2006-06-09 06:28:19 · 8 answers · asked by wordnerd27x 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I AM a mechanic with my own shop, and I have NEVER done that to anyone, and if they bring it in, and I can't figure out what's wrong with it, I DO NOT charge them. I even offer free towing with major repairs
2006-06-09 06:36:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES!! However the best thing you can do "for yourself" is learn about how to work on a car at least do the simple things. If that is not an option, then at least read about combustion engines, how they work, and what can go wrong with them.
Doing this will educate you so when you do need to have work done you will understand what they need to do, why it broke and what it really needs.
True story:
Many years ago, my husband would send me to have the car aligned. Every single time I took it, about 3-4, they told me that they couldn't do the alignment as I need an Idler arm. So, I would come back home, tell my hubby and he would take it right back and they would do the alignment, no questions.
Moral:
After this happened a few times, I decided to learn about cars, how the mechanics worked. My hubby put me under the hood, at first as a gofer then a little hands on work. Over the years I can work on a car, understand the mechanics and there has only been one time since that someone told me I need an idler arm when I take the car in for an alignment. They tell me that now and I relate all the factors WHY I DON'T NEED ONE and they quickly backup, many times giving me a ration of reasons, that I can quickly contridict. I can't tell you how many free alignments I have gotten over the years from the B.S. the mechanics at these places try to give me.
Today, when I need work done they still try, especially if a new auto shop, but I know what I know, and I don't get taken advantage of.
This is especially true for women. Learn about a car, it will say you money, and it is really kind of fun to put the so called, "male mechanics" in their place.
My daughter was out one night and her serpentine belt broke on her mustang. She opened the hood and found the problem. She pulled off her pantyhose and fashiond a belt out of them so she could get home. For those of you who don't know what that belt does, it works your alternator, your water pump, your fan belt. Driving with it broken you can burn everything out within a few blocks and that is huge money to repair. Needless to say, when she got home, her dad took a look and she had done exactly the right thing. I think it cost about 50 bucks to fix it.
2006-06-09 13:46:39 · answer #2 · answered by jv1104 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. They all think because I am a woman I am stupid. It angers me greatly. I love blowing their minds by letting them know that I am no fool when it comes to my car. I know way more than they could imagine, just cannot be bothered getting dirty or breaking a nail to fix it! lol
2006-06-09 13:34:10 · answer #3 · answered by AsianPersuasion :) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That happens a lot...more so to women than men... sort of like a hamburger joint..you order a burger and they try to sell you frys and a apple turnover...
2006-06-09 14:06:58 · answer #4 · answered by Dirtydog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but I met them outside of their work so when I brought my car to them, I trusted them more.
2006-06-09 13:31:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heck no. I've rarely met one that actually fixes my car.
2006-06-09 13:32:22 · answer #6 · answered by Grog The Fish 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Me but I work fleet work so all I sell is to my boss everyday:-)
2006-06-09 23:08:15 · answer #7 · answered by gearbox 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep.
2006-06-09 13:32:46 · answer #8 · answered by Christina L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋