18 Things You're Doing That Tick Off The Mechanic

You want your car to last and perform well, but sometimes, your everyday habits could be causing more harm than good. From dismissing those dashboard warnings to getting a bit too DIY with maintenance, certain practices can lead to some pricey repairs and major inconveniences down the road.

We’re taking a look at 20 bad auto habits that your mechanic wishes you’d stop.

Stop Mixing Up Your Car Fluids

Each fluid in your ride, whether it’s engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, or brake fluid, has its own specific purpose. Pouring the wrong fluid into the wrong spot is like putting diesel in a petrol engine -it can cause catastrophic failures and hefty repair bills.

Before you start topping off, make sure you’re absolutely clear on what goes where. The caps are usually color-coded and labeled for this very reason. A quick glance at your owner’s manual or a simple call to your mechanic can prevent a world of hurt.

Stop Letting Your Car Sit Unused

It might seem harmless to let your car sit idle, especially if you’re not a daily commuter, but vehicles aren’t designed to be stationary. Leaving your car parked for long periods can lead to a variety of problems, like battery drain or even engine issues.

To keep everything in working order, drive your car a few miles every couple of days. This keeps the battery charged and the engine parts lubricated. If you plan on leaving your car parked for a long time, consider hooking it up to a smart charger like the Battery Tender Junior.

Stop Shifting to or from Reverse While Moving

Whether you’re driving a car with an automatic or manual transmission, shifting into or out of reverse while your car is still moving can lead to significant damage. For automatics, it involves a complex system between the electronic transmission selector switch and the car’s computer, which controls various components to safely engage the gears. Interrupting this process by shifting on the move can strain or break these sensitive parts.

In manual cars, improper shifting can lead to misaligned or damaged components, making it difficult to engage reverse correctly. Save yourself a major headache (and repair bill) by coming to a complete stop before switching gears.

Stop Haggling Over Repair Prices

When you drop your car off for repairs, try to resist the urge to haggle over the price. Repair costs are set based on the complexity of the work, the expertise needed, and the time it takes to do the job right. Mechanics and repair shops price their services to reflect the value of their expertise and the quality of their work. Arguing over these costs can be frustrating for professionals who know the effort involved in each repair.

If you’re inclined to save money, consider learning some basic maintenance and simple repairs yourself. There are plenty of resources that can guide you through routine car upkeep and minor fixes.

Stop Complaining About Shop Supply Charges

During repairs, your car benefits from various supplies like rags, specialized cleaners, and abrasives, all of which cost money. Tracking the exact cost of these supplies for each job would be impractical and more expensive than you’d expect. So, shops average these costs based on labor hours to keep things fair without inflating their hourly rates.

Stop Withholding Information

Withholding information from the mechanic only makes their job harder and your repair slower. If you notice odd noises, weird smells, or changes in performance, write them down. The more details you can provide, the quicker and more accurately your mechanic can diagnose and fix the problem.

Stop Expecting a Free Diagnosis

Expecting a free diagnosis just because an auto parts store offers isn’t practical. Diagnosing car troubles goes well beyond just plugging in a code reader. It involves detailed checks for updates, in-depth electrical testing, and often, real-world driving simulations to pinpoint the exact issue. This level of diagnostic work requires time and expertise from the highest-paid technicians who use specialized equipment.

Stop Telling the Mechanic What to Fix

Telling a mechanic what to repair based on your own diagnosis can lead to trouble. This approach often puts repair shops in a difficult position. If they reject your request, they might seem unhelpful or just after more money.

However, agreeing to make a specific repair without proper diagnosis can lead to unresolved issues, which may damage their reputation if the problem persists. It’s best to let the professionals conduct their own evaluation and suggest the necessary repairs.

Stop Ignoring Oily Wet Stains on Your Driveway

Oil stains in your driveway could mean a serious leak in your car. Whether it’s engine oil, coolant, brake, or transmission fluid, each type of leak spells trouble and could lead to major failures if ignored.

Engine and transmission fluids keep things running smoothly by preventing overheating, while a brake fluid leak is a direct threat to your safety. Check the fluid levels using the dipstick or reservoirs, top them off as needed, and don’t delay in getting those leaks checked.

Stop Bringing Your Own Parts to the Auto Shop

Most auto repair shops earn a slice of their living on parts and labor. By bringing your own parts, you’re cutting into their profit, and not many shops will appreciate that. In fact, some might refuse to use your parts altogether, or they might charge extra labor fees to make up for the loss.

If that part fails down the road, don’t expect the shop to cover the labor costs of fixing it again. Before you buy that discounted alternator online, give your shop a call and make sure they’re okay with installing parts they didn’t supply themselves.

Stop Driving on Worn Tires

While it’s tempting to run your tires down to the bare legal limit of 2/32-inch tread to put off buying a new set, this could cost you more than just tire money. Low tread depth not only spikes your risk of a crash but also worsens your car’s handling and braking ability, especially on wet roads.

Testing has shown that a tire at 2/32-inch tread extends your stopping distance by a heart-stopping 100 feet at 70 MPH compared to 4/32-inch. Even at low speeds, worn tires can lead to expensive problems like sliding into a curb. Make a safer choice and replace your tires once they hit 4/32-inch tread depth.

Stop Driving Your Car When It’s Overheated

Driving just a little further with an overheated engine is a fast track to a fat repair bill. Modern aluminum engines are particularly unforgiving compared to the old iron clunkers. If your engine starts to overheat, continuing to drive, even for just five minutes, can lead to catastrophic damage like a blown head gasket.

This kind of damage can wreak havoc on your engine bearings and catalytic converter too, potentially leading to a total engine replacement. That will cost you a pretty penny, my friend.

Stop Buying Used Cars Without a Pro Inspection

While a quick dipstick check and a test drive might make you feel like a smart buyer, they barely scratch the surface. Hidden issues can emerge post-purchase, turning your “great deal” into a financial nightmare.

Instead, shell out about $200 for a professional pre-purchase inspection. This in-depth check-up can reveal sneaky problems, from erased trouble codes hinting at past issues to worn-out belts that might soon need replacing.

Stop Shopping for the Cheapest Brake Jobs

Be suspicious of too-good-to-be-true $99 brake job specials. Sure, they sound great, but they usually lead to a classic bait-and-switch.

A decent brake job, with new pads and possibly rotor machining, typically costs between $250 to $350. Quality brake pads alone cost about $75, and with labor rates hitting up to $140 per hour, no shop can genuinely offer a thorough brake job for just $99 without cutting corners.

Many people lured in by these low prices end up shelling out much more—sometimes over $500 after the upselling begins. Stick to reputable shops that might charge more upfront but provide honest service without the upsell drama.

Stop Ignoring Unusual Noises

Squeals, screeches, grinds, rumbles, clicks, and clunks are all cries for help from your vehicle. Each noise could hint at major trouble—from failing drive belts and engine bearings to brake and suspension issues. These problems definitely won’t fix themselves, and waiting too long could cause even more damage. It’s cheaper and safer to get these sounds checked out before you find yourself facing a hefty repair bill.

Stop Ignoring Smells

Got a whiff of something funky like burning oil or rubber? That’s a serious signal that something’s wrong. An oily burning smell usually means that oil or another fluid is leaking onto hot parts of the engine or exhaust, possibly leading to low levels that can damage your engine, transmission, or power steering.

A burning rubber smell could mean your drive belt system is about to give up, which could overheat your engine and leave you stranded.

If your brakes are emitting a burning smell, they might not be working right, which is a straight-up safety hazard.

Stop Ignoring Your Warning Lights

Ever noticed a check engine light and jdecided to ignore it? Don’t do that. That light could be your dashboard’s way of crying out about potential issues in practically any part of your vehicle—be it the brakes, engine, transmission, or even the entertainment system. Ignoring these warnings might save you a trip to the mechanic today, but it can lead to major damage and eye-watering repair costs down the road.

Stop Procrastinating on Routine Maintenance

Modern cars and trucks are built with tighter tolerances, which means skipping out on regular maintenance can lead to major problems later. Those oil changes and fluid checks are essential for your vehicle’s longevity.

For instance, engine coolant does a lot more than prevent your engine from overheating. It also keeps internal corrosion at bay. Neglect it, and you’re looking at potential failures like a busted water pump or radiator sooner rather than later.