My car has been having trouble starting lately, and it hesitates from time to time. I't's never done this before. I've had the car 4 years +, and never had a tune-up. Only oil changes. Every owner's manual and car guide I've looked at recommends scheduled tune-ups, but my mechanic says I shouldn't bother. Just change the oil he says. What do you say?
2006-07-10 00:15:11 · 9 answers · asked by Treblacram 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
either learn how to do it yourself or get another mechanic... you know, getting a second opinion???
one thing to remember.. you're mechanic isn't the one driving the car
2006-07-10 00:19:39 · answer #1 · answered by Duckie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since nobody knows what a "tune up" is, why do they keep asking for one? Each part on an automobile has a name and function. When you have a problem with your car, don't tell the shop technician how to fix it. Just tell him what the problem is. And don't complain about every little nuance of how the car runs. Wait until an engine performance problem is bad enough to diagnose. In the mean time, simply have the maintenance recommended in your car manufacturer's owner's manual done at the appointed times. It's that simple. If the book doesn't say you need it, then why do you think you know more than the engineers that designed the car to decide that you do?
2006-07-10 08:41:42 · answer #2 · answered by bobweb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of modern cars don't actually need a "tune up" in the way tune ups were performed in the past. A lot of repair facilities will package some services and call them a "tune up". You need to check your vehicle manufacturer owners manual's maintenance schedule to see what is recommended. However if you are experiencing driveability problems (as you describe) you should take your vehicle to a compitent repair facility such as the dealer for your brand of vehcile to have a drivability diagnosis performed. You may pay more for a repair at the dealer, but they will have the latest diagnostic tools, and usually will cost you less in the long run, because repair shops without the proper diagnostic equipment may do a "trial and error" repair, that could cost you more in uncessary parts and labor. It's also a very good idea to demonstrate the problem to the repair facility. Even if that means leaving your vehicle there overnight and going back the next morning to demonstrate what problem you are having with cold start. Always ask for an estimate of the diagnosis charges and to be notified with a written estimate before any repairs are performed. General repair facilities can probably save you money on general repairs, but when you start having problems as you describe I think that you will be better off going to the dealer or someone who specializes in your type of vehicle that has the proper electronic diagnostic equipment. Don't go in and tell them that you need a tune up, if you do you will get a specific "package" of services, that may not solve your problem. Tell them exactly how your vehicle is performing, demonstrate the problem to them, and always ask for an estimate.
2006-07-10 07:42:05 · answer #3 · answered by Gary C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you've found a mechanic who WON'T find something in your car to work on and charge you money, but instead recommends a simple oil change that costs you little, and he gets paid nothing - trust the mechanic. And remember his name and location, in case something does happen. Honest mechanics who don't price-gouge or lie about what needs fixing are certainly keepers.
2006-07-10 07:23:10 · answer #4 · answered by AaronBSam2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Aaron. Usually its the other way around so, if you've found a HONEST mechanic, listen to what he says and ask for a business card or anything that his shop has with his name and phone number on it. When your car does have a problem, go to him. At least you know he's not going to rip you off for work that you don't need.
2006-07-10 07:41:17 · answer #5 · answered by jcalaz2003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a new Mechanic. If he is
turning down a fast buck like that,
he sounds Coo-Coo. Or there is
something else wrong.
2006-07-10 07:24:05 · answer #6 · answered by Answers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
who knows about cars..you or the mechanic???? if you think you know better than him do it yourself besides you will save money and he will be able to work on someone elses car who listens
2006-07-10 07:20:16 · answer #7 · answered by Deb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get another mechanic
he is wrong
2006-07-10 07:25:52 · answer #8 · answered by JULIE 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think its wrong
2006-07-10 07:52:18 · answer #9 · answered by navid k 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋