Ask Pete

[#1]

They’re darned if they do and darned if they don’t.

Recently, I have heard from a number of members regarding automotive repair shops that sell things that aren’t necessary or use high-pressure tactics to close a sale. It turns my stomach to hear about cheesy, know-it-all salespeople that intimidate customers just to fatten their bottom line. It’s those guys that give the auto repair industry a reputation of being filled with rip-offs and con artists. But believe it or not, there is another side to this story!

These conversations with members make me think back to my days of working in a shop, where on many occasions I not only performed the repairs I diagnosed, but I was also responsible for writing the repair order and discussing with my customers what specifically needed to be done. When talking about legitimately needed repairs with a customer, a repair shop can expect reactions ranging from acceptance (the shop then performs the repairs immediately) to disagreement (the customer doesn’t see the importance of the suggested repairs).

And then there’s the shop’s Catch-22 scenario. They get scolded for trying to “up-sell,” but they also get scolded for not bringing something to the customer’s attention. I have even been in situations where I made a recommendation for a needed repair, the customer declined those repairs, and a week later the vehicle broke down due to the exact cause of my initial recommendation. (In repair shop technical jargon, this is known as an “I told you so” moment.)

The bottom line? Making decisions based on your repair shop’s recommendations comes down to this:

• Use common sense. If the salesman tries to sell you three headlights, and your car only has two, don’t authorize the work.

• Make sure the repairs follow the manufacturer’s recommended service as listed in the owner’s manual. (That’s the half-inch thick book that’s usually found in the glove box—often in its original, unopened plastic wrap.)

• Let the service advisor or technician show you what they are talking about. While you may not have an automotive background, you can’t deny that there’s a problem if fluid is coming out of a place it obviously shouldn’t.

• Ask to see or keep your replaced part(s). While it may not be practical in some situations, you will give them the impression that you’re an informed consumer.

• Don’t be afraid to say "NO," and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.

• At the end of the day, it all comes down to trust. If you don’t trust your repair shop, you are at the wrong shop. With the money that is at stake, your relationship has to be as good as the one you have with your medical doctor. 

[#2]

With the prices the shops charge, I am unable to sum up any sympathy at all.  They are very well paid to do their job.

Perhaps instead of telling customers about the plight of poor darned if they do, darned if they don't mechanics, you should write an article  stating if most of the  mechanics out there weren't so intent on ripping consumers off, they wouldn't have the reputation of doing so.  (Agree there are a few out there that are honest - it's finding them that is quite difficult.)

Next you'll be writing an article on how we should feel badly for politicians.

[#3]

Pete, I have a '75 S-10, which I only drive short distances about the property and to the convenience center.  I'm trying to keep it  running until I move into the retirement home.  Other than routine maintenance and  tires (oh, and front brakes earlier this year) it runs smooth.

On my latest run about, it developed this problem. . . . going forward and shifting gears okay.  When I put it in reverse and then tried to move to first, nothing.  I even tried double clutching.   I discovered if I turned off the ignition, I could then change from reverse to first.  Diagnosis, please?  

[#4]

It sounds like there is an internal issue in the gear box; possible reverse idler gear. If it is the reverse idler you are looking at almost a complete disassembly to get to the gear as it is the last gear on the shaft. This could be an expensive proposition. Because you didn't mention any issues with any other gear application it doesn't sound like there is a a clutch issue. The best way to know for sure is to have a qualified technician formally inspect and diagnose your concern.