Things You Shouldn't Say to Mechanic
I’m sitting back and watching with amazement at some of the things people say in my auto shop.
A lot of the time, a driver comes in and doesn’t even introduce herself. She just walks inside and announces, “I don’t know anything about cars!”
This is your opportunity to be an educated driver and capitalize on the situation. If you don’t like to be ripped off, never do these five things.
- Tell them you don’t have a clue.
You’re familiar with the concept of having a poker face, right?
Basically that means you want to stay calm, no matter how bad your hand (set of cards) might be. Otherwise, your opponent could identify concern on your face and raise the bet.
Apply this concept to visiting the auto shop. Don’t assume the worst. Never tell a mechanic how hopeless you are. Stick with the facts. Describe the events that led up to your decision to get your car checked out as accurately as you can. That’s all there is to it.
- Try to diagnose your car problem.
The Internet is a great place to research, but it’s hard to make sense of it all. Everyone is an “expert” these days. I know I just told you not to claim ignorance, but that isn’t a license to be overconfident. You’re probably not going to identify the cause of your car problem in a single web search. Claiming otherwise would be insulting to the professional mechanics and technicians with years of education and experience. Don’t try to diagnose the problem. Simply describe the problem and let the professionals do their jobs.
- Make yourself look small.
If you always feel that you are an easy target, pay attention. Body language is a big deal. There are a few obvious signs that a person feels nervous or out of place. Im no expert on all that but, fidgeting, crossing your arms, and avoiding eye contact will make your insecurity loud and clear. Try listening to a song that makes you feel positive and upbeat before you go inside. You also might want to have your concerns written down and practice what you’ll say to the mechanic. Put on some confidence!
- Tell them to do “whatever.”
Would you trust a new doctor enough to hand them a blank check before a surgical procedure? Somehow I doubt it. It’s good to be trusting, but you have to draw a line somewhere. Telling a mechanic to do “whatever” without having a history is the verbal equivalent of a blank check. There are tons of services that could be performed on your vehicle and most of them aren’t necessary. If you want to protect your pocketbook, be specific in your request and know where you go.
- Pay for repairs you didn’t request.
Would you pay for a steak dinner that you didn’t order? I didn’t think so. If a mechanic does a repair without authorization, refuse to pay for it and find a better auto shop. Don’t be a pushover. Trustworthy mechanics ask for consent before any repair.
Did any of the items on this list surprise you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. If you found this post helpful, please share it on Facebook and Twitter. Click here to join Women Auto Know (it only takes a second!).
Teaser
Some women make me giggle. They just walk into my shop and say they don’t know anything about cars! If a dishonest mechanic heard that, they might capitalize on the situation. Don’t let that happen to you! Click here to discover five costly mistakes when make when they go to the auto shop.
Tip-In (Front)
I’m amazed at some of the things women tell me. Sometimes they walk into my auto shop and announce they don’t have a clue! I use this opportunity to educate women, but other mechanics would take advantage of their vulnerability. If you don’t like to be ripped off, never do these things.
- Telling a mechanic you’re clueless is like painting a target on your back.
- You want to maintain a poker face when you meet with a mechanic. Stay calm.
- Stick with the facts. Describe the events that made you decide to visit a mechanic.
- Avoid the temptation to assume the worst. Minimize emotional reactions as much as you can.
- The Internet is a great place to research, but you probably shouldn’t trust everything you read.
- Don’t try to diagnose your car problem. Simply describe your car problem and let the professionals do their jobs.
- Behaviors that could be interpreted as insecure include fidgeting, crossing your arms, and avoiding eye contact.
- To feel more confident, listen to some upbeat music and practice what you will say to the mechanic before you walk inside.
- Telling a mechanic to “do whatever” is like handing them a blank check. That could result in a lot of unnecessary (not to mention expensive) services.
- Would you pay for a steak dinner you didn’t order? If not, you shouldn’t pay for unauthorized repairs. Stand up for yourself. Trustworthy mechanics ask for consent before any repair.
Facebook Post Ideas:
Sometimes women walk in my auto shop and blurt out, “I don’t know anything about cars!” You really shouldn’t say that when you go to a mechanic. Find out why: (link).
Be careful about what you say and do when you visit a new auto shop. Dishonest mechanics could take advantage of your vulnerability (#1 and #4 happen ALL the time!): (link)
Twitter Post Ideas:
5 Easy Ways to Get Ripped off by a Mechanic (#1 and #4 happen ALL the time!) – (link) #auto #car #blog #WAK
#MotivationMonday Put on some confidence before you go to a new auto shop. That will protect you from unethical business practices. #WAK
#TryItTuesday Read customer reviews before you choose an auto shop. Let the experiences of others guide you in the right direction. #WAK
#WhyWednesday Telling a mechanic to “do whatever” is like handing them a blank check. Be more specific. #WAK
#ThrowbackThursday The average cost of cars in the 1920’s = $1,496. That would be valued at $17,708 today. #WAK
#FunFriday Look in the mirror and position your body as confidently as you can. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel. #WAK
#SimpleSaturday If a mechanic performs a repair without your consent, refuse to pay for it and take your business elsewhere. #WAK
#InspirationalSunday Your car is a lot like the human body. Preventive measures will save a lot of $$$ in health (repair) care costs. #WAK