It might sound like they’re trying to upsell you, but your mechanic is trying to help you plan for car repairs.
Have you ever been frustrated by bringing your car in for one issue only to leave with numerous problems to handle? Even though it’s disheartening, it’s a prime opportunity to start saving for vehicle repairs you know will be on the horizon.
Be Warned — Save Money, Stay Safe
Trusty mechanics don’t go out of their way to cause you stress, but they aren’t going to skim the surface either. They dive in deep when they look at your car, checking every belt and every fluid reservoir. You’re paying your mechanic to diagnose and repair one specific issue, but he is going to deliver a full-vehicle report, because warnings can help you save money — and maybe even your life.
If you weren’t aware that your brake pads were worn, finding out can give you a few weeks to save for their replacement. Or if you own multiple vehicles, drive your other car until you can afford the repair.
If you weren’t aware that you had a leak in your brake lines, you could suddenly lose braking right when you need it. That puts your vehicle, you and your passengers in danger, and ultimately, that’s what your dependable mechanic wants to prevent. Warnings keep you fully aware of what’s happening under the hood.
How Can You Tell if You’re at a Trusty Mechanic’s Shop?
It can be hard to trust your mechanic’s opinion on how to plan for car repairs if you don’t know if you can rely on them to provide factual, unbiased advice.
Here are a few signs you’re at the right place:
- You Make the Decision: Reputable mechanics will fully inform you of their assessment of your car, but they will not conduct any repairs until you give a clear “yes.”
- No Pressure: If every repair is deemed “urgent,” you know you’re at a shop that only cares about making a sale, not keeping you safe. In reality, specific issues definitely should be categorized as urgent, but your mechanic shouldn’t pressure you to complete all the work the same visit.
- They Show You Old Parts: You know they replaced your old drive belt because they showed you the cracked, worn-out component. You can drive away confident that your vehicle received the service it needed.
Don’t Forget to Ask Questions
Good mechanics want to help you understand how your car works. You will know that you’re at a reliable car repair shop when you get complete answers to all of your questions. Call State Automotive if you have a car problem — you’ll get friendly, helpful service and an experienced technician who’s ready to fix your problems and help you plan for car repairs.