The stereotypical view of car mechanics (lying to your face so they can get their next boat payment out of your wallet) is probably fueled by ignorance — not ignorance of mechanics, but ignorance of automobiles. I’ve been in situations where mechanics try and use my ignorance to scare me into getting things done. It’s especially difficult when you’re pulling into the garage of a mechanic that you’ve never had a prior relationship with. I speak from experience, having moved seven months ago (has it been seven months already?).
Lately my truck had been riding pretty rough and I was fairly sure that it needed new shock absorbers. I noticed this problem quite a while ago and I was doing some severe procrastinating. I finally decided to try a neighborhood mechanic close to work (recommended by a few of my coworkers).
I dropped the truck off in the morning and when I got back from lunch the mechanic called. He told me that I was right, the truck does need new shocks. My thoughts turned to my savings account. He continued, “I could put the standard truck shocks on but I would recommend regular automobile shocks. You’ll get a smoother ride and they’re actually cheaper than the truck shocks.”
So, let me get this straight. My truck will have a better ride AND I’ll spend less money? I wanted to run over there and give him a hug. Instead I remained cool and agreed to go with his recommendation.
As I was walking the four blocks to his shop after work, two thoughts crossed my mind.
- Yes! I’ve found a good mechanic, just four blocks from work.
- I’ll skip the hug.