I'm a car expert

Sep 12, 2023

MECHANIC mistrust runs deep in the car world, but a consumer advice group has outlined how to spot a shady technician from a mile away so you can take your business elsewhere.

Drivers will benefit from avoiding mechanics that say you can use any motor oil type to save some money.

Oil changes are one of the most standard car maintenance tasks, but they’re also one of your vehicle's most essential services since the fluid oil lubricates moving engine parts.

Your car's owner manual specifies which oil is best for its engine, and going with another variety can cause parts of your motor to shear, leaving metal-shaving contaminants in the liquid.

Next, you should remain skeptical if a mechanic pushes you to complete maintenance sooner, North Carolina Consumers Council advises.

The only maintenance schedule you should follow is in your car's owner manual, even if a mechanic tries to convince you that manufacturers don't understand the effects of real-world conditions.

It is a tactic that mechanics may use to get you to pay for early maintenance work by showing off dirty parts like fuel filters.

But dirt doesn't automatically require a parts replacement since many components naturally collect dirt over time.

A similar issue involves mechanics saying you need to service a problem in your car sooner, which is different than standard maintenance.

But one female technician explained that you don't have to finish everything on your car in one go.

Other mechanics may say: "We had to use a different [parts] brand, but it's just as good," North Carolina Consumers Council reports.

Aftermarket parts are what mechanics refer to when they say it's ok to use another brand than your vehicle's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components.

OEM parts are built to be an exact fit for your vehicle, providing the best possible performance.

Aftermarket car parts fit as many types of vehicles as possible to expand their sales reach, which naturally decreases capability and durability.