When to get a second opinion with a car mechanic?
Mechanics know that most people don’t know anything about their cars, so they prey on your fears that you’ll not want to break down on the side of the road. If a mechanic is trying to coerce you in this way, get a second opinion immediately.
What should you do if your mechanic tells you something is too complicated?
Sometimes it is hard to know whether damage happened at the shop unless you examine your car closely. But a mechanic who is trying to pass the buck on damage that couldn’t have happened anywhere other than in the shop is obviously one to avoid. “It’s complicated.” If someone tells you that something is too complicated to understand, run away.
Can a mechanic tell you something about your car?
Nearly everyone has gone to the local shop for routine auto maintenance only to drive away after paying a lot more in unexpected charges. Most mechanics are honest, hardworking people who only want to help you by pointing out problems you may not know about.
Is it possible for a mechanic to be dishonest?
Unfortunately, not all professional mechanics and repair center owner/operators are created equal. It’s very easy for your mechanic to be misleading, or downright dishonest, with you about your vehicle’s repair needs. After all, they’re the experts you’re trusting one of your most expensive, and least understood, possessions to.
What do I need for a second opinion?
Groopman: Absolutely. One, you need all the medical records and any pathology slides or other test results to give to whoever is giving the second opinion. Two, you want the experts to discuss in an open way what the areas of agreement and disagreement are.
When do You Know you need a new engine?
“and said I need a new engine because two of the four control arms are worn or broken.” Engines don’t have “control arms”…Find a decent shop. There are engine flush products that will help de-sludge your engine. Use one now, change your oil again at 1000 miles. Your noise sounds more like the valves need adjusting. Again, find a REAL mechanic.
When to ask for a second opinion about a disease?
Groopman: Any time you have a very serious or life-threatening disease: Where the diagnosis is not clear, the treatment is experimental, or there is no established consensus or Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment If you’re considering some new experimental approach or a procedure that involves using experimental instruments or devices.
“and said I need a new engine because two of the four control arms are worn or broken.” Engines don’t have “control arms”…Find a decent shop. There are engine flush products that will help de-sludge your engine. Use one now, change your oil again at 1000 miles. Your noise sounds more like the valves need adjusting. Again, find a REAL mechanic.
What to do when your small engine stops?
If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor. As fuel is consumed by the engine, the level in the fuel tank lowers. To make up for this, the fuel cap uses a small vent to allow air to enter the tank.
What causes a car engine to run for a long time?
Furthermore, because the mixture is often firing at the wrong point in the cycle , the engine does not run smoothly but jerks and rocks badly on its mountings (and sometimes backfires ). The problem can be so bad that the engine runs on for a minute or more if left alone.
Is there a diagnosis for engine sludge yet?
Not necessarily, there hasn’t been any diagnosis made yet, at least it doesn’t seem to have been made yet from the OP, that there is engine sludge. To the OP, don’t overreact, like TJScott is. From what you’ve said, it seems your car is probably perfectly fine, just in need of an oil change.
When is it time to move on from your mechanic?
These services include fluid and filter changes. If you are following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, you should be fine. But if your mechanic is trying to show you just how dirty your fluids or filters have become in an effort to get you to agree to an early service, it may be time to move on.
Why do mechanics exaggerate how serious a problem is?
Some greedy mechanics will exaggerate how serious a problem is in order to get you to make a repair, even if it doesn’t really have to be fixed right away. You may have a power steering pump, for example, that has started making a minor amount of noise and will need to be replaced down the road.
Why is being an automotive mechanic is awesome?
Why Being an Automotive Mechanic is Awesome! After Tuesday’s post, I feel like I left a black cloud hanging out there. It is so dang easy to focus on the negative parts of the this industry. We often lose sight of some of the awesome parts. So today, I want to talk about some of the awesome things about being a mechanic.
Do you have to go to the mechanic every time your car has a check engine light?
There is a little known fact that the entire automotive repair industry doesn’t want you to know: you don’t need to have costly repairs done every time the check engine light comes on. There are a decent number of these DTCs that don’t require any repairs.
Do you have to go to school to be a mechanic?
There aren’t any classes that teach how to fix the cars, just a test. Once the test is passed, the mechanic is certified. Almost anyone can become a certified master technician, with two years work or school experience. All you have to do is pass the tests. Almost everyone that drives a vehicle has had an issue with the dreaded check engine light.
Is there such a thing as a ” little better ” mechanic?
There is no such thing as “a little better.” The sad truth is, it’s much quicker for your mechanic to guess, than it is to perform the lengthy steps needed to effect an accurate, first time diagnosis. It’s much simpler to sell you the most common repair for your particular concern, and then deal with the problem further if needed.
Why is getting a second opinion a great idea?
But by having a reputable auto repair facility like AutoAid look at your car, you may find out that instead of new brake rotors, you only need new brake pads. By getting a second opinion for your car repair, you can often save money on expensive and unnecessary repairs.
When to get a second opinion on a car repair?
This is a scare tactic designed to get you to authorize a repair. Mechanics know that most people don’t know anything about their cars, so they prey on your fears that you’ll not want to break down on the side of the road. If a mechanic is trying to coerce you in this way, get a second opinion immediately.
Sometimes it is hard to know whether damage happened at the shop unless you examine your car closely. But a mechanic who is trying to pass the buck on damage that couldn’t have happened anywhere other than in the shop is obviously one to avoid. “It’s complicated.” If someone tells you that something is too complicated to understand, run away.
What should you not tell a car mechanic?
Any car mechanic who says “I don’t need fancy equipment” should be avoided. Synthetic motor oils may cost more, but you’ll get a lot more miles between changes. Here are some smart ways to save money on gas. When you go for a second opinion… …don’t tell the mechanic what the first diagnosis and price were.
Some greedy mechanics will exaggerate how serious a problem is in order to get you to make a repair, even if it doesn’t really have to be fixed right away. You may have a power steering pump, for example, that has started making a minor amount of noise and will need to be replaced down the road.
Mechanics know that most people don’t know anything about their cars, so they prey on your fears that you’ll not want to break down on the side of the road. If a mechanic is trying to coerce you in this way, get a second opinion immediately.
These services include fluid and filter changes. If you are following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, you should be fine. But if your mechanic is trying to show you just how dirty your fluids or filters have become in an effort to get you to agree to an early service, it may be time to move on.
Is it OK to sit and talk with auto mechanic?
Just about every mechanic AutoMD.com conducted in the course of its service survey disliked customers hovering over him or her while they worked. While it’s appropriate to spend time with your car and the mechanic to explain the problem, it’s distracting and can be dangerous.
Do you allow someone to speak for you on car repairs?
You should not allow anyone to speak for you in negotiating car repairs on your vehicle. Deceptive shops will use this as an excuse to add on extra charges, on the grounds that some other person authorized the repairs.
What should I expect from an auto mechanic?
When it comes to auto repairs, quick, cheap and good are usually mutually exclusive terms. Plan to leave a car in the shop for the better part of a day to obtain necessary service and be prepared to pay the going rate for parts and labor.
Are there any reliability issues with used trucks?
These used trucks are outdated, hulking, clunky, and have several reliability issues. The most common issue is that the rear axle tends to leak. For many of these trucks, the problem doesn’t end there. You could easily experience the entire rear end failing. Keep an eye out for the 2004, 2005, and 2006 models as they are prone to the leaking issue.
Groopman: Absolutely. One, you need all the medical records and any pathology slides or other test results to give to whoever is giving the second opinion. Two, you want the experts to discuss in an open way what the areas of agreement and disagreement are.
Which is the least reliable pickup truck on the market?
Out of all the cars and trucks on the U.S. market, Consumer Reports named the Ram 3500 the least reliable vehicle you can buy. Though the list of problems with this truck is lengthy, we’ll do out best to mention them here. On the mechanical front, owners reported trouble with the suspension, steering, fuel system, and transmission.