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10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know - Car Talk - Nairaland

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10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by obafemee80(m): 12:23pm On Apr 16, 2017
There are a few secrets that your mechanic doesn’t want you to know – here are ten that could make your next car repair a bit easier to stomach (and maybe less costly too).

10) How easy some repairs are

Some repairs and maintenance procedures are easy enough that you may want to consider performing them yourself instead of having them done by a mechanic. Depending on what car you drive, changing your own oil or spark plugs might be an easy and rewarding task that could save you some money.
If you aren’t comfortable with this type of work and don’t want to risk accidentally damaging your car, you might want to start with something like your lawnmower to try and boost your confidence, and work your way up.


9) What other customers think of them

Or hopefully, they do want you to know this – at least they will if they have a good reputation. Ask around to see what garages the people around you have used, and what their experiences have been.

You can also check online to see if a garage has been rated by other customers. Be aware however that different locations of the same chain can have vastly different reputations.


cool Which cars are reliable

Your mechanic would probably prefer that you drove on unreliable car, so that they can get more work repairing it for you – the most reliable cars are the ones that the mechanic never sees, except for routine maintenance. You can’t go by what cars they drive either – sometimes mechanics buy reliable cars, but othertimes they buy unreliable cars because they can be purchased for cheap, and they know that as a mechanic they will be able to keep them running.
If you want to see if a car is reliable, check online to see other owners’ experiences.


7) That some garages are much less expensive than others

Dealers are usually the most expensive, followed by the chain garages, while smaller garages – especially those in rural areas – are usually the cheapest. While some of these establishments might not have the latest diagnostic equipment, they should still be able to perform most maintenance and many other repairs, including suspension, brake, and exhaust work.

When it comes to repairs that involve electrical, electronic, emissions, or ignition issues, it’s best to ensure that the garage has the necessary equipment and expertise


6) The true price of car parts

Some garages get a percentage of parts sales, or might have a friend in the parts business who they try and support. Often you can get the same part for much cheaper elsewhere.

If you decide to shop online, be sure to buy from reputable sources to help avoid the risk of receiving a counterfeit part. Ask your mechanic to see if they will install parts that you supply – often they will, but they probably won’t provide a warranty on the work if the part is defective.

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Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by obafemee80(m): 12:34pm On Apr 16, 2017

5) How the ‘book time’ for repairs works

There are guides that tell mechanics how long a repair should take, specific to your car and problem. Some garages use these guides to charge a ‘flat rate’ for repairs, based on the time listed in the book, no matter how long the actual repair takes.

While this occasionally works out in favor of the consumer, the times listed are for the average mechanic, with some built-in time for slight problems that might come up during the repair. An experienced mechanic might be able to complete the repair in less time.


4) That they don’t know how to fix your problem

You would expect that your mechanic would know how to resolve your problem, but that isn’t always the case, especially with today’s cars and their sophisticated electronic equipment. Some mechanics are better than others, but even the best get stumped now and then, especially if they don’t have access to the proper diagnostic equipment or repair manuals.

Don’t let the mechanic simply throw parts at your car hoping that they’ll solve the problem. Many cars have enthusiast websites that explain how to resolve problems that may elude some mechanics.


3) That some repairs are optional or have workarounds

Some repairs are obviously necessary, especially those that are safety related. On the other hand, do you really need that fancy optional feature? Is there a cheap and easy way to fix your problem? Especially if you have an older car, it might be worth it to get the car back on the road without actually fixing the problem.

For example, if your air conditioning compressor is seized, depending on the car you may be able to cut the belt that runs to it or use an alternate belt routing to bypass it.


2) How your car works

If you know the parts of the car, and what they do, you’ll be better able to figure out if you are being cheated or taken advantage of by your mechanic. You don’t necessarily need to know exact details or know how to replace the part, but understanding the basics will help make sure you don’t have the transmission replaced when you really needed new shocks.

Use the Internet to research your problem, and the suggested repair – you may even be able to repair it yourself.


1) That they lied

Hopefully they didn’t, but a very small percentage of mechanics sometimes try to take advantage of their customers. Did they replace the part they said they would? Did it even need to be replaced? To answer these questions, ask for the old part that was removed from the car, preferably in the package that the new part came in.

This proves that the part was replaced, allows you to verify the quality of the new part installed, and also lets you assess the condition of the old part.

http://www.autobytel.com/car-ownership/advice/10-things-a-mechanic-doesn-t-want-you-to-know-125076/

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Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by daamazing(m): 1:07pm On Apr 16, 2017
Person get car, him no fit change oil. Is that one fit to be called a human

16 Likes

Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by Nobody: 3:17pm On Apr 16, 2017
Which cars are reliable
Your mechanic would probably prefer that you drove on unreliable car, so that they can get more work repairing it for you – the most reliable cars are the ones that the mechanic never sees, except for routine maintenance
I doubt this too. A Nigerian mechanic would most likely convince you to buy a problem car if he is entitled to a a juicy commission from its sale. Otherwise, they prefer you buy cars they are familiar with, that's why Toyota (Japanese cars) full everywhere.

I think I agree with other items on the list(from a client's POV)
daamazing:
Person get car, him no fit change oil. Is that one fit to be called a human
Someone's specialisation is to change oil. Should I go performing (unrealistic) DIYs on my car to prove I am fit to be called human?
Not everyone has the grace and time to pull off self-serve oil change, allow us use our trusted mechanics biko.

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Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by Nobody: 4:46pm On Apr 16, 2017
daamazing:
Person get car, him no fit change oil. Is that one fit to be called a human

Human may be too harsh of a word but I agree with your sentiments.

It's one thing to know how to do it but chose not to do it.

4 Likes

Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by daamazing(m): 5:14pm On Apr 16, 2017
EgunMogaji:


Human may be too harsh of a word but I agree with your sentiments.

It's one thing to know how to do it but chose not to do it.
True!
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by daamazing(m): 5:16pm On Apr 16, 2017
PaperLace:

I doubt this too. A Nigerian mechanic would most likely convince you to buy a problem car if he is entitled to a a juicy commission from its sale. Otherwise, they prefer you buy cars they are familiar with, that's why Toyota (Japanese cars) full everywhere.

I think I agree with other items on the list(from a client's POV)

Someone's specialisation is to change oil. Should I go performing (unrealistic) DIYs on my car to prove I am fit to be called human?
Not everyone has the grace and time to pull off self-serve oil change, allow us use our trusted mechanics biko.
So lets say you own a car, would you rather DIY according to the manual or give a so called specialist?
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by Nobody: 5:41pm On Apr 16, 2017
daamazing:
So lets say you own a car, would you rather DIY according to the manual or give a so called specialist?
A specialist should be tested and trusted _no need for the so called. Isn't it the same manual that the specialist would work with?

This is one very important aspect of car maintenance, it's not something to gamble with. Anything could go wrong; under-tightening/over tightening the oil filter and ending up with an oil leak, I fit forget to even put the oil sef angry...etc. No, I won't go under my car to show I am human, I know the quick steps to do it, but I won't do it _it's not my specialization.

Above all, I like the idea of minimizing or pushing its associated risk to a professional (auto mechanic).

Do you change you car oil yourself? smiley
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by daamazing(m): 5:50pm On Apr 16, 2017
PaperLace:

A specialist should be tested and trusted _no need for the so called. Isn't it the same manual that the specialist would work with?

This is one very important aspect of car maintenance, it's not something to gamble with. Anything could go wrong; under-tightening/over tightening the oil filter and ending up with an oil leak, I fit forget to even put the oil sef angry...etc. No, I won't go under my car to show I am human, I know the quick steps to do it, but I won't do it _it's not my specialization.

Above all, I like the idea of minimizing or pushing its associated risk to a professional (auto mechanic).

Do you change you car oil yourself? smiley
When I own a car, I'll definitely watch reviews, read manuals- do research and gain information. I'll not only change the oil, I'll also work on other mechanical parts too!

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Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by Nobody: 5:52pm On Apr 16, 2017
daamazing:
When I own a car, I'll definitely watch reviews, read manuals- do research and gain information. I'll not only change the oil, I'll also work on other mechanical parts too!
Oh, you never dey do am _come dey throw jabs..naso some of us talk that year o. Jisike and well done in advance. cheesy

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Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by daamazing(m): 5:53pm On Apr 16, 2017
PaperLace:

Oh, you never dey do am _come dey throw jabs. Jisike cheesy
Well done in advance .
@bolded
cheesy
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by Nobody: 5:58pm On Apr 16, 2017
daamazing:
Person get car, him no fit change oil. Is that one fit to be called a human

Pesin get phone him no fit root am

Pesin get pc, him no fit remove virus

Pesin get house him no fit change socket outlet

None of them should be called humans.

There is a very wide spectrum of skills available to people. That you chose cars does not make you superior in anyway.

1 Like

Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by daamazing(m): 6:01pm On Apr 16, 2017
oyb:


Pesin get phone him no fit root am

Pesin get pc, him no fit remove virus

Pesin get house him no fit change socket outlet

None of them should be called humans.

There is a very wide spectrum of skills available to people. That you chose cars does not make you superior in anyway.
Bro, cars are not really my specialty... Speaking on the bolded, they're piece of pie! cheesy
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by HRich(m): 7:19am On Apr 17, 2017
I no get anything to talk
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by niceguy7(m): 7:20am On Apr 17, 2017
Natheworkweydemdeydo ....... Man must wack.. . sad
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by Nobody: 7:21am On Apr 17, 2017
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by muller101(m): 7:23am On Apr 17, 2017
daamazing:
Person get car, him no fit change oil. Is that one fit to be called a human
with the oil filter as well.
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by WachsComedy: 7:23am On Apr 17, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X36D6sBohI
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by Dottore: 7:24am On Apr 17, 2017
Lol
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by Nobody: 7:26am On Apr 17, 2017
daamazing:
Person get car, him no fit change oil. Is that one fit to be called a human

So are u saying I am not human just because I can't change my car oil myself?

2 Likes

Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by buchilino(m): 7:28am On Apr 17, 2017
daamazing:
Bro, cars are not really my specialty... Speaking on the bolded, they're piece of pie! cheesy

LETS SAY U BECOME A BANKER, SO U WILL STILL HAVE TIME 2 DO ALL DIS?.
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by leksmedia: 7:29am On Apr 17, 2017
Quite educative . for your website design please contact me
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by Nobody: 7:30am On Apr 17, 2017
daamazing:
Person get car, him no fit change oil. Is that one fit to be called a human

Must everybody be a broke ass like you?

2 Likes

Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by daamazing(m): 7:39am On Apr 17, 2017
buchilino:


LETS SAY U BECOME A BANKER, SO U WILL STILL HAVE TIME 2 DO ALL DIS?.
Sure I will, what's the big deal?
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by jericco1(m): 7:39am On Apr 17, 2017
It's called marketing strategy.
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by daamazing(m): 7:40am On Apr 17, 2017
JayJohnson:


Must everybody be a broke ass like you?
Sorry please, in what way does being broke relate with servicing of car parts?
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by buchilino(m): 7:40am On Apr 17, 2017
daamazing:
Sure I will, what's the big deal?

EASIER SAID.
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by daamazing(m): 7:44am On Apr 17, 2017
buchilino:


EASIER SAID.
Stuff I've done before. Bro this is the 21st century. Information lies everywhere, it's your decision to decide how well that information is optimized!
Re: 10 Things A Mechanic Doesn't Want You To Know by Rick9(m): 8:54am On Apr 17, 2017
Ehhee

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