One Women’s Simple Secret Outsmarts Shady Car Mechanics
There I was sitting in the waiting room at the car shop. My check engine light had turned on, and my mind was racing.
“What’s wrong? How much will it cost? How will I know if I’m getting ripped off?”
I knew nothing about cars — didn’t even learn to use a wrench until I was 19.
But I do depend on it. To get to work, buy groceries, visit friends…
When the mechanic called my name, I felt my stomach tense as I walked over.
He said my radiator was leaking fluid and overheating the engine–causing it to automatically shut off as a built-in safety feature.
All of a sudden, I was scared to drive.
“How much?” I asked.
$1200.
Ugh! That would put me deeper in credit card debt.
I felt at the mercy of the mechanic.
Should I get another opinion? What would happen to my engine until then? What if the next mechanic tells me something different? Who could I trust?
Then I took a deep breath.
There had to be a better way.
I told the mechanic that I would take the night to think about it.
He sure did pressure me to replace the radiator right away. Even offered to ask his manager about a discount.
But I demanded my keys and my car back.
The solution came with a little search
At home on my computer, I discovered that my car does NOT have this so-called safety feature.
Well…at least now I could tell that mechanic to buzz off.
But I still didn’t know what to do.
So I searched “check engine lights”.
That’s when I learned about OBD-II ports. These things have been in all gas-powered cars since 1996!
It’s located just under the steering wheel — slightly to the left. And here’s the kicker…
Anyone can hook up a scanner to learn more about what is wrong with gas, diesel, and hybrid vehicles.
That’s when I discovered “My Simple Secret to Outsmart Shady Car Mechanics”
At least, that’s what I tell my friends. (The sensor is actually called “FIXD” — which also wins points for a good name).
I ordered it that night for a tiny fraction of what that mechanic wanted.
It arrived in days and took only 60 seconds to plug in.
Next, I downloaded the FIXD app on my phone, turned on the car, and pushed the big green scan button.
Drumroll, please…
The diagnostic test identified a part by name (so much better than just a mechanic code). Hint: it was NOT the radiator!
Even more…
FIXD estimated the part and labor costs — along with info on the severity of the issue — so I felt comfortable having my car looked at again after payday.
Now it was time to put FIXD to the test.
I took my car to a different mechanic.
This time when he asked what the problem was, I showed him the FIXD app.
As they inspected my car, I felt pretty nervous.
What would he come back and say?
This time when they called my name, I gripped my phone and walked over.
Sure enough. O2 sensor for $395.
I almost skipped back to my seat!
Armed with a little bit of information, I saved money and actually solved the problem.
After all, the check engine light has not returned — over a year later.
And the benefits of FIXD keep rolling in
I leave it in all the time now.
FIXD helps me monitor my car’s maintenance needs so I don’t have to guess when to do what. Including oil changes, tire tread, and other recommendations — all specific to my type of car.
I don’t even have to worry about batteries. FIXD gets power from the car.
So no matter where I am, FIXD will give me reliable information via my phone. It will even direct me to nearby mechanics.
This gives me peace of mind — especially as I plan a road trip for next weekend.
With “My Simple Secret to Outsmart Shady Car Mechanics” (aka FIXD) my biggest problem will be what tasty restaurant to try!