Do you think your car has broken down? Beware of what you say to your mechanic. A simple sentence could cost you dearly.
Having your car repaired can quickly turn into a nightmare. Between technical jargon and exploding invoices, there are many drivers to fear this situation. However, part of the problem sometimes comes from what you say. Ahmed, a renowned mechanic who manages the YouTube channel The Car Care Nutalerted its subscribers: some sentences can transform you into an ideal target for unscrupulous professionals.
Indeed, when a mechanic realizes that a customer does not understand how his vehicle works, he may be tempted to take advantage of it. According to Ahmed, admitting his lack of knowledge is the first step towards an inflated invoice. “If you say: ‘I don’t know anything about the cars, please help me,’ a pro mechanic will see that as a big responsibility. But a bad mechanic will see an opportunity to explode costs”, he explains. In other words, some malicious professionals could exaggerate the necessary work or propose unnecessary repairs. To avoid this trap, it is therefore essential to anticipate before entrusting your car to a garage.
Concretely, before going to the garage, take the time to search on the internet the possible causes of the problems you encounter. A simple research can give you an idea of the repairs to consider. This does not mean that you must claim to be an expert, but having a knowledge base makes it possible to approach the discussion with more confidence.
Ahmed advises to formulate your questions in a polite manner, while showing that you have done your homework: “Rather than saying ‘I don’t know what’s wrong’, you can mention what you have noticed, like suspicious noises or specific problems. This shows that you follow your vehicle and that you are involved.” This posture often dissuades overcharging attempts. You will understand, it is better to prepare your visit and show that you carefully follow the condition of your vehicle. This approach will allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises and keep your budget under control. To remember!
