What to ask your mechanic so you can save more money?

Nothing is ever cheap these days. Good thing is that we Filipinos are great at working our way around problems, especially those that concern money. Whether we need to cut costs or just have to save up for a rainy day, we usually just budget money better.

We exclude buying unnecessary things and cross them off the list. But as a car owner, did you know there are other ways you could save money like asking the right questions from your mechanic?

Did you know there are other ways you could save money like asking the right questions from your mechanic?

That’s what we’ll be talking about today. The reason why most people invest in a vehicle these days is for convenience. Only a small ratio of the people who have vehicles are considered experts with cars to begin with.

Most times, car buyers just depend on general knowledge and advice on how to take care of their vehicles. Aside from actually knowing how to drive, there are still a lot of vehicle owners who don’t know a few helpful tips and tricks.

>>> Check out: Problems solved: 8 simple tips to save money on car maintenance

What to ask your mechanic so you can save more money

Mechanics are usually visited whenever car owners need their car inspected or repaired. But did you know that your mechanic can also help you save money? Most legit mechanics are experts when it comes to the field of automotive.

These professionals will usually have better knowledge in cars than you do. So, other than tune-ups and changing oil, you might also get helpful tips from them. All you have to do is ask away. But what exactly can you ask your mechanic and which questions are worth asking them?

Mechanics are usually visited whenever car owners need their car inspected or repaired

Philkotse.com prepared some of the top questions that we suggest asking your mechanic. These questions will most likely get you the answers you need to save more money. Whether it’s about better gas mileage or better spending decisions, the right questions will get you the right answer.

1. Rotating tires

Tire rotation is one of the best ways to save money. If you’ve ever owned a car for more than a while, you’d know that replacement tires are very expensive. Make sure you rotate your tires every now and then. Switch the tires from the rear to the front and from the left to the right and vice versa.

This will preserve balancing. The vehicle will also have better traction while on the road.

Tire rotation is one of the best ways to save money

You can always go for cheap tires if you want to save money. The quality, on the other hand, may not be as dependable. Reputable brands like Yokohama and Bridgestone sell radial tires that cost from Php 3,700 to over Php 9,000.00. But this can vary depending on the store you visit.

>>> Read more: 

• Tire rotation: Everything that Filipino drivers need to know
• 3 tire rotation patterns recommended for Pinoy car owners

• 2. Engine’s performance

The status of your engine can be pretty hard to tell. This is especially if you have no idea how to inspect a car engine at all. The task can also be harder if the vehicle is performing fine.

There are cases where a particular part of the engine is breaking apart, but its performance is still okay. To get a thorough understanding of your vehicle engine’s performance, simply ask your mechanic.

This is best asked after you drive in for a tune-up, an oil change or after something is repaired. This way, the mechanic has already inspected the parts of the engine. He will most likely have helpful info after looking into your engine and some of its parts.

The status of your engine can be pretty hard to tell

3. Engine rust prevention

Rust is often a nightmare for vehicle owners who love their vehicles dearly. We pretty much understand why.  Rust has a reputation for eating away the metal in various objects. This can happen to the important parts of your car too. Good thing a mild rust infestation doesn’t immediately require a replacement.

The mechanic will most likely suggest some kind of liquid or dry solution to help you with the rust

If it isn’t that bad, you can still remove the rust all by yourself. If there are signs of rusting in your vehicle, ask your mechanic what you can do it about it. He will most likely suggest some kind of liquid or dry solution to help you with the rust. But this can still depend on how bad the rust condition is in your car.

If your mechanic does happen to give you advice, make sure you also ask what you need to avoid. This will minimize the chances of committing mistakes that can worsen the situation.

>>> You might want to know: 

• How to deal with rust on your car
• How to prevent rust on your car during rainy seasons

4. Battery health

The battery in your car works with tons of other parts in your vehicle every time you start your car. Even though it is a vital part of your car, it can also be dangerous for you if it’s damaged. Battery replacements can have different prices depending on a lot of factors.

Keep in mind that whether you’re driving the oldest or the latest vehicle model, make sure the battery is healthy. It doesn’t matter whether you’re driving a good old Toyota Corolla or the newest Mercedes or Porsche. If you want a healthier car, ask your mechanic the right questions.

Keep in mind that whether you’re driving the oldest or the latest vehicle model, make sure the battery is healthy

>>> Make sure you know: 

• [Philkotse guide] How often should I replace my car battery?
• How to keep a car battery from dying and everything you need to know

5. Possible steering problems

This is a very serious issue. In fact, it may even be the first problem that prompted you to visit your mechanic. The fact that your vehicle is giving you problems with steering can already mean that there could be severe problems under the hood.

Some vehicle owners, on the other hand, don’t exactly know what steering problems are. Some early signs of steering problems are wheel vibrations. You may also experience difficulty whenever you try to turn the steering wheel. In worse cases, the entire steering system can fail.

Whenever you visit your mechanic for an inspection, ask him to take a look at the steering system for you. If there are early signs of steering problems, he may be able to detect this before it gets worse.

Whenever you visit your mechanic for an inspection, ask him to take a look at the steering system for you

6. Gear health

A car with gears that are in good health should run smoothly. This should be free from any kind of jerking, vibrations or grinding sounds. If you noticed any of these signs, you need to consult your mechanic immediately.

He may notice slipping gears, noises in neutral gears and your car hesitating to shift gears. If you fail to have this checked, this could get worse and could result in a serious problem.