Car Repairs?

After working in automotive for over 10 years I've heard it all and seen it all. I've had the most outrageous customers and some of the nicest.

Let me be upfront and say there are certain things you should not do or say when entering a garage for repairs... Things like;

- "I just want to know what my car needs so my buddy can fix it."
If that's the case, we don't care but don't be upset to pay for the
inspection and isn't it worth it anyway?

- "A friend of a friend's brother told me you'd give me a deal."
We're not going to give you a deal because you know someone that we don't.
A pleasant and friendly customer is far more likely to get a deal. The
service advisor is more likely to locate better/cheaper parts if they like
you. If you're jerk - they'll be a jerk too.

- "My buddy looked at it already so I know what I need."
Your buddy may know a lot about cars but we don't your buddy and we
never assume until we've looked at the car and remember that sometimes
we see more when it's on a hoist or the tires are off. You can't expect your
buddy to see it all with a quick glance.

Don't assume the shop is going to rip you off before they've even looked at your car.

The person who greets you at the counter may or may not have automotive experience and they are not suppose to tell what's wrong with your car by the description you give them so don't listen to what they say. Wait until your car is looked at.

If the estimate the shop gives you is high - that doesn't mean they're out to get you. You can always find a better price. Automotive is so competitive that someone will always come under the quote. So don't scream and yell and throw the estimate at the person delivering the message.

People who work in garages also own cars and they too break down and have to be fixed so we understand that car repairs are inconvenient and costly. The shop is there to make money and to do so, they need you to come back. This can also be used to your advantage... I'll say no more.

That doesn't mean you should trust everyone out there. Unfortunately it only takes one bad experience to ruin it for everyone. So here are a few tips...

- By all means, price around but wait until your car has been inspected.

- If something smells fishy, it probably is - get a second opinion.

- Most shops charge for inspections. Ask if repairs are done - if they'll waive the inspection fee.

- It is not a proper brake inspection if the tires don't come off your car.

- Check your washer fluid if the sprayers are not working. It could save you some embarrassment.



And I must include - There's nothing worse than;

- Calling for a price and not knowing what you're talking about. There are many components to brakes so don't be surprised when your phone quote is different after the inspection. We do not have crystal balls and cannot see your brakes through the phone

- We have to open the hood when doing most inspections - Don't freak out... It's necessary and safer for the technician

- Just because you car is noisy, doesn't mean it needs a muffler. There are many components to an exhaust system that help keep your car quiet.


And things you should know;

- Antifreeze and washer fluid are NOT the same thing.

- Anything you put in the master cylinder besides brake fluid will totally screw up your brakes. If you're unsure, ask for help. A garage would rather you ask then try and do it yourself.

- Check your oil. If any oil light comes on your dash - Shut the car off immediately! I cannot stress this enough. We have seen so many damaged engines because people thought the light was nothing... When in doubt; Orange dash lights are a warning; Red dash lights are bad!!!

- If you back into a snow bank two days after your exhaust was repaired, expect it to be damaged and don't blame on the shop. We know what you did!

- Never let the shop know you're clueless. Ask for explanations, ask to see the parts, but don't tell them you know nothing! If after the explanation you still don't understand - get a second opinion.

- Big red flag if the shop you're in is bad mouthing other shops. This is considered bad manners. Most reputable shops will not do this in spite of their thoughts.

I hate hearing of people who have been ripped off. I wish I could jump inside for a minute so they knew they're rights and what they could do...For example

- Someone I know recently had their exhaust fixed and when it sounded worse afterwards, the shop told them it was a piece of welding wire and it would burn off when the car got hot!! What?!?!

- It shouldn't cost you $8000 for a transmission rebuild. Yup, it happened to one of my customers and he paid it.

- My sister bought a car.. The only problem was it wouldn't go in reverse. I told her it would need a tranny and she said, "The guy told me it was just a gear". Well where do you think the gear is??? In the TRANNY! lol. Lesson learned.

But sounds effects are great! We love to hear you imitate your car... There's nothing funnier. I've asked people how to spell that sound they made and even got them to do it over and over again. I'll let them in on the joke afterwards but it's always good for a laugh and it breaks the ice a little too.

There are so many things I could get into with this but remember you are more likely to get a "deal" just by being friendly and polite.

I'll make more blogs on the subject but I also welcome yours.... from customers to technicians.... funny stories, horror stories or opinions on mine. Let's hear it. I'm ready.