It helps to have a skilled, honest auto mechanic when you have questions about repairs or maintenance issues. Building a relationship with your auto mechanic can save you money, time and frustration. Like any relationship, good communication is key, which means you need to be confident in asking questions and voicing concerns to your mechanic.
Keep a auto maintenance log in a small notebook. Write down questions and concerns about your car's performance to discuss with your mechanic. Make notes when your car isn't running correctly that include when it happened, the conditions of the road and any abnormalities you noticed like noises or odors. These details can help the mechanic determine the cause of the malfunction. Take the list with you to the mechanic.
Ask questions in a confident manner and remember that you are the customer. Be direct and keep the conversation to the point. After asking a question, listen for the entire answer. If you can, take notes, especially when it comes to discussing repair costs and warranty information.
Ask to be shown parts or systems being referenced to on your vehicle. This may help you to better understand the repair. It can also bring you and your mechanic to the same level in terms of communication.
Request for quotes on repair costs and other specifics to be put in writing. It is common for mechanics to give customers written estimates about the cost of parts and labor. A written estimate puts you and your mechanic on the same page, literally.
Take a friend or family member with you. Take someone with you who, preferably, has experience dealing with mechanics. If you are nervous about asking questions or don't understand something, this person may be able to assist in the conversation. They might ask follow-up questions that you did not think about.
