No matter what type of vehicle you own, you’ll eventually have to replace a few parts to keep it running. Whether it’s a can of oil, a new belt or hose, or replacing an entire system, you have a choice:
- Buying auto parts yourself and handling the fix yourself
- Visiting a mechanic and letting an expert handle the repair
There’s never a right or wrong answer every time. It depends on your knowledge, your skills, and how much time you have to invest in the outcome.
Buying auto parts may seem like a great way to save money. But so much can go wrong.
There are no guarantees or warranties to help you down the road
There are two scenarios at work here.
Let’s say you buy the auto parts necessary to repair your vehicle. The part itself may come with a guarantee, but it often is limited to the part; it will not cover a potential problem when you install it yourself. A manufacturer can’t take that risk – what if you install it incorrectly? It’s limited to what you spend on the part itself.
Some budget-minded drivers attempt to buy parts at a low cost, then take them to a mechanic in an attempt to counter this problem. In this case, it depends on the mechanic helping you out.
Mechanics often won’t use auto parts supplied by the driver because they can’t guarantee the parts are in good working order. This is their reputation on the line. They don’t want to be held liable for using a part that simply won’t work.
An expert will want to take control over the entire situation, to ensure your car is safe as you drive away.
You might not buy the right equipment
One trip to the auto parts store will tell you there are dozens – hundreds – of parts for your vehicle, and when it comes right down to it, they all look the same.
The size may change slightly. Ratios may be off. Parts often vary from make, model, and year.
Imagine ripping your car apart, running to the auto parts store, buying a part, and coming home only to realize it isn’t the right part. Rinse. Repeat.
In some cases, you might not have the right tools for the job either. Different parts have different installation methods – do you have the right wrench?
It’s a matter of time, expertise, and money. Bringing your car to a mechanic will get the job done the right way. Trying it yourself is always a hit or miss at best.
Are you convinced visiting a mechanic is in your best interest?
Want your visit to run smoothly from beginning to end?
Communicate clearly
A mechanic can’t guess at what’s wrong with your car. They don’t drive it every day like you do. Instead, they rely on you to help them determine where the problem is.
Whether you’re bringing it in for a routine checkup, or have a larger problem that can no longer be ignored, spend a few moments creating a list of the things you want the mechanic to check out. Even if you aren’t sure if something is a problem or not, a working list will help a mechanic get to the root of the problem. Noises, smells, rattles, leaks, sensations – even if it seems to be little, it’s better to bring it to a mechanic’s attention to help determine where the problem is.
Be prepared
Cars cost money to operate. Too often, drivers attempt to ignore problems until they become so bad they can’t drive. That ends in a very large bill repairing multiple problems and big-ticket items.
Often, a regular maintenance schedule can find problems as they start, and make minor repairs that will keep your car operating well for the life of the vehicle. Still, cars will eventually need larger services, such as brake replacement and new tires. If you understand how each system is wearing on your vehicle, and you monitor it as you drive, you can save for the larger repairs.
Your car isn’t a storage unit
Today’s vehicles are bigger than ever. That means we see many drivers come in that use their vehicles as storage units. There are golf clubs in the back, boxes stacked from bottom to top. There are leftover papers everywhere, even a stroller tucked behind the front seat.
Trouble is, in some cases, a mechanic will have to remove those items to get where they need to be.
All of that extra equipment adds weight to your vehicle. That might impact the overall quality of the repair. While you might need some of it for your weekly trips and errands, before you bring it into the shop, spend a few minutes decluttering it for your repair visit.
Trust the mechanic to do their job
While you may know how your vehicle drives from day to day, a mechanic is trained to find where potential problems lie, and understands how to fix them. Tell them your concerns, even give them your list, then let them take over and do their job the right way.
If they have questions, they’ll be in touch. Do they have your cell number to reach you at any point during the repair visit? This can speed up the process, and allow you to make decisions as they come up.
Is it time for visiting a mechanic that can help you keep your car in good working order?
When it comes time to finding the right mechanic, sometimes trusting a local service will ensure you learn how to work with the people, and that they understand working with you.
It gives you a chance to build a team to help you keep your car in as good of condition as possible. No matter what.
Whether you’re looking for an oil change, need your tires balanced, or are in need of new brakes on your car, our family-owned business is ready and waiting to help you.