9 Things Your Auto Mechanic Wants You to Stop Doing

Automobile mechanics are like doctors in many ways.

These professionals diagnose and repair your car, much like a doctor takes care of your health issues. Physicians always remind you to stop doing damaging things to your health, such as smoking or eating junk food, as these habits can eventually lead to obesity and the need for bariatric surgery. A mechanic’s job is pretty much the same, and there are many things s/he wants you to stop doing to your car.

Got a friend who’s a mechanic? Even better! You’ll have access to insider information about maintenance, repairs, and how shops operate. You’ll also get honest to goodness advice on your car troubles.

Your Mechanic Says Stop

When your car doctor says stop, you have to listen to avoid costly future repairs. Here are nine things your mechanic implores you to STOP doing.

Buying a used car without getting a pre-purchase inspection report from a pro

Checking the oil, knocking on the paneling and doing a test drive often won’t cut it when buying a used car. The car can have plenty of hidden issues that are only visible by doing extensive diagnostics. Remember, it’s not enough to look up the license plate or doing an “eye test” when buying a used car. Get a professional to test the vehicle so that you can have more leverage in your negotiations.

Driving your dirty car to the shop

Mechanics get dirty and greasy enough as it is. Don’t add to the mess by bringing in your dirty car. Make sure the interiors are devoid of trash, and the exterior is reasonably clean.

Assuming your mechanic is a mind reader who knows everything

Mechanics are pros, but they can’t fix your car if you don’t tell them what’s going on. The moment you hear, see, feel, or smell anything that’s not normal, write it down so you can explain it to your mechanic later. Don’t tell a mechanic what to fix, though. Mechanics hate customers telling them what to do before they can even perform diagnostics on a vehicle.

Ignoring anything unusual happening with your car

When it comes to automobiles, ignorance is NOT bliss. Ignore a weird clunking noise or a funky smell for too long, and you’re bound to spend more on more significant repairs down the line. Listed below are the things you should never ignore in your car. Once you experience any of these, bring your vehicle to your trusted shop immediately.

• The “check engine” and other warning lights on your instrument panel turns on. A “check engine” warning light isn’t just an emissions issue but could be a sign of a more severe problem.
   
• Unusual noises. A squealing sound could be your fan belt, while a clunking noise is usually a suspension problem. Anything screeching, grinding, or rumbling needs attention.
   
• Weird odors are emanating from the AC vents, under the car or from the engine. Fluids are most likely leaking on your engine block that may cause catastrophic damage to your engine.
   
• Wet and oily stains on your driveway. If there’s a dark spot, your car is leaking fluids such as oil, coolant, or transmission fluid.

Waiting too long on Preventive Maintenance

Cars need regular preventive maintenance performed at manufacturer prescribed intervals. Your owner’s manual has the PMS schedule you should follow, and what steps the mechanic should do. Following this schedule ensures that your car remains in top condition.

Using worn tires

Driving on worn-out tires as dangerous as it is uncomfortable. A new tire has a tread of around 10/32 to 11/32 inches deep, and the legal limit is 2/32-in. Vehicles using tires with worn-out treads need more space for braking and are more prone to hydroplaning. Tires also have a shelf life, and you should replace them when they’re due.

Driving the car when the engine is overheating

There are a lot of reasons why vehicles overheat. The reason could be as simple as a busted radiator fan to a more serious failing water pump. When your engine temperature starts rising, find a safe spot to park and kill the engine and call a tow truck. Many vehicle owners try to drive home or to the nearest garage even when the car’s engine is overheating. Driving your overheated vehicle will cause more damage to the motor and can affect other parts as well.

Bringing your own parts

You may be thinking that sourcing your car parts online will end up cheaper than buying from the shop. This assumption is wrong. Most garages don’t accept jobs when you want to use your parts. For shops that do, know that you’re putting them in a bind. For starters, auto repair shops make little profit on parts to stay competitive. Also, if the repair fails due to the components the owner uses, it’s the shop’s fault. The garage will warranty their labor, but not the part you brought.

Being cheap.

When it comes to labor, you get what you pay for, and you can’t expect the same level of service everywhere. You wouldn’t go to a doctor who offers services at “very affordable prices,” would you? The whole deal sounds a little shady. Also, be wary of shops advertising “the lowest price” on brake repairs or other jobs. Labor is standard, and there are no discounts. If you come across a shop advertising a $99 brake repair job, that is a “bait and switch” where owners end up paying more.

Summary

The primary job of an auto mechanic is to help keep your car running for as long as possible. Mechanics can’t do it alone though, and they need all the help they can get from vehicle owners such as yourself. After all, car care starts with how owners treat their vehicles. It’s easy to do essential maintenance on your car such as a regular oil change and cleaning/replacing your spark plugs. All you need is a little know-how and some tools.

For more serious repairs, such anything engine, suspension, or electrical related, go to a shop. Unless you’re Tony Stark stuck in a cave, it’s best to leave mechanic duties to the professionals.