Rock62
Well-Known Member
The reason you do not offer a reason or diagnosis is because it can lead them to fix what YOU think is wrong. Most owners do not have enough knowledge or have the diagnostic tools to find and identify the problem. In other words, what you think may or may not be correct.
Just tell the mechanic the symptoms and the condition when the symptom happens.
Now, when you get the diagnosis its time to ask questions to understand and determine if things make sense. Have the mechanic explain HOW they determined the problem and details of the repair. If this discussion leaves you uncomfortable, then get a second opinion. A second opinion is always a good idea on invasive work.
These simple steps will help you to understand and evaluate the honesty and skill of the mechanic. These simple steps will also help to protect you and your wallet.
Example: YOU tell the mechanic that the cause of a misfire problem is the Engine Control Module. Mechanic installs a new module and charges you accordingly. A couple days later, the misfire returns. You're angry with the 1st mechanic and seek another. While dropping off the truck you relate your experience with the 1st mechanic. The 2nd mechanic diagnosis the problem as a bad spark plug. He replaces the plug and the misfire is gone. In the end, you've paid for unnecessary work and cost yourself big $$$ for a simple fix.
In my experience, mechanics don't want unhappy customers and don't want to spend time chasing vapor. Sure, they are in business to make $$.
Sure, some are not clean mechanics. Some customers act like they know all when they don't. Some customers do know. How does the mechanic determine who knows manure from shoe polish.
Trust me. Just relate the symptoms and conditions when the symptom happens. Let the expert do their work. Once the repair estimate is in hand, then ask questions to understand. Trust but Verify.
Just tell the mechanic the symptoms and the condition when the symptom happens.
Now, when you get the diagnosis its time to ask questions to understand and determine if things make sense. Have the mechanic explain HOW they determined the problem and details of the repair. If this discussion leaves you uncomfortable, then get a second opinion. A second opinion is always a good idea on invasive work.
These simple steps will help you to understand and evaluate the honesty and skill of the mechanic. These simple steps will also help to protect you and your wallet.
Example: YOU tell the mechanic that the cause of a misfire problem is the Engine Control Module. Mechanic installs a new module and charges you accordingly. A couple days later, the misfire returns. You're angry with the 1st mechanic and seek another. While dropping off the truck you relate your experience with the 1st mechanic. The 2nd mechanic diagnosis the problem as a bad spark plug. He replaces the plug and the misfire is gone. In the end, you've paid for unnecessary work and cost yourself big $$$ for a simple fix.
In my experience, mechanics don't want unhappy customers and don't want to spend time chasing vapor. Sure, they are in business to make $$.
Sure, some are not clean mechanics. Some customers act like they know all when they don't. Some customers do know. How does the mechanic determine who knows manure from shoe polish.
Trust me. Just relate the symptoms and conditions when the symptom happens. Let the expert do their work. Once the repair estimate is in hand, then ask questions to understand. Trust but Verify.
