Five questions you should ask your mechanic before a service
Your best line of defence is to ask the right questions from the get go
Car issues, expensive repairs and “those mechanics that ripped me off” are always hot conversation starters among vehicle owners.
So what should you be doing to ensure your vehicle repairs or regular services become hassle-free?
Les Mc Master, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says your best line of defence is to ask the right questions from the get go.
1. Ask about your cam belt
Does the vehicle have a cam belt and if so, when was it last changed? The life span of cam belts vary depending on the manufacturer.
2. Ask about the condition of your brake pads
Brake pads should be replaced at 70% of total ware to ensure the safety of the driver. It’s also important that your mechanic inspects the brake discs.
3. Do your brake fluid and radiator coolant needs to be changed?
It’s also important to ask how often this should be done and whether it was done at your last service.
4. Asking about the state of the air bags, seatbelts and ABS (anti-lock braking system) is also a must.
A light appearing on your dashboard is not a guarantee that the ABS is working correctly. Your mechanic will be able to check that the system is working correctly and the air bags are programmed to deploy in the event of a collision.
5. Ask the mechanic to contact you with a quote should he find any other work that needs to be done.
The quote should include an approximate cost for the parts and labour. Remember that preventative maintenance through early detection can prove more cost effective in the long term.
