What Mechanics Really Want You To Do (FB Live)
Thinking of searching ‘mechanic near me’? Before you show up for that auto repair appointment, here are a few things your auto mechanic wants you to do when you drop your car off for service!
At least half tank of fuel—we know you’re rushing to get to one appointment after another but I can’t stress this one enough. Almost always we need to road test the car, before and after completing the auto repair, and sometimes we need to run the car in the shop for an extended period of time (i.e., coolant fluid service, diagnosing engine idling issues, etc).
Ownership & proof of insurance—in case we get pulled over during the road test… this helps ward off any thoughts that we stole your car. Near our Markham auto repair location, we’re close to a police station and they’re always on the road around us.
Wheel lock key (if applicable)—we won’t be able to get the tires off without it. If you need a car safety inspection, we’ll definitely need to take the wheels off to measure the brakes for the safety inspection. Even if you’re in for car maintenance, tire rotation and brake services are common maintenance items that require us to pull the wheels off.
It’s best to let us know where the key is kept or better yet, put your wheel lock key in your cup holder or somewhere in plain sight for us… lest we go rummaging through your glovebox, trunk, storage compartment, etc. Oh, the things we find when searching for wheel locks! That could be its own blog post altogether.
Keep in mind that if you have a flat tire, you will need the wheel lock key to replace it with the spare tire.
List of symptoms, concerns, issues, etc.—Have this list ready ahead of time, especially if the issues aren’t straightforward. It’s much better to think about issues you’d like us to address ahead of time, rather than trying to rhyme them off when you’re in a rush to leave the repair shop to catch your ride to work.
Previous work orders, invoices, etc.—It helps us to know the history of the car particularly in relation to any issue or concern that you may have. What other auto repair services has it had, or maintenance items completed, etc.
Owner’s manual—it contains fluid specifications/quantities, as well as maintenance light reset procedures.
Radio code—in some vehicles, after disconnecting the car battery the radio will ask for a code before letting you listen to your favourite tunes.
Keep your personal items—when clients drop off their car at our Markham auto repair shop, we ask that they only leave their car keys. When you do that, don’t forget to take with you any items you may need—ID badges, phone, house or office keys, etc.
On behalf of all Markham auto repair technicians, thank you in advance for considering these steps! Whether it’s a car safety inspection, oil change, brake repair, or car maintenance you’re looking for, know that these steps help us work efficiently when it comes to your vehicle’s service.