Finding a reliable mechanic is not the easiest thing to do. Chances are, at some point, you have searched for someone you can trust to repair your vehicle. Perhaps you are still searching. Regardless, once you find that person it is important to build trust between the two of you. But how do you accomplish that feat?
Communicate
Communication is regularly seen as the key to a good relationship. Problem is, many people are not very good at it. As in any partnership, having good communication with your mechanic can prevent headaches from occurring later.
Let the mechanic know exactly what the problem is with your vehicle. It is important to describe what the noise sounds like, the vibration feels like or the smell that is being emitted from your automobile. Good communication is one reason you return to your mechanic time and again. If both parties are open about the service and the repairs needed, things should be clear and you likely won’t run into too many big problems.
Be specific
Although we often think people can read our minds, the truth is they cannot. I know, spoiler alert. It is foolish to think a mechanic can read yours. Be honest and specific about the problems you are experiencing. It could turn out there is nothing wrong with your vehicle. On the flipside, it could turn out there is a major problem that needs to be fixed and you’ll be happy you spent time on the details.
Tell the truth
When telling your mechanic about the problems you are experiencing with your vehicle, it is important to include everything. Skirting around the problems can result in misdiagnosis of the vehicle’s ailment. Even though we sometimes want to believe that if we minimize the problem, we can minimize our bill. The truth is, it can result in repair costs being far more. In turn, this will make you distrust your mechanic when you’ve paid for something that hasn’t been fixed.
Get a second opinion
Sometimes we find that beautiful mechanic of our dreams. Other times, not so much. So, how do you know if your mechanic is telling the truth? It is always a good idea to get a second opinion on your vehicle’s repairs. Once you know other repair shops are charging similar fees or more for the same repairs, your trust will be solidified. However, if you find out that another shop can do it for less, you can ask your mechanic why his or her estimate is more. Perhaps there is a very good reason for it, and your trust in your mechanic will be even greater. Remember, a cheaper option doesn’t necessarily mean the higher quote you got was inflated. In fact, it is possible that the cheaper option is a result of cutting corners.
The mechanic’s side
According to a Huffington Post survey, only 16 percent of people questioned trust their auto mechanics. Regardless of what mechanics say to you, there is a good chance you are going to have little faith in their word, mostly because you will be spending money on something you truly do not want to do. There is no way around it.
However, this is where a mechanic should help build trust with the customer. Mechanics should be patient and give bad news as gently as possible. Once the news has been broken, the two of you can discuss what needs to happen next.
Building trust with a mechanic is not easy, but it can be done. A little communication goes a long way in building a bond between you and your mechanic. Next time you need a service or repair, try to be open, honest and provide details. Also, go in having done your research. The greater quality exchange you can have with your mechanic, the less opportunity there is for costly mistakes and miscommunications.