When I bought my first car I was ignorant to believe that once the sale was final, all I needed to worry about was gas, oil changes, and insurance! I now know that the sale price of the vehicle is not the only investment. By also investing in truly maintaining my car, I can keep it running smoothly through 300,000 miles or more.
Author Archives: The Mechanic's Wife
My Life as a Mechanic’s Wife
While I’ve never been opposed to working in a male dominant industry, it just never occurred to me (because of my interests and abilities) that I ever would. However, now that I am working alongside Andrew at the shop full-time, I’ve become increasingly aware that I’m a minority in this industry.
How To Reduce Stress With Your Next Vehicle Repair
Before I married a mechanic, I definitely didn’t know how to make the most of my appointment with an auto mechanic shop, making it a stressful experience. Now that my husband and I own a shop, I’d like to share with you some things I’ve learned that will save you some of the frustration I used to experience.
Do I Need Diagnostic Testing or a Vehicle Inspection?
What’s the difference between vehicle diagnostic testing and a vehicle inspection? It’s much the same as when you go to the doctor because you are sick versus your annual physical.
Starting the New Year Right for Your Car and Your Wallet
Five tips to reduce money stress when it comes to your vehicle.
Life Transitions and Paying Bills in a New Business
Change is abounding at Marinelli Auto Service. I’m leaving my job to help at the shop more, which has caused Andrew and I to reconfigure how we’re going to pay our bills.
A Guide to Buying a Used Car
Buying a car, aside from choosing the right college and buying a house, is one of the most expensive purchasing decisions we make, and yet so many of us are in the dark as to what to look for. We often have more questions than we find answers, so I’d like to help ease your mind a little when making that all important decision.
Does Your Car Pass the Mom Test?
We know that we, alone, cannot change the reputation of the whole auto repair industry…but we hope to at least change it for those who come through our shop – one car, one customer at a time. We want to be sure everything we do for you is good enough for Andrew’s mom (and Andrew loves his mom!).
Understanding Your Auto Repair Bill: The Deal on Parts
Your mechanic hands you an estimate and explains what needs to be done – it’s an important repair that can’t wait. Six hours of labor and over $400 in parts. You want your family to be safe when they are in the vehicle, so you sign off on the work. Why am I paying so much on parts?
Understanding Your Auto Repair Bill: Why Your Mechanic Probably Isn’t Rich
Meet Joseph, a veteran auto technician (aka auto mechanic), highly experienced after 20 years in the industry. Surely, Joseph is rolling in the dough. Right? While a mechanic like Joseph may have both depth and breadth of knowledge as well as formidable mechanical skills, he may also be tied to a pay system which constantly contradicts his mastery.