"Diagnosing Your Car’s Mechanic"
Michael J Nappi
(1009 words)
Good and bad can be found in any business. Some people become doctors because they have compassion for people in their battle against and illness. Some people choose the medical profession purely for profit. They desire for high pay above healing. In 30 years in automotive repair I have seen the good and the bad. I can say in all honesty that I had always treated my customers the way I would want to be treated. Still, I saw that most people upon their first visit were full of skepticism and mistrust. Eventually he majority of them became lifelong customers.
Now that I am retired and lack the facilities to do all of my own repairs, I too enter repair shops with the same expectation of either shoddy work or inflated prices. I usually start off with something superficial, like an oil change or tire rotation and balance. And yes, I observe the mechanics, all of them. But just as important is my observation of what happens in the office. How they answer the phone, or approach other customers about repairs needed. Sometimes I am even blessed to see how they handle irate customers.
My personal knowledge and experience in this field gives me an advantage over most people. I’ve decided to try and share some of this with you, my readers. As I said, there’s good and bad. And sometimes bad can hide in plain sight. While visiting a childhood friend I noticed a telltale noise coming from underneath his truck. He said his mechanic had checked it out and told him that he needed his rear differential rebuilt. My friend said he was having it done next week at a price of “approximately $1,400.00.”
I told my friend that the noise was most likely just a hanger bearing that supported the drive shaft. He dismissed my diagnosis because I hadn’t even looked under his truck. “Beside” he said “My family has used this shop for 2 generations. I trust them; they know what they are doing.” I told him I was pretty sure what they were doing too, and it wasn’t good. All the way back to his house I wouldn’t stop needling him, and the screeching metallic noise grew louder as if to underscore my words.
When we got to his house I was able to slide under his truck, thanks to the lift kit his favorite repair shop had previously installed. My sight unseen diagnosis was immediately confirmed. He agreed the part was bad but insisted it was a coincidence and that the noise was coming from his rear differential. I simply said “Let’s find out.” I bought and replaced the new hanger bearing in less than an hour and for under $40.00. Low and behold all the noise was gone. “Why would they do that” he asked. I replied “Either they are ignorant or they are thieves.” My point is just because you have a history with a mechanic, doesn’t mean he is fair or good.
Sometimes the need for repairs can come suddenly, and there’s no time to shop around. But don’t be intimidated by a lack of knowledge. Ask questions. I used to do all my selling in the shop. When possible I would bring customers to see the worn parts or at least explain what they did, how they operate and what was wrong with the part or parts. An educated customer is a satisfied customer. If the car could still be driven safely I would give them a written estimate. Your owner’s manual, usually found in the glove compartment, will list suggested maintenance at different mileage intervals. Following these recommendations can prevent you from finding yourself stuck some place. It will also prolong the vehicle’s life and if documented it can even add value when the vehicle is sold or traded in.
What if your vehicle needs non-emergency repair or maintenance? If you have a repair facility or mechanic in mind, let him know that price is a concern so you’d like a free, written estimate. Be sure to mention that you will be shopping around for the best price. In all likelihood this should prevent him/her from selling you things you may not need. And if this shop wants to gain your business, they will give you his/her best price. I suggest you repeat this procedure with one or two more repair shops. Be sure you don’t share the previous diagnosis and estimate with these other shops.
In a perfect world, all the shops should find the same issues. But this world is far from perfect. Some shops may discover other issues that led to the problem, such as a faulty caliper could cause premature brake wear. Other shops may be simply trying to get more of your money. Most big named repair franchises are given a specific number of services or item that they need to sell per month and a customer’s needs have little to do with it. Many salesmen and mechanics get paid a commission on any items they sell you above what you initially came in for. On the other hand, sometimes preventive maintenance often saves time and money.
So ask questions like: “Can you take me in the shop and show what’s wrong? Why do I need this part? What does it do and how is it supposed to work? Is this absolutely necessary?” Most importantly: “Do you guarantee this will fix my problem?” Compare not only what each shop said, but how they treated you. Were they patient and understanding? Did they value your time and consideration in trusting them with your investment? While you were there did you see and customers there? Don’t be shy! Ask them how long they have used that shop. If they had problems there they will tell you.
It’s my hope that you are now better prepared. Auto repair and maintenance does not have to simply be “blind trust.” Learn from you experience. Don’t hesitate to try other stores until you find one that’s knowledgeable and honest.
(1009 words)
Good and bad can be found in any business. Some people become doctors because they have compassion for people in their battle against and illness. Some people choose the medical profession purely for profit. They desire for high pay above healing. In 30 years in automotive repair I have seen the good and the bad. I can say in all honesty that I had always treated my customers the way I would want to be treated. Still, I saw that most people upon their first visit were full of skepticism and mistrust. Eventually he majority of them became lifelong customers.
Now that I am retired and lack the facilities to do all of my own repairs, I too enter repair shops with the same expectation of either shoddy work or inflated prices. I usually start off with something superficial, like an oil change or tire rotation and balance. And yes, I observe the mechanics, all of them. But just as important is my observation of what happens in the office. How they answer the phone, or approach other customers about repairs needed. Sometimes I am even blessed to see how they handle irate customers.
My personal knowledge and experience in this field gives me an advantage over most people. I’ve decided to try and share some of this with you, my readers. As I said, there’s good and bad. And sometimes bad can hide in plain sight. While visiting a childhood friend I noticed a telltale noise coming from underneath his truck. He said his mechanic had checked it out and told him that he needed his rear differential rebuilt. My friend said he was having it done next week at a price of “approximately $1,400.00.”
I told my friend that the noise was most likely just a hanger bearing that supported the drive shaft. He dismissed my diagnosis because I hadn’t even looked under his truck. “Beside” he said “My family has used this shop for 2 generations. I trust them; they know what they are doing.” I told him I was pretty sure what they were doing too, and it wasn’t good. All the way back to his house I wouldn’t stop needling him, and the screeching metallic noise grew louder as if to underscore my words.
When we got to his house I was able to slide under his truck, thanks to the lift kit his favorite repair shop had previously installed. My sight unseen diagnosis was immediately confirmed. He agreed the part was bad but insisted it was a coincidence and that the noise was coming from his rear differential. I simply said “Let’s find out.” I bought and replaced the new hanger bearing in less than an hour and for under $40.00. Low and behold all the noise was gone. “Why would they do that” he asked. I replied “Either they are ignorant or they are thieves.” My point is just because you have a history with a mechanic, doesn’t mean he is fair or good.
Sometimes the need for repairs can come suddenly, and there’s no time to shop around. But don’t be intimidated by a lack of knowledge. Ask questions. I used to do all my selling in the shop. When possible I would bring customers to see the worn parts or at least explain what they did, how they operate and what was wrong with the part or parts. An educated customer is a satisfied customer. If the car could still be driven safely I would give them a written estimate. Your owner’s manual, usually found in the glove compartment, will list suggested maintenance at different mileage intervals. Following these recommendations can prevent you from finding yourself stuck some place. It will also prolong the vehicle’s life and if documented it can even add value when the vehicle is sold or traded in.
What if your vehicle needs non-emergency repair or maintenance? If you have a repair facility or mechanic in mind, let him know that price is a concern so you’d like a free, written estimate. Be sure to mention that you will be shopping around for the best price. In all likelihood this should prevent him/her from selling you things you may not need. And if this shop wants to gain your business, they will give you his/her best price. I suggest you repeat this procedure with one or two more repair shops. Be sure you don’t share the previous diagnosis and estimate with these other shops.
In a perfect world, all the shops should find the same issues. But this world is far from perfect. Some shops may discover other issues that led to the problem, such as a faulty caliper could cause premature brake wear. Other shops may be simply trying to get more of your money. Most big named repair franchises are given a specific number of services or item that they need to sell per month and a customer’s needs have little to do with it. Many salesmen and mechanics get paid a commission on any items they sell you above what you initially came in for. On the other hand, sometimes preventive maintenance often saves time and money.
So ask questions like: “Can you take me in the shop and show what’s wrong? Why do I need this part? What does it do and how is it supposed to work? Is this absolutely necessary?” Most importantly: “Do you guarantee this will fix my problem?” Compare not only what each shop said, but how they treated you. Were they patient and understanding? Did they value your time and consideration in trusting them with your investment? While you were there did you see and customers there? Don’t be shy! Ask them how long they have used that shop. If they had problems there they will tell you.
It’s my hope that you are now better prepared. Auto repair and maintenance does not have to simply be “blind trust.” Learn from you experience. Don’t hesitate to try other stores until you find one that’s knowledgeable and honest.