Do you get a headache thinking about having to go to the mechanic for your ride? For many car or bike owners, this is a normal part of life be it for routine check-ups or because something’s gone wrong (touch wood!). But then… There’s the rest of us. The one’s who don’t know the difference between needing to change the oil (of something?) and needing to add coolant (for the radiator?).

Oh yeah. We’re the ones in trouble when visiting the mechanic. So here’s a few tips and tricks to remember, my fellow car-not-understand drivers (see what I did there?)!

ONE: Don’t be shy, just ask only!

Look, we don’t know anything about cars. All our questions are probably going to be stupid. So don’t worry, just chill and embrace it. Walk into a car mechanic’s shop and go all out, ask everything you want and then go to another mechanic and ask the same questions! There’s no better way to learn than to just ask, ask, ask!

TWO: Get guarantees!

3 months, one year, lifetime – the longer the better, obviously! Most reputable mechanics will be able to give you these guarantees and if they don’t then you know. If you don’t know, I’ll spell it out for you: DRIVE AWAY. Find another mechanic. Unless you’re buying second hand parts, that is. Then it’s a different story! But even then, the mechanic should be able to give you a guarantee on how long it should last or at the very least warn you on how short of a lifespan it may have!

THREE: WHEN you go for a second opinion don’t talk so much okay?

No, I am not contradicting myself! You should still ask all your questions. But don’t say anything about what the first mechanic said when it comes to price or diagnosis. You don’t wanna be giving this new mechanic any ideas on how to play you, honey. Prod them, question them, lead them in that general direction – but let them come up with their own forecast for what will happen to your car if you keep on driving it the way it is!

FOUR: Throw your old parts away yourself!

Always, always ask for all your old, replaced parts! This way you know for sure that they’ve been replaced and you haven’t been duped into just thinking so. Also, it’s a great way to learn what exactly these parts are and what they do – whether you ask the mechanic, a friend or just by taking a picture and doing a simple Google Image search once you have them. Thank the lords for Google!

FIVE: Sometimes, expensive really is better lah.

This is gonna be a hard one to swallow but when it comes to getting things changed or fixed in your car, do your research on brands and types and what-have-you-nots because these things actually do make a difference (for example, synthetic motor oils!). Don’t be afraid to ask for a comparison of something that’s cheaper and something that’s more pricey – then ask if you can get back to them after consulting with a friend or family member. This will keep the mechanic honest from fear of being caught and you’ll learn even more!

Our cars are basically our second homes. So let’s treat it with some TLC and get to know it’s wants and needs better. Hopefully these five tips will help you with that!

QUICK FACTS OF TOC AUTOMOTIVE COLLEGE

TOC offers various programmes and courses such as the Diploma in Automotive Technology, Diploma in Motorsport Technology, Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia, Superbike Technician Course, Master Technician Course, Automotive Customer Service, Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Level 2 & 3 and other automotive short courses. There will be a new intake —check it out here!

We are one of the best automotive colleges in Malaysia that provides you with the education pathway you need to turn your dream into reality! Our diploma and certificate programme is structured to fit the needs of the industry by providing hands-on experience and solid theoretical knowledge.  

If you’d like to know more about the automotive industry or if you’re still unsure whether it would be a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to have a chat with our automotive course counsellors, who would be happy to help you out!