10 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Bringing Your Car to a Mechanic Shop
Bringing your car into the shop for maintenance or repairs is part of being a responsible vehicle owner. While mechanics are here to help get you safely back on the road, there are a few things that can make the process harder, more time-consuming, or even more expensive for you. To make sure your visit goes smoothly, here are 10 things you shouldn’t do when bringing your car to a mechanic shop:
1. Bring Your Car in With No Gas
It might seem harmless, but bringing your car to the shop on an empty tank can be a real problem. Mechanics often need to run your vehicle during testing, diagnostics, or after a repair to ensure everything is working properly. Without gas, they can’t confirm the fix—or worse, your car may stall while being moved around the lot. Always make sure you have at least a quarter tank of gas before your appointment.
2. Don’t Ignore Strange Noises Until You Arrive
If your car has been making a weird sound, try to take note of when and how it happens before you bring it in. Saying “it just makes a noise sometimes” doesn’t give your mechanic much to work with. Be specific—does it rattle when you brake? Whine when you turn? This helps the tech pinpoint the problem faster.
3. Don’t Forget to Remove Personal Items
Your mechanic doesn’t need to see your gym bag, fast food wrappers, or last week’s groceries rolling around the backseat. More importantly, valuables should always be removed—mechanics can’t be responsible for items left in your vehicle. A clean car makes everyone’s life easier.
4. Don’t Skip the Appointment
Dropping your car off without scheduling ahead can sometimes work, but most shops run on a tight schedule. Walking in and leaving your vehicle without notice could mean it sits untouched for days. Save yourself time by calling ahead.
5. Don’t Withhold Information
If you tried a DIY fix or had work done elsewhere, tell your mechanic. Hiding details might feel harmless, but it can lead to wasted time or incorrect diagnoses. Full honesty always leads to better service.
6. Don’t Demand Unrealistic Deadlines
Yes, we’d all love our cars fixed in an hour, but some repairs simply take time—especially if parts need to be ordered. Respect your mechanic’s timeline and ask for an honest estimate instead of pushing for the impossible.
7. Don’t Forget Maintenance Records
If you have a history of repairs, oil changes, or parts replacements, bring that information with you. It gives your mechanic valuable context and can help them avoid unnecessary work.
8. Don’t Show Up Right Before Closing
Showing up 10 minutes before the shop locks its doors is tough on the staff and could mean your car won’t even be looked at until the next day. Aim to arrive earlier in the day so your vehicle can get the attention it needs.
9. Don’t Be Vague About the Problem
Saying “it’s broken” or “something’s wrong” doesn’t give your mechanic much to work with. Try to describe what you feel, hear, or smell when the issue happens. The more detail, the better.
10. Don’t Skip Regular Maintenance Until It’s Too Late
Bringing your car in only after something catastrophic happens makes repairs more complicated and expensive. Regular checkups, oil changes, and inspections can prevent those emergencies—and save you money.
Final Thoughts
A trip to the mechanic doesn’t have to be stressful. By avoiding these 10 mistakes—especially making sure your gas tank isn’t running on empty—you’ll set your car (and your mechanic) up for success. A little preparation goes a long way toward getting you back on the road safely and quickly.
