Although having a car can be helpful, when it comes time for repairs it would be good to know these 25 things your car mechanic won't tell you. https://twitter.com/list25 https://www.facebook.com/list25 http://list25.com/ Check out the text version too! - http://list25.com/25-things-your-car-mechanic-wont-tell-you/ Be wary of scare tactics, especially when they claim they wouldn't drive your car another foot. Make sure to check for certification in the shop and if you're in the US, a state license. Look for a clean garage. A cluttered floor filled with dirty rags may be a red flag. Although it seems obvious, never sign a blank work authorization form. Always have a specific estimate for each job first. If the mechanic claims they don't need fancy equipment like a basic engine analyzer, go elsewhere. As a rule of thumb, when you get a second opinion don't tell the mechanic what the first diagnosis was You don't need to have your fuel injector cleaned. Coolant flushes are usually a gimmick. Same with power steering flushes. Many of your car's fluids are designed to last up to 100,000 miles. If you're getting a strangely good deal on your tires you may be getting two year old treads. Ask about the build date. Avoid lifetime mufflers. While you can get free replacements you'll have to pay for pipe repairs anyway. If there is something wrong with your catalytic converter or emissions system consult your dealer. A free replacement is often legally required. Many times you will get charged double labor, especially for multiple tasks. Ask about labor time beforehand. Ask for your old parts back. At least you'll know they've been changed. Be careful with brake jobs. Many mechanics will use cheap parts and mark them up. Watch out for certified pre-owned cars. The certification usually means nothing. Bring your car in on Monday not Friday. On Friday the mechanics will rush the job to get done by the weekend. A transmission pan with metal particles in it is normal. Don't get duped. Be wary of advertisements for $100 brake jobs. A mechanic won't make any money on this. A transmission flush is almost guaranteed to be a scam. They aren't recommended by manufacturers and cars almost never need them. Cheap parts from China are getting popular. Ask to see the box. If they show you an air filter full of dirt and debris make sure it actually came from your vehicle. Some parts (like an air filter) are relatively easy to change yourself. Request factory equipment. This is just another to way to make sure you have legitimate parts. There are no legal standards in the US for used tires. Make sure to inspect them.