Because most consumers understand very little about the inner workings of their cars, they often feel at a disadvantage when discussing motor problems with mechanics.<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s fine \u2013 after all, few of us would be able to take on the family doctor when it comes to matters of health.<\/p>
That said, it doesn\u2019t take much to acquire the knowledge that will make visits to the mechanic less daunting.<\/p>\n
The first tip, offered by Dewald Ranft, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), is to make sure that you describe your concerns around the car in great detail.<\/p>\n
That doesn\u2019t necessarily mean researching car bodies until you are able to name every part, and even offer the mechanic advice (after all, you wouldn\u2019t tell a surgeon how to do his job, and your mechanic is every bit as knowledgeable and an expert in his field); but it does mean being able to describe any noises, rattles and shudders, and let your mechanic know where they are.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Keeping your older child safe in the car<\/a><\/p>\n Car service intervals are there for a reason<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If necessary, take him with for a test drive so that he is able to experience these for himself.<\/p>\n This is far more effective than telling him \u201cto do what needs to be done\u201d.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t make suggestions about what needs to be fixed \u2013 after all, you may send the mechanic in the completely wrong direction.<\/p>\n Pay attention to what your mechanic tells you.<\/p>\n Motor repairs don\u2019t come cheap, so it\u2019s worth your while to take enough of an interest in the car to make sure you don\u2019t repeat any bad driving habits that may put parts at risk in the future.<\/p>\n By the same token, if there\u2019s something you want to know, don\u2019t hesitate to ask questions.<\/p>\n As experts in their field, mechanics are happy to share their knowledge, and nothing pleases a motor enthusiast more than someone who wants to learn more about their favourite topic.<\/p>\n You also have the right to question anything the mechanic has recommended.<\/p>\n Again, since car repairs are costly, if you don\u2019t understand why a certain repair is necessary, finding out more will give you peace of mind.<\/p>\n A final point on this score: you\u2019ll probably understand more if your mechanic physically shows you the parts he is talking about, rather than simply describing them, so ask if you can have a tour of what\u2019s underneath the car\u2019s bonnet while he\u2019s chatting.<\/p>\n Asking for information as you go along also protects you from receiving a shock when you get the bill.<\/p>\n Of course, the more you trust your mechanic, the more comfortable you\u2019ll feel talking about a technically complex subject.<\/p>\n It\u2019s, therefore, worthwhile shopping around until you find a workshop that you can envisage returning to year after year.<\/p>\n Ranft said that it\u2019s also important to make sure that workshop is a MIWA member.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is your reassurance that the workshop and its mechanics meet our stringent criteria, and that they can be trusted not only to be technically proficient, but also to provide excellent service,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\n
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