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analyze this We Need to Talk Get over garage phobia by learning to communicate with your mechanic by Paul Sinkewicz O wning a vehicle comes with a whole new set of ABC s: alternators, brake pads and camshafts, to name a few. A non-motorhead, daunted by the jargon, can easily feel intimidated walking into a garage. Next to owning a home, a vehicle may be your second largest investment, so it's important to talk about it openly. Read on to learn how to communicate with the mechanic in your life. First of all, be pleasant and patient. Ask plenty of questions so that you appear engaged and you understand what's going 52 G O I N G P L A C E S p52-53_Analyze This.indd 52 >> Winter 2013 on. If you're bringing your vehicle in because of a problem, make sure you've noted the circumstances under which that problem occurs. When the vehicle is moving or idling? Travelling above a certain speed? Turning? Braking? If you're hearing a strange sound, prepare to describe it as clearly as possible. Once the mechanic has looked at your vehicle, but before repairs occur, get a detailed explanation of what's wrong. The shop should provide a list of the required repairs, a clear cost estimate and a timeline for completion. Prepare for your auto shop visit: if your vehicle has a problem, note under which circumstances it occurs. "You may be bringing your vehicle to the repair shop for a specific problem," says Dan Messner, manager of automotive technical services for CAA Manitoba, "but the technician may find other issues that require attention. It's important that you ask questions for clarity and get all the information on what work and parts are needed." iStock 13-10-16 9:34 AM