metrogirl
New Member
Check this out (car repair/oil change scam):
http://mfile.akamai.com/12924/wmv/vod.ibsys.com/2006/0503/9152183.200k.asx
http://mfile.akamai.com/12924/wmv/vod.ibsys.com/2006/0503/9152183.200k.asx
Yeah. I've never fully trust other people to work on my car, or tell me whats wrong with it, for that exact reason, that and it's cheaper and more fun to do it myself.
The most beneficial thing a person can do is to at least be knowledgable on the basics of how a car works (maintenence schedules, oil goes in here, and the like), and how to ask questions to your mechanic. If you take 5-10 minutes to ask even a bit about what work is to be done and for what reason they are less likely to think of scamming you.
A few neat tips I never thought of on that clip though, like marking filters and drain plugs to see if they've actually been moved.
Yeah. I've never fully trust other people to work on my car, or tell me whats wrong with it, for that exact reason, that and it's cheaper and more fun to do it myself.
The most beneficial thing a person can do is to at least be knowledgable on the basics of how a car works (maintenence schedules, oil goes in here, and the like), and how to ask questions to your mechanic. If you take 5-10 minutes to ask even a bit about what work is to be done and for what reason they are less likely to think of scamming you.
A few neat tips I never thought of on that clip though, like marking filters and drain plugs to see if they've actually been moved.
I agree with you but I don't think it is cheaper to do EVERYTHING youself.
Oil changes for example...
$10.00 for oil, 5.00 for filter...plus the time and oppertunity cost. Then you have to find a place to dispose of the used oil...more time and oppertunity cost. For my money I would rather find a reputable garage and pay them to do it while I relax and study. I hate to say it, but I used to be a customer of Jiffy Lube...not anymore.
Use the hobby shop on base. No charge to use a lift if you need one, you can dispose of the oil right there, no dripped oil on your driveway or garage floor.
I have used the auto hobby shops on base countless times to do repair work on my cars, oil changes, fuel filter/line, change the tires, and of course pulling the brakes and having the shop turn em. In every one of them, I have found the guys who work there in charge of the shop, more than helpful if I had questions, or would come over and lend a hand when needed. As Brett said, and I agree with completely, it gives you a better appreciation on the status of your auto. My 2 cents...Use the hobby shop on base. No charge to use a lift if you need one, you can dispose of the oil right there, no dripped oil on your driveway or garage floor.
I agree with you but I don't think it is cheaper to do EVERYTHING youself.
Oil changes for example...
$10.00 for oil, 5.00 for filter...plus the time and oppertunity cost. Then you have to find a place to dispose of the used oil...more time and oppertunity cost. For my money I would rather find a reputable garage and pay them to do it while I relax and study. I hate to say it, but I used to be a customer of Jiffy Lube...not anymore.
And here, after all these years, I thought you were just a computer geek.I have used the auto hobby shops on base countless times to do repair work on my cars, oil changes, fuel filter/line, change the tires, and of course pulling the brakes and having the shop turn em. In every one of them, I have found the guys who work there in charge of the shop, more than helpful if I had questions, or would come over and lend a hand when needed. As Brett said, and I agree with completely, it gives you a better appreciation on the status of your auto. My 2 cents...
Until the first time they don't fully tighten the oil pan plug and it pops off on the Interstate, blowing your engine. I don't trust anyone to work on my car but me. I have had the U-bolts on the driveshaft not tightened causing my driveshaft to fall out of my car and I have had the bleed screw not tightened on my brakes. When you have the right tools an oil change takes about 20 minutes and I can fully replace the brakes on my car in about 2 hours. Midas quotes me $90 per wheel, I can replace pads, shoes, rotors and drums on all four wheels for $100.
Sounds like someone is taking Econ 101.
Brett