Is An Oil Change Enough?

While everyone who owns and cares for an automobile likely knows that taking the vehicle in for an oil change on a regular basis is important, that does not mean that those same people understand the inner workings of an automobile engine. Unfortunately, this can make many of these people a potentially easy mark for a dishonest mechanic.

It's a well known fact that there are dishonest mechanics out there that will try and turn a routine oil change into a more involved and expensive visit by diagnosing additional problems that may or may not exist. These mechanics are preying on the ignorance or lack of understanding that many individuals have when it comes to cars, and are hoping that such people will simply take their word for something being wrong and authorize them to fix it.

Of course, the end game in this type of situation is for the auto body shop to make more money than they would on a routine and inexpensive oil change. However this can only happen if the customer agrees to the additional services, which makes it important for each car or truck owner to at least understand some of the basics of what they may be able to expect when they take their vehicle in for routine maintenance.

The most important and useful thing to remember in any situation where a repair man or woman suggests that additional services are necessary is that you have a right for further explanation and proof, and even more importantly to examine the situation yourself. In other words, if you are told you need a new catalytic converter, ask for further explanation about what this is, how it affects your engine and what your options are for replacement. Then ask to be shown or have demonstrated how this is affecting your engine.

In this same situation it is equally important to keep in mind that you are always entitled to a second opinion and should pursue one whenever possible. Unless your car or truck is unable to be driven out of the shop, which should not be the case since you drove it in there, then whatever problem you are told is occurring is not serious enough to require immediate attention. This means you can leave and take it to another shop where you can have them examine things, make a diagnosis and quote you a price.

Finally, if you are indeed convinced that further work is necessary, ask about the various potential fixes that are available. This can include using cheaper, generic parts or even previously-used ones that can help save you money.

By keeping these things in mind, you will not get more than you bargained for when you go in for an oil change. At the same time, you will also get an honest assessment of what may be wrong under your hood, which in turn can help you provide the best and most effective care for your automobile.