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That doesn’t mean that the mechanic should cut corners on your repair, but it could mean that they use cheaper parts or possibly a different route to cut down on the labor cost.
If you find yourself unable to pay for your car’s repair bill, or you know that you won’t be able to afford the estimate that the mechanic gave you, then you can see if there’s a less-expensive option available. What are your options if you can’t pay for your car repairs? See if there are less-expensive options available
#My mechanic how to#
In that case, you may find yourself in a panic when you’re at the auto repair shop counter and fumbling through your wallet trying to figure how to pay them.
Let’s face it, not everyone has money saved up for that one rainy day when their car needs a new timing belt or something even bigger. Wheels.Paying for car repairs can be a pain, especially if you don’t have the funds to pay for them. For more on this topic, visit:ĬAA South Central Ontario: How to find an auto mechanic you can trust The information in this article has been adapted from the following web sites.
Knocking: This is a rapid rattling sound that you can hear when you accelerate. Brake fade: When your vehicle’s stopping distance seems longer than normal. Dieseling: A sputtering sound that occurs when an engine continues to run for a few seconds after the car has been turned off. Misfire: Hesitation that occurs, usually when fuel in one or more of an engine’s cylinders fails to ignite properly. It’s worth noting when you feel it – at a certain speed or on a specific road surface. Shimmy: A rapid, side-to-side motion that feels like it’s coming from the tires or the steering wheel. Hesitation: A brief loss of power when accelerating. Bottoming out: When you hit a bump and you feel the underside of your vehicle hit the pavement. Backfire: Common in older engines, it can sound like a gunshot coming from the engine or tailpipe. You want your mechanic to understand the problem? Speak his language! Here are definitions of some common vehicle symptoms: Spare yourself some trouble: don’t head back to the shop until they call in to confirm that your car is ready. If they can’t contact you to approve a repair, the car will take that much longer to repair. However, if you leave, be sure he has a phone number where he can reach you easily. Your mechanic won’t work faster if you hang around impatiently. Tip #5: Let the mechanic do his job… but don’t go too far Be prepared to pay the going rate for parts and labour. Ask up front how long the car will need to be in the shop and arrange for transportation to and from the repair facility. Even if it’s a quick fix, there may be several other cars ahead of yours in the mechanic’s service bay. Plan to leave your car in the shop for most of the day. The estimate should include a cost breakdown, so you know exactly how much each repair costs. Estimates may not always be accurate to the penny, but they will give you a clear idea of what to expect. Tip #3: Get an estimate in writingĪ complete, written estimate of the services and materials required to fix your vehicle will eliminate any unforeseen or additional last-minute charges. Ask him to tell you exactly what will be done, how long the repairs will take, and how much they will cost. And don’t be shy when it comes to asking specific questions about the repairs your mechanic suggests. Did something happen just before the car stopped running? Also, note when the vehicle was last brought in for service, as today’s issue may be related to last month’s repairs. Perhaps you could write down ahead of time any specific sounds, sensations and smells, along with when and how often they occur. When you clearly communicate what’s wrong with your vehicle, it’s easier for your mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem.
Tip #2: Communicate clearly and ask questions You might even consider visiting the shop to check it out before you take your car in. Check out reputable car sites and message boards to find out what customers are saying about that business. Do your research online and read the reviews. Reach out to friends, family and coworkers and ask for their opinion on reputable local service shops they would recommend.
But when something seriously goes wrong, do you know how to talk to your mechanic – or does it feel like you’re speaking a different language? Follow these 5 tips for “talking shop” with your auto mechanic and get the most for your repair dollars.