Help Your Mechanic Help You

Even though it may seem like your mechanic speaks a different language than you, explaining your vehicle's mechanical problems doesn't have to be a challenge in translation. There are number of things you can do to make the process of getting your car fixed easier and less expensive.

Explaining your vehicle's mechanical problems doesn't have to be a challenge in translation.
Let's start with an unlikely example that, sadly enough, actually happened. A customer came into a mechanic's shop and stated that his car was unsafe to drive, as it could not be steered or stopped. After a quick check, the mechanic discovered that the real problem was that the engine had seized up due to lack of lubrication (apparently the oil level in the crankcase hadn't been checked for quite some time). For some reason the car's owner didn't notice or acknowledge the wildly fluctuating readings from the oil pressure gauge, nor the illuminated pressure-loss-warning lamp next to it and the cacophonous noises coming from that oil-starved engine. (The owner did admit, however, that the stereo was cranked-up to about max volume).


Fortunately—at least for the mechanic, anyway—little time was wasted in tracking down the source of the purported "steering and braking malfunction." Since the cause was determined so quickly, no diagnostic fee was charged, although, by all rights, the customer's misleading information could well have resulted in one.


Although this example borders on the absurd, it does make a point. With a little bit of trained observation on the vehicle owner's part, plus some calm, clear communication with your mechanic, you can save time, money and aggravation. Here are the important things to remember, and practice, to accomplish this goal.

Just the Facts
In identifying the problem, describe both the existing outside conditions (road and weather) and your vehicle's conditions. The latter would include speed driven and load (such as accelerating from a stop, decelerating to a stop, negotiating curves, open road passing, steady cruising, towing, etc.). You should also note what accessories, such as air conditioning, were in use, plus pertinent information from the instrument panel gauges and warning lamps. It's also helpful to know maintenance records, how long the vehicle had been in operation since starting it, and where the last tank of gas was purchased.