Auto Repair Shop Etiquette: Dos And Don'ts For Customers

Realizing that your car is facing a mechanical problem can certainly be a stressful and unnerving experience. And generally, the best thing you can do to diagnose and fix the problem is to bring your car to a reputable and experienced auto repair shop in your area. While you're dealing with the professionals at your local repair shop, however, there are some basic etiquette dos and don'ts that you should be aware of. By following these tips, you can receive the highest level of service and have your car repaired in no time.

DO Know How to Communicate the Problem

One of the biggest challenges you'll face when dealing with your auto mechanic is adequately describing the problem your car is having. Failure to properly describe the problem could make it more difficult and time consuming for your mechanic to diagnose the issue, which can reduce your satisfaction as a customer. To avoid this, there are some terms you may want to keep in mind to help you describe any problems your car may be having, such as:

  • hesitation - a loss of power when you accelerate
  • shimmy - a side-to-side motion that may be felt in the steering wheel or tires
  • knocking - a "thumping sound" coming from the engine, usually during acceleration

DO Bring in a Clean Car

Believe it or not, bringing in a dirty or overly cluttered car really could have a negative impact on your mechanic's performance. This is especially true when it comes to your car's trunk. If you have excess equipment cluttering your trunk, this could make performing certain repairs on the back of your car more of a challenge. Not to mention, it's simply a common courtesy to bring in a relatively clean car to your mechanic. It doesn't have to be pristine, but save him or her the hassle of having to move things around while working on your vehicle.

DON'T Hover Over Your Mechanic

Finally, show your mechanic some respect for his or her expertise by either leaving the shop while your car is being worked on or sitting in the waiting room. While it's understandable that you'll want your mechanic to show you specifically what's wrong with your car and what's going to be done to fix it, hovering over your mechanic the entire time your car is being worked on is not only distracting but disrespectful. You wouldn't want somebody looking over your shoulder while you're trying to do your job, right? Talk to things like Bonita Point Auto Care 76 for more information.

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