My moment at a mechanic's garage

[Teddy52]

When it comes to mechanics and garages, it is my experience that places that offer coupons have no intention of just selling you just the service on that coupon.

They already know what parts/services they will convince you that you " need" $$$$$$$ before you even set foot in their garage.

[NARFALICIOUS]

I worked at Pep Boys for 2 years.

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by CMichele

Is the coffee can thing used for a heating device?

A coworker told me to do this. McGyver I am not.

If need be, yes. But it had better be a metal one, not one of those newfangled plastic "cans".

[CMichele]

I got back a little while ago. I spent $266 and some change. They did a great job.

I stopped by Auto Zone for yet another code reading. Here is what I got:

Coolant temp is always low.

Explanation
The powertrain control module verifies that the engine is at proper operating temperature.

Probable cause
661.- Check coolant level
662.- Thermostat defective
663.- ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor defective

___

The price given to me for the sensor is $12.99. I will go to mechanic #1 feigning ignorance as if I have no idea what could be wrong with my car. I will ask the price for the sensor if it is brought up. Will also call Auto Zone and get a quote on the thermostat before going there. I will also see if someone can tell if my coolant level is just low but I know my car has to be cooled off first. I'm thinking a coworker tomorrow afternoon.

[CMichele]

Originally Posted by CarolinaWoman

My personal opinion of some of these places. When a female walks in it's like she has a sign on "Here I Am Screw Me!"

When our state required annual inspections. I stopped to have my car inspected. The guy started with you need this and you need that, more money each time he opened his mouth. Inspections in South Carolina only cost like $8.00 ($3.00 to the state and $5.00 to garage) unless something had to be corrected. This guy was racking up things ($$$$) for his garage.

I told him, that's ok. I got home, told hubby you will take my car and get it inspected. LOL He did with no problems. Our state discontinued annual inspections because of shady inspection stations like the one I visited.

We have a "check engine' light that just stays on. Sometimes it goes off. It's our Ford F-150 truck. We took the truck to the Ford dealership to fix the problem. They charged us right at $350.00 and within two days the 'check engine' light was back on.

It's funny because I have one of those names like Brittney, lol. When he got my name via phone I get a sense that he thought he was dealing with a certain kind of person.

[Tek_Freek]

"totely!!"

[SoCalCpl2]

I do as much as I can to my 2 vehicles.. But when I can't I use my local pep Boys or the local Big O Tires.. Never had a problem with either one of them...Treated nicely, no gouging on price or services...