13 things your mechanic won't tell you

[05ram]

I got this from rd.com

1. "Watch out for scare tactics. Admonitions like 'I wouldn't drive this another mile' should be viewed with suspicion."

2. "Check for ASE [National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence] or AAA [American Automobile Association] certification, as well as a state license. Reputable shops are proud to display them."

3. "Ask, ask, ask. For recommendations, years in business, warranties offered, licenses, and the type of equipment used. Look for a clean garage. A floor cluttered with empty oil cans, worn tires, and dirty rags is a red flag."

4. "Never sign a blank authorization form. Always get a signed work order with a specific estimate for each job and warranties that apply."

5. "It's nuts to take a car with engine problems to a shop without a good engine analyzer and scan tool. Any mechanic who says 'I don't need fancy equipment' should be avoided."

6. "Synthetic motor oils may cost more, but you'll get a lot more miles between changes."

7. "When you go for a second opinion, don't tell the mechanic what the first diagnosis and price were."

8. "Coolant flushes and power steering flushes are very common gimmicks at quick lubes. Check your owner's manual; many cars have fluid that is designed to go 100,000 miles. And cleaning fuel injectors is a waste of time and money. There are additives on the market that do a great job."

9. "Always ask for OE [original equipment] brake pads or at least equivalent material. A $49.95 brake job will usually get you the worst friction material you can buy-it's the difference between stopping short and causing a pileup on the way to work."

10. "Ask about your new tire's 'build date.' If you're getting an unusually good deal, you might be receiving three-year-old treads, especially risky for snow tires."

11. "Lifetime mufflers? What would ever make you think a muffler will last a lifetime? Yes, they'll give you free replacements, but they'll hit you over the head for expensive pipe repairs."

12. "Consult your dealer before you have work done on a catalytic converter or emissions parts. Some of these items carry a very long warranty, and free replacement is often required by law."

13. "It's not okay for your 'check engine' light to stay on all the time. It's probably not 'a loose gas cap.'"

[gman]

I'd expect most people on this forum to be knowledgeable about their vehicle so taht when the mechanic says something they can intelligently question it.  And these guys don't know a ton either, sometimes when a mechanic says I wouldn't drive this another mile it means that yer wheel fell off or something serious

[diesel game]

number 7 doesn't even deserve to be in there.  If you go to a mechanic and get a second opinion and tell him what the first one said then you deserve what you get.

[markedman]

I got nailed on #4 once.  I took my car in when I had just gotten out of college and the guy fixed my problem but I got charged 600$ that I had a hard time getting.  My car ran but I couldn't afford to put gas in it

[gman]

I got nailed on #4 once.  I took my car in when I had just gotten out of college and the guy fixed my problem but I got charged 600$ that I had a hard time getting.  My car ran but I couldn't afford to put gas in it

That sucks, but every business in every sector tries to do that.  I almost go nailed by a plumber for that kind of sh*t.  Wanted to charge me 1k for 2 hours of work, I call bs on that rate

[markedman]

I got nailed on #4 once.  I took my car in when I had just gotten out of college and the guy fixed my problem but I got charged 600$ that I had a hard time getting.  My car ran but I couldn't afford to put gas in it

That sucks, but every business in every sector tries to do that.  I almost go nailed by a plumber for that kind of sh*t.  Wanted to charge me 1k for 2 hours of work, I call bs on that rate

Some of us are lucky and know about stuff like that while most of us are in the dark on how just aobut everything works.  There are honest servicemen out there but I haven't found many of them.

[95concord]

I try not to go to mechanics for anything.  I don't know much about cars but that's why I'm on this site.  If I have an issue I can ask questions instead of getting raked over the coals by someone just because I don't have knowledge of what they're talking about...

[dodgerider]

I try not to go to mechanics for anything.  I don't know much about cars but that's why I'm on this site.  If I have an issue I can ask questions instead of getting raked over the coals by someone just because I don't have knowledge of what they're talking about...

Same here, I don't know a lot about cars in general, I just don't have the time for them and my job.  If they were a hobby that would be something different, but they're not.  I like my dodge, but I'm not gonna sit and coo over it all day like some of you might   This site has been pretty helpful in terms of information before I take it into the shop and that's what keeps me coming back.  Well, that and the pics I find here are pretty interesting...