Category: Automotive

If your mechanic tells you any of these things, it’s time to shop around for a new mechanic

Nearly everyone has gone to the local shop for routine auto maintenance only to drive away after paying a lot more in unexpected charges. Most mechanics are honest, hardworking people who only want to help you by pointing out problems you may not know about. But some mechanics want to take you and your wallet for a ride. If any of these things sound like your mechanic, start looking for a new one.

“You can use any kind of motor oil.”

Some mechanics will tell you that your car can use any kind of oil, especially if it will save you money. There is only a little bit of truth to this. Let’s take a very common oil, 5w-30, as an example. The first number is the viscosity, or the ability of the oil to flow, at 0°F. The second number is the viscosity at 212°F, which is the normal operating temperature of most vehicles.

Some vehicles in extremely cold climates use a thinner oil, such as 0w-30, in order to start easier in the extreme cold. Notice the second number, the viscosity at normal operating temperate, is the same as our previous example. Many vehicles can run on this thinner oil in order to get better efficiency in the minutes after starting. But that second number, the ‘hot’ number, isn’t one to mess with. Using a thicker or thinner oil than recommended for normal operating temperatures can result in damage to your vehicle. So in this case, all oil isn’t the same.

The same goes for conventional versus synthetic oil, each of which has different properties and a number of pros and cons. Synthetic oil is more expensive, but can also be better for your vehicle. Some turbocharged and high-performance vehicles even require synthetic oil in order to perform properly.

“I wouldn’t drive that very far.”

This is a scare tactic designed to get you to authorize a repair. Mechanics know that most people don’t know anything about their cars, so they prey on your fears that you’ll not want to break down on the side of the road. If a mechanic is trying to coerce you in this way, get a second opinion immediately.

“We should replace the entire thing.”

Sometimes you need to replace the entire exhaust system when something is wrong. But other times, a simple repair will cover it. If you fail an emissions test because of a hole in your exhaust, you should be going the other direction if you hear words like “entire,” “whole,” or “system.” In some cases, a simple problem like this can be fixed with a much cheaper weld or even a quick dab of a sealant. Some shops will even make this type of repair at no charge to you if all that is required is a dab of sealant.

“You need to fix this now before it becomes a problem.”

Some greedy mechanics will exaggerate how serious a problem is in order to get you to make a repair, even if it doesn’t really have to be fixed right away. You may have a power steering pump, for example, that has started making a minor amount of noise and will need to be replaced down the road. A shady mechanic, while being honest that complete failure can contaminate the entire system, may exaggerate how long you have before a replacement is necessary. That failing pump, while needing to be replaced, might last for a long time before it fails, meaning you can take a few days to shop around.

Unfortunately, some honest mechanics will exaggerate a legitimate problem in order to convince a skeptical owner that the problem really does exist. Even worse, a shady mechanic may point out a problem that doesn’t exist! When in doubt, get a second opinion!

Lies Your Mechanic Has Told You

Car mechanics are notorious for lying to their customers in order to gain extra work for things that don’t really need doing.

In the Shop

Car owners place a lot of trust in mechanics to limit maintenance and repairs to what a vehicle needs. But when there’s a sizable knowledge gap between vehicle owner and mechanic, that trust can be betrayed. That’s why there are some things a car owner should know before heading into the shop for even a routine oil change that will help look out for fibs auto shops tell to get you to spend a bit more.

Put Nitrogen in Your Tires

Nitrogen is supposed to help tires stay properly inflated through dramatic changes in weather. Consumer Reports says that’s not a factor with most modern tires, and it’s easy to reinflate tires yourself, saving about $5 per tire by using regular air instead of nitrogen.

Use Only Dealer Parts

Buying aftermarket parts for repairs is a nightmare, even for folks who know cars. In rebuilding or repairing older cars, be very careful about going with lower-grade parts just to shave off some costs. Read reviews, check multiple sources, and, if still unsure, go with the midgrade or premium part instead. And never go cheap on brakes. But none of that means using only dealer parts.

Mechanics Lie: Need To Follow A Set Service Schedule

We will start off with one of the most obvious lies that car mechanics can tell. The idea that you must follow a set service schedule is a lie that mechanics tell for an obvious reason, the reason being money. If a mechanic gets someone trapped into the idea that they need to come into the shop on a regular basis, they know they will be getting money each and every time, even if there isn’t much actual work that needs to be done.

Mechanics Lie: You’ve Done Too Many Miles

To some degree, this is actually true because, obviously, the more miles that a car covers, the more likely it is to break down simply because it is being worked hard—and this can lead to general wear and tear. However, if your mechanic is claiming that you need work done because you’ve hit 20,000 miles, then you can tell that they might be trying to simply get some extra cash out of you because most vehicles will still be running smoothly at that point.

Winterize Or Summerize Your Car

Another way a car mechanic can lie to you is claiming that you need to winterize or summerize your car, which would mean that work needs to be done twice a year due to the seasons. It’s a clever way to guarantee a mechanic earns some extra cash. One big way mechanics can earn more money from you is stating that you need car tire covers during the winter in case it snows heavily.

Whilst some people might need that depending on the weather where they live, many will not. Another situation is that modern coolant and antifreeze should last for the majority of a car’s life and if that doesn’t, then enhancing it with intervals measuring every 50,000 miles will be a quick way to add up the spending.

You Can’t See The Work We Did

If you ever need a perfect example of how a car mechanic is lying to you, it is the phrase, “You can’t see the work we did.” If you are ever told that by a mechanic, then you need to immediately question them for more details. Whilst some work might be taking place that can’t be visible, it is important to push them for strict details about exactly what has happened to make sure that they aren’t lying and simply claiming to have done some work when they really haven’t.

Sometimes, mechanics can claim they have done extra work that you can’t see, hoping that most people won’t question them for further information or details, with mechanics using terminology that might deter a regular customer from asking further questions.

Prepaid Maintenance Is The Best Option

Once again, this isn’t exactly a full-blown lie because prepaid maintenance certainly does have its benefits and is incredibly convenient. However, this is a situation where certain promises can be overexaggerated and aren’t something that is fully necessary. Having prepaid maintenance is convenient for you but it benefits the dealership and its service department even more because they make money by scheduling more services than the car needs.

Small, little details will then become big issues as most of these plans do not cover wear and tear issues like brakes and wipers, meaning there are then extra charges added to the prepayment, and the cost of the situation quickly adds up.

The Brakes Are Bad

Speaking of issues, this is another area where mechanics are really able to make the most out of their knowledge and bring in the fear factor that works on many customers. After all, out of every element on your car, the brakes are the last thing that you want to possibly be faulty or broken, as they can be a matter of safety and therefore, whenever anyone is told any information about their brakes, they immediately panic and want the situation resolved.

However, a mechanic will often encourage the customer to replace everything when, in reality, simply cleaning the brake rotors can fix the issue. But because people are worried, they instantly pay for way more than they need to.

How Car Dealers Can Survive During The Coronavirus Outbreak

The coronavirus outbreak has already had a drastic impact on our entire way of life. By nearly all accounts, things are likely to get worse before they get better. This extends to a crucial part of the global economy: Car manufacturing and car buying. Many buyers are likely to drop out of the market completely or put their purchases on hold. And this means the dealers who want to get through this mess and save their businesses may have to make changes both short-term and permanent—to close deals.

Wall Street Journal reports some dealers are starting to take a serious look at how they handle customers and transactions at a time where people are being asked (or ordered) not to go out in public or gather in large groups. While used car startups like Carvana and Vroom already offer home delivery and online transactions, they also price their cars on the upper end of the spectrum, so that convenience has a cost (similar to CarMax). And none offer new-car sales.

It’s no secret that most dealers are stuck in the past, married to the retrograde model of relying on people to physically show up at the dealership and haggle for hours until papers are signed. Protected by strong franchise laws, car dealers lag behind other retail sectors in embracing online selling. You still can’t buy a car on the internet the way you’d buy a phone, even though manufacturers all offer spiffy “Build Your Own” model configurators that have the veneer of a one-click order system.

But with the social distancing precautions spreading around the country, lagging behind the virus, I can’t imagine anyone wanting to spend hours at a dealership for at least the next couple months. So dealers need to act, now.

indicates we could see as much as 3 million fewer new vehicles sold this year—not quite Great Recession levels of bad, but much lower than anticipated. And regardless, any close comparison to the last economic crisis is sure to spook everyone in the industry, which got absolutely hammered a decade ago.

Must-Have Items to Set Up an Office for Used Car Dealership

Setting up your office for a used car dealership is important. Probably, it is one of the most essential steps to establish your business. Because an office is a place where you finalize sales and operate your business. So, you need to make your dealership office professional, inviting, clean, and pleasant environment for your customers.

In one sense, your office is the face of your dealership. If you have a professional, clean, and organized office, your customers may develop a positive impression towards you and your business. They may like how you run your business. As a result, they may be interested in doing business with you.

An actual office building

Most states will not issue you a dealer license if you do not have a physical location and an office. if you are planning to move to an already established building, make sure that the place is in a convenient location and gets a good amount of traffic.

Several chairs

It is quite to unconvertable to make your customers wait on their feet. Buy several chairs because most customers come with a family so you need to heave comfortable places for them to sit.

Office table

Doing paperwork without an office table is almost impossible. Also, you need a table to put your computer and printers. If you can’t afford them, just get the used ones from Craigslist. I am sure there are some people who sell used office furniture in your area.

How to buy a used car

You’re in the market for a used car, but you don’t want to buy a lemon. You’re wondering if it’s possible to spend less than you would on a new car, and still get something safe and reliable. It is, but be prepared to do some homework.

Before you buy a used car

Don’t rush, take your time and do your research into the different makes and models, and consider the following:

Your budget. Work out how much you can afford to spend. Red Book will guide you on the value of the car or cars you’re considering according to their year and model.

Your needs. What will you use the car for? If you do most of your driving in the city, a four-wheel drive is hardly necessary.

Safety. Check the used car safety ratings that are based on real-life accidents.

Security. How easy is it to steal or break into the car? What security features is the car equipped with? Check the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council car security scores.

Insurance costs. Thesewill vary from model to model. Once you’ve narrowed down your options get some quotes.

Environment. Check the car’s fuel consumption and emissions rating. The Green Vehicle Guide can help you here.

Dealer, auction or private sale. Decide where and how you want to buy the car. See what we have to say about these options further down in this article.

Regulations. Check your state or territory’s regulations around buying and selling used cars, including how to make sure there’s no money owing on the car. We have more info on this later in this article.

Out shopping

Inspect the car using the checklist below.

If you’re not comfortable inspecting the car yourself you can organise an independent expert inspection through your state’s motoring organisation. If you buy at auction, though, this usually isn’t possible.

If you find a car that fits your criteria, check that it is debt-free. If you buy the car from a dealer, they’re legally obliged to guarantee that the car’s debt-free. For private sales you can check the national Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) – this has replaced numerous existing asset registers across Australia, including the Register of Encumbered Vehicles or REVS. Have the vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number ready. There is a fee of $3.40 per search payable by Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

Don’t sign until you’re completely happy with the car and its cost.

Ask questions about the vehicle’s history – how many owners has the vehicle had previously? Has it been involved in any crashes? What’s the mileage? How much does it cost to fill the tank? Is the vehicle currently registered and insured? What safety features does it have?

After the sale

Arrange insurance once you’ve bought the car and before you drive it anywhere.

Transfer the registration to your name. You usually have to do this within a few days of buying the car.

Car Salesman Confidential: How To Buy A Used Car

In recent years, with the transaction price of the average new car climbing past $30,000, and the sluggish economy, more and more people are electing to keep their cars a little longer, or buy used. So the question is, how do you keep from getting stuck with a bad used car? Here are my suggestions, as a ten year veteran of car sales

Establish A Relationship With A Salesperson

Any time you buy from a person you’ve never met, whether he’s a salesman for a dealership or some guy on eBay, it’s a bit of a gamble. The seller may be a straight shooter, and the car he’s selling may be perfectly fine. Or he may be a con artist and the car may have serious problems with it. In my opinion, a good strategy is to find a salesperson you trust — maybe the man or woman you bought your last new car from — and work through them. When it comes time to buy something used, call them up and tell them what you’re looking for. If he’s smart, your salesman will steer you to a car you’ll be happy with, if for no other reason than he wants to sell you more cars in the future

Buy From A Large Dealership With A Good Reputation

I’m not knocking small “Mom & Pop” dealerships, because I have many friends who work at places like this and there’s nothing wrong with the cars they sell. But I think you have a slightly better chance of finding a good used car at a large, well-established dealership. There are two reasons. First, large dealerships have service departments, whereas your local “dirt lot” probably does not. Chances are good that any car you find at a large dealership has at least gone through a basic Safety Inspection to make sure the tires are good, the brakes work, and nothing is wrong with the steering. Most dealerships will also check the fluids and change the oil. With a small lot you just have to take the seller’s word for it that the car is mechanically sound, or arrange to have your own mechanic inspect it.

A Word About Rental Cars.

Many times, dealerships will supplement their used car inventory with vehicles from rental car companies. The reason is simple: they need the inventory. A dealership can’t just sit around and wait for customers to trade in what’s popular, so they go out and buy desirable vehicles from rental companies, or at auction. A lot of people are put off by this, but they shouldn’t be. If a car is in good condition it shouldn’t matter who the previous owner was. (In fact, you may even have a better chance that the vehicle was properly maintained because most rental companies perform regular maintenance.) Rentals will typically have a little higher mileage on them than comparable privately owned cars, but that also means they’re priced lower. I have sold many a used car that came from a rental fleet and had no complaints yet.

Buy A Certified Used Car

If you’ve been out cruising dealerships lately you may have noticed some of the cars have stickers on them saying things like “Certified” or “Certified Pre-Owned.” What this means is that the car has gone through an inspection process, been serviced and, if necessary, repaired, and is being sold with an extended warranty.

Car Care Tips

Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Car

This also means that you’re most likely about to dive into hours of research, comparing various makes and models and wondering which dealers you can trust. There tends to be some unknowns associated with used cars – but there doesn’t have to be. You’ll want to learn as much as possible before signing on the dotted line.

Budget

Before you set out to find the car of your dreams, define a clear budget and stick to it. This can be difficult as you discover the plethora of options and add-ons that exist in the automotive industry, but sticking to your budget will help you quickly narrow your search.

Vehicle History

If you scan the interior and exterior of the vehicle and everything looks spotless, don’t be so sure. Even though everything might look right on the outside, the vehicle may have had a rough past. Websites like CARFAX  can provide you with robust history reports detailing prior damage, odometer readings, and title information.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

This is one of the most important steps to take when buying a used car. Ensure that the pre-owned vehicle you’re interested in is what it claims to be with our pre-purchase car inspection service.

Reputation

It’s not hard to find reviews and reputation reports for auto manufacturers and their various makes and models. Websites like Kelley Blue Book provide an abundance of useful resources, from car reviews and manufacturer awards to valuation tools and local dealer inventories.