Not All Mechanics are Equal
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Nope, we are not. Just like teachers. Just like doctors. Just like lawyers. Just like professional athletes.Some are better than others. Some are brilliant. Others are on their way to becoming very good at the trade. Some are newbies. Some don't understand new technology.I decided to write this tip of the week after I got a call from a friend this morning regarding a tune-up he needed for his truck. He stopped by Guy's Auto Clinic in West Philly where I work and got a quote he thought was too high. He found a cheaper quote for another shop and decided to go with them. I was concerned; not because of the lost business, but because I didn't know this other shop and I wasn't sure he would get quality work done. I lectured him that he had to be careful going with the lowest price because "trust me, mechanics f$%k up!"What I want you to get out of this tip of the week is cheaper is not always the way to go when it comes to automotive repair. Here is why you should never shop around for auto repairs.In the short time I've been a mechanic, I've seen many examples of people trying to pinch pennies when it comes to auto repair and go with the lowest price to get a repair or service. Many, many times it came back to haunt them. At best, the repair/service needed to be repeated at the car owner's expense. At worst, the repair/service did damage to expensive components of their vehicle, like the transmission. Now the driver feels like they have been taken advantage of by the mechanic.The reason some (not all, some) of these shops have the lowest prices is because they probably don't have the most skilled technicians/mechanics or they are not using quality replacement parts. Don't shop around when it comes to getting the best deal on your vehicle repair or service. It's not the same as buying a pair of shoes and looking for the sale or going to the supermarket with the lowest price on meat that week.If you have a mechanic you trust, continue to go to that mechanic for all work, regardless of any deals that may float your way. The risk is not worth the reward, in my opinion, even for common recurring services like oil changes and brake pad replacement. If not done correctly other major parts of you car are at risk of damage or the car will become unsafe to drive potentially injuring you and others.No bueno!The good thing is recurring services like fluid changes and brake pad replacements are pretty standard when it comes to price.I offer workshops where I talk about repairs/services that are ok to skimp on and others that I would absolutely NOT shop around for the lowest price. For more info on a Girls Auto Clinic workshop or if you have any questions regarding your vehicle, please join our #sheCANic facebook community. You can ask your auto questions and get answers from female techs all over the country, and will be the first to hear about workshops!