subject: 5 Mistakes Your Auto Technician Might Make While Working On Your Car [print this page] Automotive mechanics are expected to perform flawless work each time they pop the hood of a car. From replacing key components to inspecting major assemblies, they are supposed to know how to troubleshoot and repair problems. After all, they received specialized training; they supposedly have plenty of experience under their belts; and ultimately, they are the experts.
Unfortunately, with the sheer number of makes and models on the market, keeping up with the particulars of each is practically impossible, even for the most talented technicians. So, mistakes happen. Problems are misdiagnosed; unnecessary parts are installed; and "small" errors, such as forgetting to replenish the motor oil or transmission fluid, are committed.
Fortunately, such blunders rarely occur. When they do, however, it's important to notify the repair garage so they can fix the problem. This article will present the five most common mistakes auto technicians make.
1 - Resurfacing Rotors Past Their Minimum Thickness
If you feel your brake pedal vibrate when you press down on it, there's a good chance your rotors are warped. This issue can be resolved easily by having your mechanic resurface them. The problem is, rotors are designed with a minimum thickness past which they should not be resurfaced. If your mechanic is careless, and inadvertently passes this minimum thickness, the rotors will become unsafe. At that point, they must be replaced.
2 - Improperly Sized Hoses
You might think hoses come in specific sizes in order to provide a tight fit, and prevent leaks. While this may be true for late model vehicles, older cars have fewer options. Typically, as a vehicle ages, the automaker becomes less willing to produce parts for that make and model. Such parts include hoses.
Aftermarket suppliers manufacture hoses that can perform the same function as the originals. But these manufacturers only produce a few sizes; the hoses must be modified to fit a particular make and model. This work reasonably well, but occasionally leads to unanticipated leaks.
3 - Installing Defective Rebuilt Parts
Whenever a component fails and needs to be replaced, you can either invest in a new unit or a rebuilt (sometimes referred to as "remanufactured") part. There are pros and cons to each approach. A new part will come with a solid warranty, and can be expected to last. A rebuilt part is generally less expensive, but more susceptible to failure.
This mistake is technically not your mechanic's fault. Rebuilt parts are usually acquired elsewhere prior to installation. That said, if the rebuilt is defective, the repair shop that installed it should be willing to replace it without charge.
4 - Neglecting To Replace The Oil Filter
Your engine requires oil during operation to help control heat around the assembly, and provide lubrication for the moving parts. Before oil can reach the engine, however, it must pass through a filter. This filter prevents dirt and debris from gaining access to the crankshaft and other critical components.
Whenever you take your car into the shop for an oil change, your mechanic should recommend replacing the oil filter. The part is inexpensive (less than $15), and will help prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your engine. If your mechanic forgets to recommend the filter, mention it to make sure a replacement is installed.
5 - Improper Tires
Your car is designed to support a specific tire size. If the wrong size is installed, you'll experience handling and steering issues, and might also notice your speedometer seems inaccurate. In most cases, these problems are obvious. When you notice them, it's important to have your mechanic double-check the size of the tires, and replace them, if necessary.
Your auto technician, whether he works at the dealership or the local repair garage, is fallible. He's human and bound to make an occasional mistake. The key is identifying when mistakes have been made, and having them resolved as quickly as possible.
by: Brian Radar
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