How to speak to your mechanic
By Kijiji Autos
You want to provide the best information possible, but you also don’t want to sound clueless. To simplify your auto troubles, start by learning how to speak your mechanic’s language.
Brakes
Brakes should provide a great response to pressure and should do so silently. Does the act of braking feel slower than before? Is the pedal spongy or unresponsive, requiring more force than before? Are there noises occurring when you’re beginning to, or are in the act of, braking? Describing brake issues to your mechanic should mean telling them how it feels when you brake and what types of noises you hear when you do.
Power
Your car isn’t starting. This type of issue can come from a whole host of scenarios. What happened the last time you started the car successfully? Think about your car as the scene of a crime: The mechanic is the detective who is going to figure it out for you. Do any lights on the dash come on? Does the engine make any noise when it’s trying to turn? Being specific as possible helps them figure out where they should turn their attention to first.
Tires
Keeping track of some common information, such as your last alignment and rotation, makes sharing information about your wheels less complicated. Tires have ratings and require these services to give you every kilometer you pay for, but don’t try to play it cool. There are simple tests your mechanic can perform to determine if your tires were treated right. Let them know if the car is floating to one side as you drive or if you have to fill the air up more frequently on one tire than another.
Engine
Your computer speaks in a coded language, one that technicians are able to decode with special readers. For most of us, we’ll see a check-engine light on our dashboard and assume the worst. Telling the mechanic which lights are coming on and when they’re appearing (intermittent or constant) gives them a better initial understanding of what might be happening. They’re then able to use their code readers to reset the computer (yes, sometimes this can fix the issue!) and determine if there are additional problems.
Fluids
Oil, coolant, steering … your car consumes more fluids than someone on a juice cleanse! Keeping your car’s fluids clean means having them replaced at regular intervals. However, if you’re forgetting to take the car in regularly, it could lead to other major issues with your car. There’s also the opportunity for leaking (think spots or stains on the driveway as you back out). Stating the date of your last oil change or coolant top off gives the mechanic a guide. The color, frequency, and size of any stains are worth noting too.
There are other ways that you can help a technician – photos and videos. With the advent phones that double as cameras, recording (when you’re not driving; please ask the passenger for help!) what’s going on provides actual examples of your car’s issues. Bumps, knocks, or screeches might feel like great ways to describe what’s happening, and they are, but wouldn’t it be better if the mechanic is actually able to hear it?
Be honest about your vehicle’s maintenance history. Don’t fudge information to make it sound like you’ve taken better care of your wheels than you actually have. Your mechanic will know.
Mechanics aren’t there to judge you. They’re working for you to help make your car run right again. By following these tips, you’ll be able to give them the necessary information to help make that happen.
Easily find your next ride on Kijiji Autos
Search nowHow to take care of your hybrid or electric vehicle
Hybrid and electric vehicles have proven to work wonders when it comes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, but they still need proper care and maintenance to run properly. If you own or are considering buying an eco-friendly car, here are some ways to keep your vehicle in peak...How to plan a classic Canadian road trip in your hybrid or electric car
From the Atlantic seaboard to the vast expanse of the Pacific ocean, the beauty of Canada's landscape has beckoned drivers to explore the country, inspiring some of the most epic road trips. If you want to add your name to the growing list of cross-country travelers, here's how you can prepare...How to take care of your hybrid or electric vehicle
Hybrid and electric vehicles have proven to work wonders when it comes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, but they still need proper care and maintenance to run properly. If you own or are considering buying an eco-friendly car, here are some ways to keep your vehicle in peak...5 simple things to check before your next winter road trip
Whether you're planning your family's next big winter road trip or simply want to prepare your car for winter driving, it's important to know what to look for. Make sure to check these five frequently overlooked elements to ensure that your car is ready to complete a winter journey safely. Your...Tackling your first winter of driving in Canada
To say Canada has some pretty drastic weather changes over one calendar year is an understatement. Summer driving here is much like the rest of the world, but our winters are a whole different experience. If the upcoming winter driving season is your first, here are some tips on how to make the...How to prepare for driving in the snow
Whether you've recently moved provinces or are gearing up for your first winter behind the wheel, driving in the snow can often be an unnerving experience. It takes a special approach and lots of patience to get comfortable driving on slippery surfaces. These tips are designed to help you master...How to maintain your car's engine during the winter
If you want a safe and smooth driving experience during the harsh winter months, a well-maintained engine is essential. Fortunately, a little bit of effort goes a long way. Here are our top tips to help you keep your engine running smoothly through the snowy months. Your well-being remains our...Tips to lengthen your car's lifespan without overspending
Whether you're saving up for something special or trying to be more wary of daily costs, living on a budget can be difficult. Owning a vehicle can make matters even more complicated thanks to rising fuel costs and potential repairs. Is there an easy way to guarantee that your car operates...What are glow plugs and what do they do?
You might hear the term glow plug and immediately think that it's just a fancy name for ""spark plug"", and a mechanic is trying to make your car trouble sound worse than it is. But don't be misled: spark plugs and glow plugs (also spelled ""glowplugs"" or ""glow-plugs"") are actually different.How does your car's electrical system work?
Cars have been so integral to our lives that we tend to take for granted how they work. We know a car needs gas, but we barely spend any time learning about the very thing that keeps the car running: the car's electrical system. Your well-being remains our top priority. Please seriously consider...