Most mechanics are great at providing vehicle owners with quality service and guidance. You trust them to let you know when your brakes are wearing thin or when it’s time to replace your tires.
However, mechanics are also in the business of making money. As a result, they may not always provide you with every detail you need to make the right decision.
Here are some of the secrets that mechanics may not admit that could impact the way you care for your vehicle. They could help you keep more money in your bank account the next time you're at the shop.
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1. You still have six months or more on those brakes
Brakes are one of those things you don’t want to mess around with. You may feel as though you need to replace them immediately when your mechanic tells you they need to be replaced. That’s not always accurate, though.
You most likely don’t need to change your brakes until there’s less than a quarter of an inch remaining on the brake pads. If it’s more than that, you’re good to go for a few more months, at least.
Of course, when it’s time, it’s time. Replace your brakes to, hopefully, avoid accidents — and thus save on car insurance and medical bills.
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It’s not uncommon for families to go to the same mechanic for years or even generations. That’s a good thing because it feels as though you can trust them.
Today’s vehicles are much different than older models, though. For that reason, you want to make sure your mechanic uses automation, technology, and modern equipment.
That’s going to help ensure they aren’t fixing what they think is wrong but tackling the actual problems your car is reporting. If the mechanic your father and grandfather used hasn’t modernized, it may be time to move on.
3. It’s easy to diagnose a problem yourself
It’s not uncommon for several lights to show up on your dashboard, often making you think you’re suddenly facing a major problem.
You take it in for repair and receive a bill for each one of those lights: ABS, check engine, and brakes. However, most often, there’s just one problem causing all of those lights.
Instead, head to a local car parts store and ask them to run a computer scan to find out the real problem. It could save you a bit of money .
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4. You don’t need synthetic oil
It’s always wise to go with the oil recommended by your manufacturer. However, synthetic oils are much more expensive and not always necessary.
They do extend your mileage over conventional oils, but not to the point of making it worth the money.
Sometimes mechanics won’t tell you that you can use conventional oil and just assume you want the expensive grade.
5. You don’t need a coolant flush
Coolant flushes (along with power steering fluid flushes) are commonly recommended by many shady mechanics. They sound like a good thing, but the problem is that they’re unnecessary.
Check your car’s manufacturer recommendations for tasks like fluid flushes. Most don’t recommend them until your car reaches 100,000 miles.
6. You can (and should) see the old and new parts
When you go in for a repair or upgrade, ask the mechanic to see the old parts they're taking off and the new parts they're putting on.
New parts should always look new and not be used in any way. After all, if you’re paying full price for a new part, you should get one.
Then, take a look at the old parts. Do they look worn out or damaged? If not, you may not have needed to replace them. Any mechanic who won’t show you what they’re doing should raise a red flag.
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Many cars have a “maintenance required” light that comes on when the vehicle reaches a certain mileage.
When this light comes on, you may feel the urge to rush to the dealer. Then you end up with a big bill for the work they did.
However, most often, the only thing the vehicle needs is an oil change. If any other work is suggested, find out why first.
8. You may be paying too much for parts
When your vehicle needs new rotors or even the most obscure component, don’t assume you’re getting the best price at the dealership. It’s common to find parts at a much lower price elsewhere than through your mechanic.
Shop around to find a good deal for big investments like tires. You don’t need to go to your mechanic and overpay for the same set of tires another business can put on for less.
9. You should get a second opinion
Mechanics are often good at convincing vehicle owners that their vehicle needs an expensive repair or upgrade. A big bill should be a signal instead that it’s time for a second opinion.
If a mechanic comes to you with a large quote for repairs, tell them you’ll let them know and take the car to another shop for a second opinion. Chances are you’ll notice some differences in the quotes.
Even better, if your car does need the listed repairs, some mechanics may be willing to beat the price originally quoted for you, helping you get ahead financially .
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10. You don’t need oil or gas additives
When you take your vehicle in for an oil change, you may learn about special packages or deals.
Some promise to extend the life of your engine or that you’ll get better gas mileage if you choose the additive. However, these are often a gimmick to get you to spend more for minimal (if any) improvements.
In the U.S., engine oil and gas are very clean and packed with all of the right chemicals. You shouldn't need to add any type of expensive product to your vehicle to get more out of it.
Bottom line
Most mechanics are honest, but it always pays to know a bit about your car so you can avoid wasting money on unnecessary repairs.
If you’re unsure about any need for repair or replacement, ask the mechanic to describe the problem. Then, look it up on YouTube to help you understand it better.
That way, you can determine if it is something you need a mechanic to fix. You may even be able to do the work yourself.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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