The Secrets Surrounding Auto Repair Shop Work Set Up

Money is the driving force behind all (or most) of the auto repair rip-offs taking place today. And sad to say, many auto repair shops are even promoting an environment that makes rip-offs one of the easiest options for its technicians and mechanics.

Most of us are familiar with the flat rate, a paying system that demands consumers to pay according to the number of hours that the book says, regardless of the actual number of hours consumed in the repair. Although this is reasonable (after all, a good, experienced, and fast-working mechanic deserves a good pay), it is often abused by mechanics who want to earn more, rushing the work, which results in poor repair.

And, with some (or most) shops requiring quota from their technicians, these individuals are even more tempted to rush the job just so they would reach their target and not get in trouble with their boss. In many instances, the said quota doesn’t consider the skills of the technicians—it stands the same whether the tech is skilled or not. So, woe to the customer who is assigned a technician who is unskilled, and whose only hope at meeting the quota is to rush the work even though the result becomes poor.

If you think these are serious enough, then wait until you hear this one more. I’ve heard about a shop that offers incentives on its mechanics for selling a service that sells low on usual days. While this may be valid, this system led to mechanics misleading customers into believing that their car needs the said service even when it really doesn’t—all for the sake of the incentive that was being offered by the shop.

You see, some of the practices mentioned above are actually implemented not for the purpose of ripping off car owners. However, they create an environment that gives way to the latter. And while we cannot control these, all we can do is be careful.

Friday’s Advice: A Look at Mechanic Etiquette

Just like your family physician, your favorite hair stylist, or your trusted financial mentor, a mechanic can be a great partner in your daily activities, especially concerning the welfare of your car. But, in the same way that you observe proper manner when dealing with the said personalities, there also exists such thing as mechanic etiquette.

A good relationship with any mechanic is one that is built over the years, so don’t expect instant success. Among the things that you need to observe when dealing with your mechanic are the small courtesies and forms of kindness. So which is okay, which is not, and which is fine both ways? Take a look at three of these below:

1. Asking a mechanic to install a part that you get from another source. So you bring your car to an auto repair shop, and the mechanic diagnoses a problem. Instead of getting the needed part from the shop, however, you get it from another source that is cheaper, and bring it to the mechanic to be installed. Well, in reality this can be done and most mechanics would agree. Only, don’t expect warranty on the part installed.

2. Asking a mechanic for second opinion. I’ve mentioned this in one of my posts before. In case you brought your car to another mechanic and then realize later on that you need the opinion of your previous tech, you can ask for that. But, if at all possible, don’t tell that it’s a second opinion.

3. Tipping a mechanic for work done. This isn’t necessary nowadays, although you can do it if you’re that thankful to your mechanic for a job done. Over the years, when you already develop a good relationship with your mechanic, there are many ways to pay your mechanic—invite him on social gatherings, out for coffee, and many others.

Mechanic Rudeness and Inefficiency

Many of us have had our share of nightmares when dealing with auto repair shops and shop mechanics—from mechanics that will perform unneeded repairs just to charge a higher fee, to those that will tell you they’ve replaced a part even if they actually didn’t, and those that will perform a repair that you did not permit and then charge you for it later on. Other than these, however, there are also mechanics who are outright rude to their customers.

I have a buddy who once encountered a mechanic that performed a wrong job, and then threatened him when he complained about the job. Some mechanics use physical intimidation to get away from their deeds, and many poor customers give in to this tactic, suffering from unsatisfactory service and sometimes, even more damage and expenses than what was originally present.

Some mechanics are merely irresponsible, leaving their customers hanging when they leave an automotive job while it’s not yet done. And the result? Well, the poor customers are left without a car for several days. Others are merely inefficient, repairing a car, only to cause more damage and then make excuses, telling the customer that the new problem is totally unrelated to the first one.

Most unscrupulous mechanics choose their victims carefully. They get easily rude to people they think will not stand up to them. Others may simply be enjoying the feeling of being in control, especially if they encounter a customer who knows nothing about his vehicle and who solely relies on the mechanic’s words.

And sometimes, mechanics get away with these because customers don’t complain. As a good advice, customers should always be assertive and should know their rights. And when a problem happens, there are always institutions to which one can file a complaint against the erring shop or mechanic. 

Getting a Second Opinion on Repairs

One sure way to protect yourself from possible car repair rip-offs is to shop around for auto repair prices and for car shop mechanics. If you’re bringing your car to a shop for a repair and the mechanic gives you a quote, you can ask around from other shops until you find the cheapest price. The same goes true for vehicle diagnosis and repair. A second opinion is important.

I can never stress this enough. Sometimes, it’s the best door that you have towards finding that the mechanic that you have chosen was only trying to rip you off all along. So, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion from another mechanic when needed.

According to professionals, a second opinion is needed if you are spending more than $200 on car repair. That is a big amount, so you need to be sure that you’re spending it on something worthwhile, something useful. Another time to get a second opinion is when you bring your car to a shop for a particular repair, and the mechanic gives you a litany of other repairs that your car needs. That, and similar incidents that may indicate that you are being ripped off—all these warrant a second opinion from another professional.

Remember, though, that you also need to protect yourself from rip-off when dealing with the second mechanic from which you’re trying to get another opinion. Never ever tell the second mechanic about the diagnosis of the first mechanic and the price that the mechanic has given you. In fact, you don’t even need to tell him that you’re there to get a second opinion. You don’t want to be giving him ideas, do you?

A second opinion is a powerful tool when it comes to auto repairs. In fact, it’s one of the most common suggestions of automotive experts to those who bring their car to auto repair shops. By asking and shopping around, you get away from big chances of being ripped off. 

A Look at the Science of Upselling

Have you ever brought your car to a shop for a simple oil change, only to end up having all your filters and tires replaced? You might feel bad about the shop and about yourself after the incident, not able to explain how you were tricked into giving in to the mechanic’s suggestion when all you really wanted in the first place was a simple change of oil! Well, this happens all the time, and we’ve had some mention of this in the past.

That, friends, is what you call upselling. That is a selling technique that many establishments employ, not only auto repair shops. Even fast food chains employ that technique. Remember the time you gave in to the counter personnel’s suggestion to upgrade your fries and drinks? That’s upselling, and there’s nothing illegal about it.

As a car owner, however, you’d want to avoid incidents like this. Often, the extra services offered to you may not actually be necessary, so you’re just like wasting money. To avoid falling into this technique (or trickery, as you may want to call it), you must anticipate upselling when you bring your car to the shop. And, you must have the courage to say no when the mechanic starts his litany of extra service offers.

If you tend to give in easily, bring a list of services that you want performed on your car when you go to the shop, and show the list to your mechanic. Tell him that those services are the only (and you mean the ONLY) services that you want done. Once he insists anything, just refer on the list and remember—that’s all you need, and nothing more. Upselling will always be a part of any business enterprise, but you can deal with it effectively if you’re prepared.

Paying Less and Avoiding Rip Offs with Lower Cost Alternatives

Despite all the DIY automotive works available for average drivers and vehicle owners to perform, there are still certain tasks that are too heavy for individuals without proper training and are best left in the care of professional mechanics. So, how can you save on these? How can you avoid possibilities of being ripped off?

Well, remember that mechanics want to earn. When you bring in your vehicle for repair, many of them would suggest the repair that will give them the most earnings, and a repair that will be easiest to perform on their part. But, you must know that there could be other options available.

One way to save is to ask your mechanic upfront if there are other options or alternatives available other than the one being suggested by the mechanic. For instance, if the mechanic is suggesting to replace a certain part that is already showing signs of damage, ask if there is any way the said part can be repaired, or if it would be cheaper if only the specific component of the part is replaced instead of the entire part (i.e. replace just the damaged light bulb instead of replacing the entire lighting assembly).

Any reasonable mechanic, and one who wants to establish a good relationship with you, will explore other means of solving the problem at a lesser cost. If you have the chance to do a research, you can find out on your own whether there is another way to solve a car problem other than the expensive and more common means.

By exploring all the other alternatives, asking the right questions, and doing the necessary research, you can save more and you’ll be able to leave the auto repair shop without feeling like you have just been ripped off big time. 

Is Your Mechanic an Alien?

There are some of them out there, mechanics who live in their own world. They don’t know how to differentiate. When you visit the shop and bring in your car for a repair, they assume you’re one of them – that you’re also an alien. They explain the problem to you, with hand demonstrations and all that. And then they look at you with that confused alien look when you begin to scratch your head.

Do you know what I’m talking about? I’m talking about mechanics who have their own dictionary that they use even when talking to average mortals like their customers. They fill their explanations with jargons and technical terms that will make you stare at them blankly in confusion. These mechanics don’t have it in their head that they’re talking to someone who’s not inside the automotive arena. There are also some mechanics who use this “technique” to be able to intimidate their customer, making it easier to rip them off.

If you encounter a mechanic like this, don’t give in to the intimidation or the confusion—ask questions and clarifications about things you do not understand. Insist that your mechanic explains any problem or procedure on your level, not on his level. Ask that the explanations be done in layman’s terms. Any reasonable mechanic should understand this.

Of course, as I have mentioned repeatedly in the past, it would help if you do some readings and familiarize yourself with some terms and some conditions about your car so that you don’t go totally clueless while your mechanic is explaining. But while this is a responsibility that you should handle, remember that your mechanic also has the responsibility to make it absolutely clear to you what the problem of your car is and how it can be resolved.

Revealing Too Much May Work to Your Disadvantage

Many of my latest posts have been about effectively communicating with your mechanic in order to avoid possibilities of rip-off and to ensure the success of any auto repair. We’ve talked about what not to tell your mechanic and what questions not to ask your mechanic to avoid giving him a chance to rip you off.

In connection to watching what you say and not say to your mechanic, it’s very important to remember that you shouldn’t reveal too much details to your mechanic—whether it’s about your car or about your life in general.

I’ve mentioned in one of my posts before that it’s not a good idea to mention your own assumption about a problem to your mechanic because he can use that assumption to rip you off. He could just take on that suggestion and build up on it, and you may well spend a lot more than you should simply because of your suggestion or “idea.”

It’s always important that you give your mechanic the space to make his own diagnosis and observation, and let him find out the real problem. All you should do is to help him in the diagnosis by pointing out symptoms that you have observed.

Other than this, you shouldn’t also clue your mechanic in on your activities and on the amount of money that you can and are willing to spend on the repair (more on this next week). Yes, it’s important to build a good relationship with your mechanic. But, while you have not built that up just yet, stick to the basics of the conversation and simply observe. Only when the mechanic has already proven his honesty and only when you have already developed trust on the person should you take the relationship farther than the work level.

Friday’s Advice: Things Not to Say to Your Mechanic

In my previous post here, I mentioned some things that you should and should not tell your mechanic when you bring in your car for repair. In this post, we’ll expound more on the things you shouldn’t tell your mechanic if you don’t want to give him any chance to rip you off.

As I have mentioned before, some mechanics are on the lookout for indications that you may fall into a scheme easily, and when they see that, they grab the chance to pull their tricks on you. So, never allow them to see any opportunity to rip you off. One way to ensure this is to watch what you say to your mechanic and what you say around him.

1. I have to prepare my car for a travel. This means you want everything in good shape, and that you want to be safe in your travel, so the mechanic can rip you off by telling you there are problems with your car parts such as the brakes – you don’t want to travel with busted brakes, after all.

2. What does my car need? Don’t ask as general a question like that, because you’re giving the mechanic a huge door into which he can enter and rip you off. (More on asking questions on my post next week)

3. Any plan involving money – car related or otherwise. For some mechanics, the first criterion that will categorize a person as a candidate for rip off is the fact that he has a lot of money to spend. So, don’t give your mechanic a clue.

4. Do everything you have to do to fix the problem. Again, you’re opening a wide door for rip off. (More of this here.)

5. Give me the cheapest option available. Though this may sound valid, it isn’t. (Find out why here.)

Auto Part Conditions that Require Immediate Attention

Yesterday, we elaborated on immediate car repairs and repairs that you can postpone for later, looking at specific systems such as the suspension and the brakes. Today, let’s take a look at specific parts instead. And instead of discussing the two types of condition mentioned in my last post (those that require immediate repairs and those that don’t), let’s focus only on conditions that necessitate immediate attention.

TIRES:

It is advised that these components be replaced every 6 years, but that’s not the only measure. The real criterion to check would be the tread of the tires. If they have gone too thin (the given figure here is 1.6mm or less), then that is a great indication that the tire is already nearing its lifespan.

BELTS:

Belt damage and failure is not easy to detect, mainly because it doesn’t manifest any symptom. So, the only preventative maintenance that you can do to ensure that it won’t break is to replace it before or on the given period interval. You will find this in your manufacturer’s manual. Once the belt reaches its replacement period, you should get a new one immediately. Otherwise, when it breaks, you’ll be facing a more serious trouble as this can lead to a damaged engine.

LIGHTS:

Whether it’s your headlights, tail lights, or signal lights, they need to be replaced at once when damaged—not only because of the safety threats that they pose but as well as the road regulations being imposed today. A damaged lens could be tolerable for a while, but a completely busted bulb spells trouble.

Automotive problems in general have to be addressed at once. But, there are more important problems that should be addressed now as may be suggested by your mechanic. By familiarizing yourself with these problems, you’ll know how to deal with repair suggestions.

The Power of Communication When Dealing with an Auto Repair Shop

When you bring your car to an auto repair shop, you expect it to be fixed—nobody expects problems or rip-offs. Do you know how important proper communication is if you want the repair or replacement process to be accomplished fast and successfully? By communicating with your mechanic well, you get down to real business smoothly. Now the question: what is the proper way to communicate with your mechanic when you bring in your vehicle for a diagnosis and fix of a problem?

Be factual.

First off, don’t panic about the problem. And don’t rant. The problem’s already there; you can’t do anything about it. What you should do is tell your mechanic what you’ve observed about your car when the problem occurs. Enumerate the symptoms. Don’t exaggerate. You want as accurate a diagnosis as possible, so be factual and objective down to the last detail.

Be direct.

Tell your mechanic what you want done. If there’s anything not clear with you, ask. Don’t beat around the bush and don’t avoid any detail that you feel may not be received by your mechanic well but can help in the diagnosis. And don’t hold back: your mechanic will need your help in diagnosing the problem.

Be honest.

In relation to the last pointer, it’s important that you be honest (a more elaborate discussion is posted HERE) when dealing with your mechanic. If you have any part in the damage that happened to your vehicle, say so. The mechanic can even help you in avoiding a similar incident in the future.

You never know how much hassle you can avoid and how much time you can save on repairs by communicating with your mechanic well. By being factual, direct, and honest with your shop technician, repairs become smoother and faster to accomplish.

A Look at ASE-Certified Mechanics

Similar to being a doctor or being a teacher, being a mechanic is also a serious profession that requires skill and specialty. And while other professions have board examinations, there’s an ASE certification offered for mechanics. This certification is one proof of a mechanic’s competence and experience in the particular field in which he specializes.

There are different fields in automotive in which a mechanic may want to specialize. Tests are offered focusing on several systems such as the brakes and suspension, and a mechanic may want to take a test on any or all of the systems. Other than passing the test given, at least two years of experience is also needed if a mechanic wishes to be a Master Technician.

Many shops today require ASE certification when employing a mechanic, although there are still others that don’t. The good thing about having an ASE-certified mechanic work on your car is the fact that you know your car is in competent hands, one who knows what he is doing and one whom you can trust to do the job well. Plus, you can be sure that an ASE-certified mechanic is serious about his career and would not do something that will jeopardize it.

If you are looking for a shop with personnel who are good at what they do, you may want to look for an ASE seal in the shop. This would mean that the shop has mechanics who have ASE certification. Take note, though, that it doesn’t mean all mechanics in the shop are ASE-certified, only that there are some. If you want your car to be handled by a mechanic who has the certification, you may want to ask for that. ASE-certified mechanics also have different specialties. So, it doesn’t necessarily mean that a technician with ASE certification is good for all your needed automotive repairs.

Paying for Diagnosis

Think that the money you spent on car repair was only for the actual part and for the time it took the mechanic to fix the problem? Not in all cases. In many instances, part of the work that you pay for is vehicle diagnosis. In fact, in some situations, a great part of the number of hours that you pay for is spent on checking your vehicle in order to find just what the problem is. Sometimes, depending on the problem, it may take a long time for your mechanic to do the correct diagnosis, so you pay more.

When it is right: Paying for diagnostics is but fair. After all, your mechanic spends a lot of time determining what the exact problem is, something that is necessary to find the right solution and bring your vehicle back to life. It is only right that mechanics be paid for doing a good job. After all, if they do not take diagnostics seriously, they may simply resort to guessing and trial and error, the result of which could be more problems for you.

When it is wrong: Paying for vehicle diagnosis becomes unfair if you find out later on that the mechanic actually failed to pinpoint, and solve, the problem. Consider this: the mechanic tells you that the problem has to do with the spark plugs and persuades you to have the plugs replaced, only for the problem to recur when you’re back on the road. When you bring in your car the second time, you find that it’s actually the coil and not the plugs, so that means you paid for nothing during the first time.

If the latter situation happens, you can ask for a refund from the mechanic or shop, or you can ask that they perform the correct repair free of charge, depending on what your arrangement is. 

The Benefits of a Trusted Mechanic

While we’ll find many stories of auto repair shop or mechanic horrors, accounts from people who have been ripped off, there are also plenty of positive stories about good shops. There are people who take pride in their mechanics and in their skills and work attitude. A good mechanic can be a great automotive resource, plus a good friend.

The following are some other benefits that a trusted mechanic can give you:

1. Cost savings. You can be sure that a trusted mechanic won’t rip you off. So, you won’t need to spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs and replacement parts. Everything you spend will be used on tasks and parts that your car actually needs. Therefore, you know you can save a lot.

2. Proper maintenance. A good and trusted mechanic truly cares about you and your car, not just about profit. So, you can trust him to help you in keeping your vehicle in tiptop condition, providing valid advice when it comes to correct service interval, as well as proper means to maintain your car and avoid frequent shop services. So, your car will work and last for a long time.

3. Free advice. Are you planning to dump your existing vehicle and get a new one but you’re not sure which ride to go for? Why don’t you ask your mechanic? He can tell you which is best, which requires less maintenance, and which will meet your needs.

A trusted mechanic can be a good friend and a good adviser when it comes to all things car-related. Aside from their practical benefits, they can provide you with all the support you need in maintaining your car. They can also open you up to the world of automobiles (in case you’re not mechanically inclined). So, it pays a lot to find a good mechanic.