A trip to the mechanic is a foreign experience for many; the jargons used by these automotive technicians often go beyond our grasp. That, in turn, makes the private vehicle owners spend more than the actual amount on routine repairs and maintenance.
Mechanics are the first ones we go to trust when our car’s brakes start wearing or when the tires need changing. They are our saviors when we’re stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Although most mechanics stick to ethical practices, several find it a money-minting opportunity as most laypeople don’t know much about automotive repairs. They steer their clients toward unnecessary fixes, arguing, “Why wait until the issue turns into a bigger problem?”
And while that is true to some extent, in reality, it is not even close to that. It’s alright if you don’t know about the car’s inner workings or are not an automotive engineer. You’re not supposed to be the expert here. But there are some things you should be aware of that your mechanic might not be telling you.
Here are five things you must know that mechanics are hiding from you:
1. Take a Second Opinion Before Spending Money
Usually, people rely on mechanics for both advice and services. But there are a lot of times when mechanics scare them with expensive repairs and major upgrades. Although some upgrades are necessary and need to be made immediately, they sometimes hand you a bill with extra charges or repairs you don’t even need. So, it’s better to go for a second opinion.
If a mechanic comes to you with a list of expenses, telling them you’ll let them know and take your vehicle to another shop is better. You can look for 2-3 options and decide on the most cost-effective one. There are plenty of services that offer free quotes, so you can compare the prices.
2. You Don’t Need to Be Highly Skilled to Change Oil
Oil changes are the most common and the easiest maintenance step for your car. You don’t have extraordinary talent or costly equipment to do it. You need some knowledge and the right tools. It’s easy money for many skilled mechanics, and they also get a chance to endorse the 3,000 miles’ rule to their customers. Although it is a standard procedure, modern oil changes can last longer than the 3,000 rule. Meanwhile, some synthetic ones require a change every 20,000‒10,000 miles.
You can stick with the fastidious rule. Also, mechanics don’t tell you that careful oil changes can help get you better resale value down the road. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, an oil change twice a month for your car is the perfect way to start some DIY motor mechanics.
3. You Don’t Always Need Fuel Additives and Cleaners.
Many mechanics recommend automotive chemicals like fuel additives to car owners leaving for vacation or parking their cars in their garages for a long time. They are added to gasoline to improve fuel performance and limit engine gunk accumulation. Mechanics also recommend it for old cars to clean up engine buildup and tackle low-fuel performance.
Gasoline did produce nasty buildups and gunk in the engines until 1995, when detergents were introduced to clean these deposits. So, unless you don’t have any fuel in your car, you don’t have to accept your mechanic’s offer to buy fuel additives.
4. Brake Jobs are Printing Money For Them
Once you know how to change your oil, you can also change brake pads and rotors. For mechanics, it’s like printing money. It’s an uphill task that brings in serious money. It is also a bit tricky and messy and can take some time. So, it might make you want to say, “Give me a brake!”
All jokes aside, if you don’t have a hydraulic lift and use a jack, it can help you swap the worn-out brake pads. It may take some time to get it done nicely, but it will save you from spending excess money on a small repair.
5. You Must See the Old Parts
Most of you may think that the old parts of your automobile are now junk, but sometimes they are workable and running just fine. It is better to analyze the old parts they’re taking out and the new ones fitting in. Sometimes, mechanics will use slightly-used parts to cut costs.
You should ensure that the parts are brand new and have not been used before. Also, look at the old domain to see whether they are worn out or broken. You can search the internet for how long certain parts or equipment can work. And see the image of its worn-out version to judge whether the mechanic is charging you fairly.
Good mechanics are like good friends—hard to find. And knowing a bit about your car will always pay off. If you’re looking for the right product for your vehicle, then American MFG should be your go-to choice. You can find everything from coolants to freezers and windshield washers, according to your preferences. Make your car care easy with American MFG, The only producer of automotive chemicals you can trust!
