Customers: 7 Reasons Why You Should Treat Your Mechanic Better

While most customers engage their mechanic with courtesy and friendliness, some people insist on treating mechanics badly, whether it’s constantly calling them for an update on your car, or telling them that your uncle’s cousin’s brother-in-law knows the problem better than they do. Regardless of what it is, if you’re one of those people, here are 7 solid reasons why you should treat mechanics better the next time you go to one.

1. They’re just trying to make an honest living.

The few dishonest mechanics out are the ones that give everyone else a bad reputation. People always want to talk about or review a terrible experience, but not always a good one. When a mechanic gives you a quote, don’t immediately think they’re tying to screw you over. Most are no different from you or me. They get in at 8am, work hard all day and get out at 5pm. It’s a tough, backbreaking job, and most of them are just trying to provide for their family, and not trying to bankrupt you.

2. They work on something that you have no understanding of.

When you bring your car into a mechanic, you are essentially saying to them, “You’re the expert, and I’m not exactly sure how to fix this.” Treating them nicely shows that you truly need their assistance. Being a jerk about the cost or saying that they’re not doing the right thing while still bringing your car in does not give the mechanic much incentive to want to fix your car or take you back as a customer the next time you have a problem. Moreover, don’t go into it thinking they’re trying to sucker you for your lack of knowledge. Give them a chance before getting too defensive.

3. They’re a free bank of knowledge.

Maybe this one only applies to the curious types. But, if you’re the least bit interested in how your car works, a good mechanic is better than any website or YouTube video out there. Most will be happy to talk with you if you’re interested in what they’re fixing, how they fix it and what it does. Being nice to them will only encourage this kind of knowledge sharing.

4. They’re probably a decent person.

Actual work aside, most mechanics are good, hardworking people. That’s a simple fact that I think gets overlooked by a lot of customers. There’s a heavily portrayed stigma that all mechanics are scam artists, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. Don’t pass judgment on them because the problem with your car is bigger than you anticipated, or because the issue needs time to fix.

5. They work just as hard as you do.

So, your car has been in the shop for two days longer than anticipated. Yes, this can be a large inconvenience, but if you go in there and it’s up on the lift, or being attended to, then the mechanic and crew are doing all they can to get you on the road. Before getting in their face, make sure you look at the situation objectively to see if the shop is truly working hard to get your car back on the road.

6. They’re working on a very valuable possession.

Think about how much you paid for your car. Even if you’re leasing it, think of how much you’re pouring into it each month. If you want the job done right, and you want meticulous care to be put into the work for your vehicle, then treat the mechanic respectfully. You get what you pay for. Might as well be nice and have your expensive machine run well.

7. They’ll appreciate you as a customer.

When you start things out on the right foot, a lasting friendship can be made between you and your mechanic. Not letting the little things get to you (i.e. a car being a day late, or the bill being raised $100 from the estimate) can help you create something great. Maybe down the line when you have a little problem they’ll fix it, no charge. You never know!

In the next article, I'll flip it around and write on why mechanics should be nicer to their customers.

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