9 Things To Ask Our Mechanic Before Approving Your Auto Repair—And It's Free!
I was shocked to learn when I took my car to a local mechanic to find that the diagnostic charge was $320 (thank you fancy German engineering).
That was a bit of injury added to the pain of an expensive auto repair all because I wasn't sure what to do when something wasn't right with my car.
I wish I'd known then what I know now. You can get free advice over the phone. All you have to do is call and ask.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from links in this story.
Many people delay service or repair because they don't know where to turn for an honest assessment of what's wrong with their car, or if there's even a real problem.
Putting off issues, such as what a noise or dashboard light may indicate, can delay important repairs. But the opposite is frustrating too: paying, or overpaying, for a service that your cay may or may not need.
That's why RepairPal's Car Genius is such a great service. And, it's free.
Apparently RepairPal felt the pain, too. So they created a complimentary service called Car Genius that allows anyone to call and speak to their mechanics, Devin and Bo (9AM- 6PM ET), for advice: What's that noise, is this repair really needed, what should a service cost — you name it, they can help you navigate it.
And once they help you figure out what you need to do next, they'll recommend a RepairPal shop near you. If you go to that shop and have work done, they get a commission. If you don't, they're happy to help anyway.
Here's the number to call Devin or Bo with your question: (877) 323-1708. And here are our top things they can help with.
Read: 10 Things To Always Buy at an Auto Parts Store and Installation Is Free!
Dashboard lights can be scary, especially when they are flashing and red. Sometimes they mean very little, other times they mean pull over right away and call a tow truck. The Car Genius crew can help you understand, and then follow up correctly.
Read: 11 Common Car Maintenance and Repair Questions, and How to Know: Mechanic, Parts Store or DIY?
Dealers and other service providers love to sell you lots and lots of things—things you may not need yet, or that maybe you needed 10,000 miles ago. It can be hard to tell. This is where a second opinion really helps.
Read: Ever Wonder How Car Dealers Make Money?
This one is so very important if you're buying a used car: A pre-sale inspection can be the difference between buying a great car and a lemon that will cost you money and heartbreak.
Definitely call Devin or Bo and get their take on what you should expect, what the mechanic will look for, what you should pay and even where you can find the closest service.
This is a tricky one: Many cars that have been crashed or flooded *somehow* manage to evade the title restrictions and come back in to the market. And you may not be able to tell, until you start to have serious problems, that is. But there are telltale signs to look for, and that pre-sale inspection will be helpful in knowing, too.
Isn't it magical to describe a problem and have someone instantly know what's going on? We do this with teledoctors and Thanksgiving help lines. So why not with your car? The Car Geniuses can help to narrow down the problem and then find the right service provider; may be it's a transmission shop but maybe it's a brake shop or the dealership who is best suited to solve the issue.
Yes, there are telltale signs that are easy to see, but not always. Sometimes the answer is as simple as answering a quick quiz: When were your tires last replaced? Have you had them rotated? Do they look worn? And you can ask how much you should pay so you're not surprised when you take your car to a shop for new tires.
This is a tricky one too: A complete loss of oil will cause permanent engine damage. But how do you know if your oil is low? That is a great Car Genius question! They can also show you how to measure the oil level and how to add a quart if your car needs it.
The first answer may be price, but the deeper answer may make a huge difference in performance. And it's a great thing to know before going to a shop for a repair: Can you get a replacement part that costs less? Or is the part from the car maker better in the long run?
Repair estimates can vary quite a bit, and not all the things that are specified are necessary, so it's great to have someone to help navigate your questions. Car Genius can tell you what an average price is for parts and labor so you have an idea what you should pay for the prescribed work.
Do I need premium gas or can I use regular? Can I replace just one tire or do I need to replace two at a time? How many miles can I drive between oil changes? What does it mean when they say 'fill all the fluids?' I can go on and on; if you get different answers from different people, it really helps to have a second opinion.
More must-reads:
The Truth About Electric Vehicles and Cold Weather
9 Secrets You Need to Know About Buying New Tires
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