fix it, it wouldn't be at the shop in the first place.

on 11/22/2005 It's not the mechanic's fault that you are having car trouble. Getting upset and unreasonable just makes things difficult. Also, the person who is having trouble with the car should be the one who takes it to the mechanic.