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 cars maintenance and can therefore be easily taken advantage of.
What your mechanic is thinking: Putty in my hands!
Instead: ask what services are due for your vehicle given its age and mileage according to your manufacturer guidelines. Also visit the maintenance link at the end of this article for an overview of todays maintenance needs.
2) Do I need tires?
Essentially what youre asking is whether or not your tires are safe, and if they are wearing normally given the current mileage.
What your mechanic is thinking: 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-rotcracks or splits in the rubberand any other pertinent information.
3) Im taking a trip.
This comment is a safety concern. Its great that youre taking a triphave a nice timebut your mechanic doesnt need to know this.
What your mechanic is thinking: This guys 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 to ensure that your vehicle is in sound condition. You want to ensure it is operating as designed. If you are following a factory maintenance schedule with a decent service center, they should be keeping you up-to-date with your vehicles condition and needs. If not, find another shop.
4) My sons going off to college.
Congratulations, but your mechanic doesnt need to know this either. Youre concern is with your vehicles integrity in order to protect your child.
What your mechanic is thinking: Daddy can foot the college billCha-Ching!
Instead: ask that your vehicle be checked over to determine that its 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 prioritysafety being the most important factor.
5) I know its probably something bad.
Itll be bad alright. The service industry is extremely negative. Dont add to it!
What your mechanic is thinking: Bad for you, anyway.
Instead: keep a positive attitude. If youre 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.
Youre 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!
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 dont 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 break down of the costs.
8) Im taking a trip to Europe; please drop my car off at the Ritz-Carlton when youre done.
Drop offs are a common requestalthough Europe and the Ritz arent so common.
What your mechanic is thinking: Actually, in this case, hes probably singingIm in the moneyIm in the money
Instead: request what services you would like while youre 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 ProblemoMucho Dinero!
Instead: remember that the devils 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 Gods sake, keep your cards in!
Theres a lot of truth in humor.
The truth stings a bit.
The truth EMPOWERS.
-Theodore P. Olson (Ted)
Common Auto Repairs Price Guide
Maintenance Time Saver
Theodore P. Olson (Ted) holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, General Motors, ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) and more. Ted is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive service industry.
Other Works by Ted Olson Include:
- ARREST the Automotive Service Industry!
- Maintenance Myths: A Step-by-Step Guide to STOP Getting Ripped Off!
- Auto Repair: The Shocking Truth About Who's Ripping You Off and Why!
- Automotive Service Pricing Strategiesa fair pricing guide for service centers
- Being the Besta comprehensive customer service handbook for service advisors
- Service Center Personnelan auto repair informational for general service staff
- Service Mission Statementa philosophical proposal to improve customer service
