Are You a Real Mechanic?

Auto technicians are found all over in places that sell auto parts, and offer service work. Mechanics are in garages and shops providing service. A mechanic could also be a technician, if they were first a mechanic. The title of automotive technician in no way earns a person the title of mechanic. The two have very different traits that put them miles apart.

Let's say you find your car has a blown head gasket.

An automotive technician can determine the fact that your car does have a blown head gasket. Most are paid a commission on parts they sell, so you are going to need many parts replaced during the repair process. The main objective of the automotive technician is to make as much money as fast as they can, and move on to the next job. These guys are not real mechanics, rather they are parts changers.

A mechanic will be honest with you (in most cases) regarding worn parts. You may be informed that a part is worn, but may last another year or two, leaving the decision up to you. Unlike the automotive technician a mechanic not only can repair a blown head gasket but look at the gasket and gain information as to why the gasket failed.

Automotive technicians want to get you out the door as fast they can, and mechanics are concerned with putting their name on the job every time they reach in the tool box. Mechanics look at the head gasket like a fuse. No one blames a fuse when it blows. The same applies for the gasket, something caused it to fail. A mechanic wants to address the issue as to why it failed so the job is done correctly.

A good mechanic is worth their weight in gold. Automotive technicians are a dime a dozen and thrive off peoples good nature to take advantage of them. A little grease under your finger nails and some paperwork doesn't merit the title of mechanic, this must be earned over time. This not to say all mechanics are honest or that all automotive technicians are bad.

Mechanics have experience and knowledge to repair problems with out changing hundreds off dollars worth of part in the process. There are some questions that may be asked to determine the difference between a real mechanic or a run of the mill parts changer.

Be prepared for the worst

Auto technicians and mechanics may take advantage of the fact a person knows little or nothing about cars. Even if this is the case do not let your lack of knowledge show. If you have a trust worthy mechanic, you may not want to drill them with a bunch of questions and insult their integrity.

It would work to your advantage to have a Little knowledge of what some parts cost and the amount of time it takes to remove and replace them. So if you have time to spare make a few calls and get some information so you are not clue less about things.

Automotive technicians seem to really take advantage of the ladies. Girls, you may want to start implying your husband or boyfriend wants to come down and look at the parts you are told need replaced. A real mechanic will Gladly show you what is wrong with the part that needs replaced. In either case you have the right to see whats going on it is your car. Tell them you want all the old parts that were replaced.

Prepare ahead of time so you know what to ask before your car is in the shop. Find a mechanic ahead of time before you need one. If a lady were to say that the ball joints on that side looked just fine last week when I put brakes on, mechanics and automotive technicians alike would be less likely to take advantage of them. Guys can do the same, demanding the parts being replaced is a good way to keep a mechanic or parts changer honest.

How long should this last ?

Get everything in writing regarding cost and warranties. Be certain to have a full understanding of the policy regarding how the mechanic or automotive technician stands behind their work. Actually talking face to face with the mechanic or parts changer will enable you to make a decision on spending your money there or not.

Mechanics take pride in their work and occasionally have to eat their mistakes, but they will make it right and take blame when their wrong. Automotive technicians will find something else wrong to assure they make more money repairing their mistakes rather than blaming themselves and taking a loss.

If you need your car repaired go to a mechanic. If you have more money than you can figure out what to do with go to the automotive technician. My hats off to all the real mechanics, to the others, stop taking advantage of people as if there were no tomorrow.