You go to the mechanic and ask for an oil change.
They suggest an additional repair that costs $50-500.
“I need to replace my what-cha-ma-call-it? You gotta be kidding! I don’t have the money for this…”
Easy, tiger! Mechanics don’t recommend a repair for no reason. It might be in your best interest. Here are four things to remember before you get mad at the mechanic. (#4 is harsh but true.)
1. Are you really mad at the mechanic?
You wake up with a raging headache. After a few hours of suffering, you go to see a doctor, and they deliver the bad news: “Sorry! You have a virus.”
They prescribe medication that’s priced at $100 (on top of the cost of your visit). Do you blame them? No! That would be silly. The doctor didn’t cause your illness. They just diagnosed it.
You might be scratching your head, because this sounds obvious enough… but think about how you react when a mechanic diagnoses a car problem. Do you accept the diagnosis or act like it’s their fault?
Listen: I’m not suggesting you should place blind faith in a mechanic. If you feel uncomfortable with a repair recommendation for any reason, say so. Ask, “May I see the problem?” or, “Can you explain how this repair will benefit me?”
Honest mechanics will be happy to address your concerns. They’ll talk through the problem until you feel confident about your investment. However, don’t automatically assume you’re getting scammed. Most auto professionals are looking out for your best interest. Give us a fair chance!
2. Could you have prevented this situation?
Car problems don’t happen for no reason. They are typically a consequence of neglect. Your battery won’t wake up one day and say: “You know what? I’m sick of it all. Let’s crap out so I can stay home!”
Instead, a dead battery is typically caused by driver error. Maybe you forgot to turn off your headlights or interior lights. No judgment here! We’ve all done it. But it’s important to own your role in the situation.
Or maybe your battery just ran out of juice. Batteries aren’t like diamonds (i.e. they don’t last forever). They need to be changed every 3-5 years. When you’re getting towards the end of its lifespan, ask a mechanic to check its level. This is an easy way to prevent getting stranded. Prevention pays off!
3. Did you blatantly disregard warning signs?
Let’s say you have a kid. They come home from school and say: “I’ve felt sick in the stomach all day!” Would you tell them to “suck it up?” I hope not! Instead, you’d take them to a doctor ASAP.
Treat your car with the same consideration. If you see a check engine light or any dashboard warning, that doesn’t mean: “Eh, this can wait until next week.” It means: “I need to see a mechanic soon!”
Auto shops are hospitals for cars and the check engine light is your car’s way of telling you it requires attention from a mechanic (car doctor). The longer you let that light linger, the more likely you’ll get stuck with an expensive repair.
Let’s return to the example of a dead battery. If you tune in with your senses, you’ll be able to prevent this from ever happening. A slow, sluggish start is the most obvious sign your battery’s about to tap out. If the battery is leaking, bloated, or running out of fluid, then get to a shop and ask for an inspection.
4. Do you have money saved for emergency expenses?
Let’s be real. Most people aren’t mad about the repair itself. They’re mad about how it will impact their bank account. That’s a natural reaction. No one likes to spend money on unexpected expenses!
However, there’s no way to avoid it. You’ve gotta be ready for whatever curve-balls life throws at you. It’s called “adulthood.” Your roof could collapse. Your car could breakdown. Your health could decline.
The Universe doesn’t care about your plans to take a cruise or Disney vacation. Your fun budget might get depleted without a moment’s notice. I’m not trying to make you feel depressed, but you need to be realistic. Shit happens. Brace yourself for it!
I’m no Suze Orman, but I can tell you it helps to separate your emergency savings and spending money. Open a savings account. Set up an automatic transfer that goes there every time you get paid. Ask your bank to disconnect it from your debit card. Now you won’t be tempted to spend it!
According to financial experts, you should have at least $2,000 in your emergency savings account. That’s enough to cover most auto repairs, so it’s definitely a good start. But don’t forget: if you embrace preventive maintenance, you’ll rarely be caught off-guard by emergency repairs. Worth it? Definitely!
The next time one of your friends gets mad at their mechanic, please send them a link to this article. You’ll supply them with a much-needed reality check!
I appreciate you saying the check engine light or any other dashboard indicator doesn’t always indicate it can wait until next week. I recently acquired an automobile. If I notice any negative symptoms in my vehicle, I will make an appointment with an auto repair company.
I appreciate you saying that automobile troubles don’t just happen. My friend claims that his car has a burnt-odor odor. I’ll advise him to have his car checked out by an auto repair shop to see whether everything is in working order.