Describing Symptoms To Your Mechanic Like A Pro
Sometimes going to your mechanic is like going to the doctor. You get there, and the issue seems to never duplicate itself. However, you can help your mechanic pinpoint the problem by giving as much information to them upfront. What can really make the difference is you sounding like you know exactly what you are talking about as opposed to a child explaining physics! Below are a few tips to use to describe your car issues to your mechanic like a pro.
Know the Pertinent Information about Your Car
Before contacting your mechanic, there are a few specifics you should know about the vehicle you'd like to bring in. If it's not your vehicle, ensure you know the year, make, and model. A mechanic may have a particular person they'd need to consult with or can look in the system to ensure they have the right part for your vehicle.
- Is it a luxury versus a standard
- V6 engine versus V8 engine
- 2013 versus 2014 model
Also, if this is in regards to a prior service issue from another mechanic, having a service repair order will be handy as well. If you received a diagnostic on it, bring that with you. This could save you money if your mechanic agrees with the initial diagnosis.
The final piece of information you'd need to know is the symptoms you're dealing with in regards to your car. You want to know how long this has been occurring and detailed information so your mechanic can judge what is going on. Your mechanic is busy, and having them guess at it takes time to replicate the problem. So know beforehand because this is no time to phone a friend to help you out.
What Takes Place When the Issue Occurs?
The next thing to ensure you do to sound like a pro talking to your mechanic is to pinpoint when the issue occurs. It's not really rocket science to pay attention if it occurs while going certain speeds uphill versus a normal highway drive. Does the issue occur if you're going backward as opposed to forward? You may notice the issue occurs only when attempting to stop while it's raining rather than on dry pavement. If you know the conditions, it may cost less because they are searching for a specific incident.
Know Your Terminology
Your mechanic doesn't expect you to know exactly what they know, including complicated auto terminology such as aerodynamic drag. If you knew it all, how would they get paid? However, you should know a few simple terms to help your mechanic understand the situation. Sometimes you believe you are stating the right terms. However, it leads your mechanic down a different path. A few simple terms that are often misused include:
- My car doesn't crank up – You may mean it won't start and stay going. However, the term crank means absolutely no noise or just a slight noise when you turn the key.
- My car just stalls – You may mean your car takes a while to start. However, the term stalls means it will start, but it will not continue to run.
Knowing the above will definitely help your mechanic out in determining what's wrong with your vehicle. It will get you back on the road faster and could save you a bit of money. If you're having car trouble, contact Vince's Auto Service or another local mechanic and use your new-found vocabulary to help you describe the problem.