In
order to minimize excessive car repair prices, there are certain things that should never be uttered.
The following auto repair advice and info may
save you a few bucks on your next repair.
Here's the article....
10 Things You JUST NEVER SAY to
Your Mechanic
When
speaking to your mechanic or service representative, there are many
things one should never say. Sad as this is, certain questions and
requests can trigger multiple price-gouging tactics from your service
center.
Following is a list of ten statements in random order. The
term mechanic may be exchanged for technician, service representative, service advisor, owner, service manager, or anyone that you deal with when having
your vehicle serviced.
1) Do I
need a tune-up?
This
innocent question seeks to ensure that your vehicle is up-to-speed with
its maintenance. However, it reveals that you know nothing about your
car’s maintenance and can therefore be
“easily” taken advantage of.
What your
mechanic is thinking: Puddy
in my hands!
Instead: ask what services are due for
your vehicle given its age and mileage according to your manufacturer
guidelines. Also visit www.repairtrust.com/maintenance.html for an overview of
today’s maintenance needs.
2) Do I
need tires?
Essentially
what you’re asking is whether or not your tires are safe, and
if they are wearing normally given the current mileage.
What your
mechanic is thinking: Of Course...Cha-Ching!
Instead: ask that your tires be checked
to ensure that they are “wearing normally given the current
mileage.” You should be provided with tread-depth
measurements, and any other notable conditions such as cupping,
abnormal wear, sidewall damage, bubbles, dry-rot—cracks or
splits in the rubber—and any other pertinent information.
3)
I’m taking a trip.
This comment
is a safety concern. It’s great that you’re taking
a trip—have a nice time—but your mechanic
doesn’t need to know this.
What your
mechanic is thinking: This
guy’s nervous about his car making the trip. I can sell him
anything! You
may even see a reflection of $$$$ signs flash in his eyes.
Instead: tell your mechanic that you
want to ensure that your vehicle is in sound condition. If you are
following a factory maintenance schedule with a decent service center,
they should be keeping you up-to-date with your vehicle’s
condition and needs. If not, find another shop.
4) My
son’s going off to college.
Congratulations,
but your mechanic doesn’t need to know this either.
You’re concern is with your vehicle’s integrity in
order to protect your child.
What your
mechanic is thinking: Daddy can
foot the college bill…Cha-Ching!
Instead: ask that your vehicle be
checked over to determine that it’s in sound operating
condition, as you would like to keep it for a few years (hopefully
four). Request a list of anything your vehicle may need in the order of
priority—safety being the most important factor.
5) I know
it’s probably something bad.
It’ll
be bad alright. The service industry is extremely negative.
Don’t add to it!
What your
mechanic is thinking: Bad
for you, anyway.
Instead: keep a positive attitude. If
you’re frustrated or nervous about the expense, then say
that. In truth, most repairs are simple. If not, find another shop, or
get another car.
6) Take
all the time you need. I just want it fixed right.
You’re
clearly patient, and probably a perfectionist, which is fine.
But…
What your
mechanic is thinking: Charge
all the money I need! Charge all the money I want! Got it!
Instead: try saying, “I am
particular about my car, and would like it fixed correctly the first
time. Please make your best effort to put my vehicle in the hands of
the most qualified technician to address my concern(s). And please keep
me up-to-date with its progress and any additional costs.”
7) Just do
whatever.
You either
really don’t care or money is not an issue.
What your
mechanic is thinking: Charge
whatever!
Instead: take a moment and say,
“Please perform all services according to manufacturer
guidelines only. If my vehicle needs any further repairs, please notify
me in advance with the complete break down of the costs.”
8)
I’m taking a trip to Europe; please drop my car off at the
Ritz Carlton when you’re done.
Drop offs
are a common request—although Europe and the Ritz
aren’t so common.
What your
mechanic is thinking: Actually, in this case, he’s probably singing…I’m in the
money…I’m in the money…
Instead: request what services you would
like while you’re away, but then provide a contact number to
be notified of “any” additional services,
recommendations, and costs.
9) Just
fix it.
This request
generally reflects one who lacks the time or patience to worry about
the details, and wants his or her vehicle back as quickly as possible.
What your
mechanic is thinking: No
Problemo…Mucho Dinero!
Instead: remember that the
devil’s in the details. Request to be notified of any
additional costs to demonstrate that your wallet is not a free-for-all.
10) Do you
want my credit card now?
The motive
here may be expediency and efficiency.
What your
mechanic is thinking: No
problem paying! No problem charging!
Instead: request that you be advised of
any costs above and beyond what you agree to at the time of your
appointment. Pay after. Always pay after.
All the
above comments, requests, and questions, while innocent, are taken
advantage of daily in the automotive service industry. These statements
“reveal your hand.” You may have a long and
trusting relationship with your service center, but for God’s
sake, keep your cards in!
There’s
a lot of truth in humor.
The truth
stings a bit.
The truth EMPOWERS!
To learn more about eliminating repair scams Click Here
-Theodore P.
Olson ©
http://www.repairtrust.com/
MLA Style Citation:
Olson, Theodore. "10 Things You JUST NEVER SAY to Your Mechanic" RepairTrust. 23 December 2006. http://www.repairtrust.com/articles_10things.html
APA Style Citation:
Olson, Theodore. (2006, December 23). 10 Things You JUST NEVER SAY to Your Mechanic. RepairTrust. http://www.repairtrust.com/articles_10things.html
Chicago Style Citation:
Olson, Theodore. 2006 10 Things You JUST NEVER SAY to Your Mechanic. RepairTrust (December, 23), http://www.repairtrust.com/articles_10things.html |
