Industry veteran of 49 years shares 9 things you should never say to your mechanic
Nick King is a Missouri-based vehicle maintenance expert and AMSOIL dealer since 1976. After nearly 50 years in the industry, he understands shop staff and customer dynamics. While he understands that drivers could have many questions during needed car repair – and they should all be answered honestly by shop staff – he’s got a list of 9 phrases he encourages motorists to avoid saying to their mechanic.
“Just do what needs to be done.”
You always want an estimate so you know what to expect. It’s no different than any healthcare or veterinary visit. At the garage I worked in for over 10 years, I rarely automatically approved a customer estimate based on the phrase, “Just do whatever it needs.” I’d have to have a trusted, established relationship with them first.
And anyway, a mechanic might have a different definition of what a car “needs” than you do.
“Can I bring my own parts?”
This is a liability issue for any shop, King says. I can confirm this, and add that it just really messes with a business’s workflow and ability to stay profitable on a job. Most shops have high overhead when labor, parts and materials, equipment, shop supplies, and the facility itself are all factored in. Having commercial parts accounts helps us cover the overall operating costs.
Pressuring a shop to install your parts also disconnects accountability. If the new component fails, you’ll likely have to pay the shop (or someone else) to replace it again.
“Here’s what needs to be done.”
King really nailed this one. The number of times I heard, “I Googled it and a forum said it’s a sensor.” Car repair staff are constantly told by customers and DIYers what’s wrong with their broken cars…without anyone performing any form of diagnostic procedure.
Instead, tell the mechanic the symptoms and allow them to properly diagnose the problem and suggest a fix.
“No hurry, I have an extra car.”
If you say this, it’s possible the shop will take your word for it…and backburner your repair order.
“Why are you so slow?”
King suggests criticisms like this will lead to an even slower pace. In my mind, though, asking is fine…there should be an understanding upfront about the timeline. It’s on the shop’s end to inform their customers if there’s going to be a delay for any reason.
“I don’t care about the brand of parts.”
Well, you should. “You want quality, original equipment parts if you can get them and afford them,” King says.
Believe me, I’ve seen so many “economy” parts break or fall apart. We even stopped offering to install them unless someone was really in a pinch.
“I just want the cheapest option.”
No, you don’t. When a cheap part fails, you’ll be back at the shop, mad at them for letting you opt for low-quality crap.
What drivers (and the shop) really want is for their mechanic to fix their car properly, the first time, in a timely manner, and within a budget that works for everyone.
“I don’t care about the warranty.”
“Wrong, you do care,” King assures viewers. “This could cost you more in the long run if you ignore the warranty requirements,” he says.
AC compressor replacement is a good example, here. The component is mighty pricey…often more than a $1,000 job. To get a warranty, certain parts suppliers require more than just the compressor replacement. The expansion valve and receiver drier also need to be replaced in case metal shavings from the old compressor contaminated the system. Some folks opt to “save money” by declining the additional parts. This knocks a few hundred off the bill but voids the compressor warranty.
“I’ll fix it later.”
Depending on the matter at hand, you shouldn’t delay – especially if the suggested repair is a safety issue.
Nick and his wife, Norma, run The Car Care Couple on social media.
