Things that your mechanic won't tell you

Have a vehicle in need of repair but unsure of how to approach your mechanic?

When it comes to car maintenance and repair, knowledge is power ... especially if you have no idea of what's going on under the hood.

Before heading over to the car dealer, a chain-store franchise or an independent mechanic, make sure the repairman is certified to work on newer model cars. Without knowing what's going on behind the scenes at the garage, basic fixes like having fluids, belts and filters replaced can turn into a nightmare.

Here are few things your mechanic won't tell you:

Ignorance is bliss when it comes to knowing about your warranty
Are you confused if your vehicle is still under warranty? If you are, your mechanic will probably not straighten out your confusion. Why? They will lose money on a repair they could have charged you for. In order for a warranty to continue after a repair has been made, that repair has to be made by the dealership itself... or the warranty is void.

Rebuilt parts are as good as new

Specify that you want a manufactured part! They are less expensive, and literally as good as new. Please keep in mind however that recycled parts aren't perfect for everything. Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the Body Council and owner of a Boston-based car shop says, "You need to make sure it provides exactly what you are looking for and what you need."

I'll repair your car when it's not needed
It is possible that when you drop your vehicle off for routine maintenance, your mechanic will repair things that are unnecessary, but "recommended" by the mechanic. Simply state when you drop your car off, "I'm interested in only routine maintenance. This time I'll pass on any recommended repairs, although I would love to hear your recommendations and an estimate."

My certificates don't mean a thing

Looking at an ASE sticker on your mechanic's wall does not imply that all of the mechanics are ASE certified. A Yahoo News article states that mechanics must have two years of hands-on work experience and pass an extensive standardized exam to become certified. Unsure who at the shop is certified? Just ask the owner!

This garage isn't for you
Maybe this garage really isn't for you. What type of service does your vehicle need? A repair, maintenance, or body work? The issue is that wherever you bring your car, you will hear from the mechanic that you brought your vehicle to the right shop. If you are looking to repair your car when it is under warranty, bring your car straight to the dealer. If you need a repair that is not covered by warranty... don't go to the dealer. The dealer overhead cost is high so repairs not covered by warranty are guaranteed to be expensive.

Your car is really high tech

Too high tech, that is. It's possible that the shop you bring your car to won't be able to handle your repairs. It's not that the mechanic isn't a good one, but the necessary equipment may not be available. Expensive diagnostic equipment may be needed in order to pinpoint the source of some problems. If your car is high tech, look into specialty shops before you bring your car to any old mechanic.

You have more power than you think

Speak up! You really do have more power than you think. If you think the mechanic has wronged you, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and the attorney general's office. Contact your state's highway department to see if your state has an agency that will try to solve every complaint it receives.