I understand that anxiety far too well. Understanding money matters has never been my strong suit. Understanding money matters related to my car was even weaker. Now that I am immersed in the context of car repairs on a regular basis, some of that anxiety has been replaced by knowing that a job well done is worth the cost, and you often get what you pay for. In this first of a three part series, I will break down the cost of diagnostics and labor rates.
Author Archives: The Mechanic's Wife
Should I Price Shop for Auto Repair?
By price shopping, we recognize that you’ll often save money in the short-term, but we believe you might spend more in the long term. There’s that old (and true) idea that you often get what you pay for. In automotive repair, there’s a lot that you should want to “get.”
6 Qualities to Look for in an Auto Mechanic Shop
Building a relationship with your mechanic is important because someone who is familiar with your vehicle, its maintenance and repair history, and who knows you will be more likely to take the greatest care of you and your car. This trusting relationship will reduce the stress of the inevitable major repair and you’ll be able to drive down the road confident in your vehicle’s performance and safety.
How Marrying A Mechanic Changed My Life
As a little girl I imagined marrying a business man, much like my father. As a college student I was sure I’d marry a man doing full-time Christian ministry or a missionary. Instead, I married a mechanic. Even more to my surprise, my husband’s profession has become a part of my own identity, just as much as my own job has.
Dollars & Sense: Why Do Labor & Parts Cost So Much?
Your stomach drops (and maybe your jaw does, too). You begin mentally calculating how much money you have in your bank account, the date of your next paycheck, and then you wonder if you’ll have to dip into your savings to pay for this auto-repair bill. Suddenly, you begin to question everything. Can I really trust this mechanic? Was the problem really important enough to fix now? Should I have gotten an estimate from another repair shop to compare?
Dollars & Sense: Are Free (or Cheap) Diagnostics a Myth?
Good thing automotive diagnostic testing and evaluation is free or at least cheap, right? Diagnostics, or the process of finding a fault, is……..a process. A good mechanic will use many different resources and tools to navigate this process based on the detailed description of the problem he derives from the customer. You will not get an accurate outcome from a shop who does this on the cheap.
Dollars & Sense: Do You Really Want a Cheap Oil Change?
Before you run into the nearest auto shop with the lowest price, I encourage you to consider your options. Is a cheap oil change really worth the savings?
Dollars & Sense: 3 Keys to Smart Auto Care
We’ve all been there. The light on your dashboard comes on and you get a slight sinking feeling in your stomach. You’re busy, money’s tight, and maybe you’re just not a car person so dealing with the problem makes you a little apprehensive. How do I know if my mechanic is giving me quality service for a fair price?