If you are heading off on a trip somewhere, whether it’s a short or long term trip, one of the worst things that could happen would be for your vehicle to break down. So how would you find a mechanic that knew what was wrong with your vehicle and how to fix it without it costing you a fortune? These are my tips to help you out with that question.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Have your vehicle serviced by a reliable mechanic before you leave on your trip. Make sure you tell your mechanic that you are going on a trip and are towing a trailer or van. Also tell him what sort of driving you are going to be doing – eg. rough tracks, beach etc. Giving him this information will enable him to check all the right things for you.
CHECK YOUR VEHICLE
Take the time to get to know your vehicle. Know how to check the oil, water, brake fluid etc. If you are not confident with doing these things get your mechanic to give you a run down on what you should be doing. A little bit of mechanical knowledge can also help you explain a problem that you are experiencing.
ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE
Consider becoming a member of a motoring organisation eg RACQ, NRMA, RACV. They can offer roadside assistance, towing, accommodation etc in the event of a break down or accident.
In the event of a mechanical emergency, you might give consideration to the following before choosing a repairer.
VEHICLE DEALERSHIP
If possible take your vehicle to a mechanic at its manufacturer’s dealership. In theory, they should be more easily able to obtain parts and should have training specific to those vehicles. Their workmanship should then be guaranteed across Australia.
If no dealership is available, contact your motoring organisation, to see if they can recommend someone in the area.
LICENCED MECHANIC
Make sure the mechanic you choose is licensed and a member of a Motor Mechanics Association.
If you are having trouble finding a mechanic, ask the locals who they recommend.
If the job is looking like it is going to be a big one, and it is possible to do so, get a couple of different quotes, in writing, so as you know exactly what sort of cost you are up against. It is a sad fact of life that sometimes there are people out there who just want to make a quick dollar.
Hopefully all your travels will be trouble free.
Gregory Willard says
August 10, 2016 at 2:09 amI completely agree that you should find someone that is licensed. I am lucky enough to have some reliable cars that haven’t given me much grief, but I stay prepared. It could be very bad to go to someone that isn’t licensed.
Melissa says
August 10, 2016 at 6:22 pmVery true. Always good to find a great mechanic too!
Tobias Armstrong says
July 7, 2016 at 3:16 amI really liked how you talked about having your car serviced before you leave for a trip. Usually car problems are something that you think about only after they’ve happened, but if you realize that a lot of car problems can be addressed before they actually become problems, you can save time and money. I also liked the tip about finding a licensed mechanic as opposed to one just doing it for fun. And asking locals for advice is never a bad idea (unless its about which exotic food to try!).
Melissa says
July 7, 2016 at 10:47 amWe keep up with all our scheduled services so hopefully this will prevent in major problems down the track.
Joe says
July 6, 2016 at 7:05 pmMy late father was a gun with all things Volkswagen Kombi/Transporter – I can remember one older couple with a T25 Transporter syncro AWD Trakka campervan. It blew the clutch just outside Dubbo and Dad was driving home when it went past on the back of the tow truck. He said to Mum that he had saw it amd would not be surprised if it was in his driveway the next morning…. sure enough, it was sitting outside his workshop! That was a massive job – he had to replace the flywheel as it had burned beyond machining (and finding a flywheel for a 2.1 litre fuel injected Wasserboxer (water-cooled boxer) isn’t easy!)…. but he managed to find one and got them back on the road quickly as he could. They enjoyed their breakdown-causing holiday in Dubbo so much they sent Dad and Mum a card thanking them for all their help – they made it to Gympie in Queensland the following year – they ended up doing a front CV joint in a deep hole. Again, Dad came to the rescue and got the part and had it sent to their mechanic in Gympie. He got them back on the road quickly and they were ever so thankful to Dad again….
Melissa says
July 6, 2016 at 9:39 pmGreat story and memories of your Dad, Joe. Really outlines the importance of being able to find a good mechanic who knows about your particular vehicle. Thanks for sharing.
Joe says
July 7, 2016 at 7:12 amYou’re welcome – I can remember Dad always helping stranded travellers with all matters of VW’s….. was the mainstay of his business!