Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Mechanic

What to ask your mechanic or service advisor when having your car serviced/repaired

Getting it Straight

Whether your car is due for a routine Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) or something does not seem to be working right, you must have your car serviced or fixed at some point in vehicle ownership. I’m sure you’ve had your share of unpleasant experiences with car shops and mechanics, This is exactly why it is advisable to go to a trustworthy, and transparent workshop. 

Normally, all shops will give you a general idea about what's broken and the necessary repairs. But sometimes, hearing all that technical linggo from your mechanic becomes difficult to understand. This is the time when asking the right questions will come in handy, to give you a better understanding of what's wrong and what needs to be done. 

Not until the car has been fixed and you are satisfied with the results of their work, it’s difficult to tell whether they’re being completely honest or not. So, to make the experience less discomforting and easier, here’s a brief rundown of the most important questions that you should ask your mechanic or service advisor before allowing them to service/fix your car.

1. What is the problem, what caused it, and can you show me the broken part?

Once the mechanic has diagnosed the car and found the cause, he should talk to you and explain the problem. If you don’t fully understand, ask your mechanic to explain it in layman’s terms and show you the exact part that needs fixing or replacing. There’s nothing wrong with asking questions because it’s important that you understand the problem and what caused it in the first place.

2. How can it be fixed?

This should be your follow-up question as this will show his expertise in fixing cars. This includes using modern diagnostic tools that will determine his next plan of action. At this point, it's also advisable to ask whether or not it will affect other components. Plus, the possibility of exploring other courses of action and having him explain to you as simply as possible.

3. Do you use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket spare parts and does it come with a warranty?

It is common among car dealer shops to use OEM parts, but independent car shops have the freedom to use aftermarket replacement parts. This is mainly due to their lower cost and in most cases wider availability, making them easier to procure. In most cases, aftermarket parts offer the same quality and service life as OEM ones. However, it is important that you ask the workshop/mechanic what he prefers or recommends using in your car. Make it a point to ask for a price quote and the warranty period. The last thing you want is the same problem to reoccur after spending time and money to have it fixed.

4. How much will I spend on labor?

Whether you’re in a car dealership or an independent car repair shop, the most important trait of a reputable workshop is the transparency of repair costs and providing proper advice before proceeding with any repair. Always ask for a labor price cost and have them put it in writing. An honest mechanic/service advisor should always provide his client a cost estimate before proceeding to repair the car.

5. How long will it take to fix?

Not all car problems are the same, so depending on the severity of the situation the timelines can be flexible. Usual delays in sourcing parts and the current shop workload can cause repairs to take longer than expected. However, most experienced shops that have been operating for years should be able to give you an almost exact time estimate. Most especially for routine services like oil changes or light service. Nevertheless, always ask for an exact time estimate of how long the repairs are going to take.

Bottom Line

Because of a previous bad experience with an incompetent mechanic or a shady repair shop, a lot of car owners have become hesitant and nervous about having their cars serviced/repaired. Thus, it’s important to choose a trustworthy workshop with experienced mechanics to properly fix your car. Just ask the aforementioned guide questions whenever you take your car in for its next PMS or scheduled service to help put your mind at ease. Remember, asking the right questions can help you avoid getting ripped off with unnecessary repairs and overpaying for parts and services.