Look them straight in the eye the first time.  They could not look you in the eye for long and this is what I observe on car mechanics that are not sure about what they say and do.  Most of the time, even before you could finish what you’re complaining about, they immediately turn to your car and do some checks.  Those are types of mechanics try to impress with actions rather than words.  For those not knowledgeable with car repairs it would seem mightily impressive.  The mechanic is actually testing how much you know what you’re talking about. That will be a gauge for him on how far he can take advantage.  The mechanic will start talking technical.  When you just nod and say, “Oh, is that so?”, his eyes will look like dollar signs.  How to deal with this kind?  Pretend that you know something about your problems.  Don’t nod or say a thing, give him a meaningful stare.

There are also mechanics that frequently look away while talking to you.  You would have also observed some to keep on wiping their hand with rags, or wiping a tool on hand.  They may be good and knowledgeable but not trustworthy.  When you’re telling your car problems while they’re doing those actions, their minds actually turn into a cash register.  They are actually calculating higher labor and parts costs so they’ll make good even if you bargain.  How to deal with kind?  Immediately after stating your problem, tell the mechanic that you might not be able to afford the costs.  This will alert the mechanic and think that someone might have you told how much he charges for repairs!  Usually they stop whatever they do and try to come up with reasonable pricing.

The best mechanics to deal with are those who look at you while describing your car problems.  Maybe ask a few questions in between.  Like how long have you observed it or has it happened frequently, for problems difficult to diagnose.  After having fully understood the problem, usually the mechanic will keep quiet to think and analyze the problem.  If it’s a rare car defect he might ask if you have consulted with any other mechanic.  If it’s a recurring problem, he will definitely ask how it was repaired the earlier times and who did the job.  Most good mechanics know repairing styles of others.  They know those who do clean and honest jobs.  With that, they will know how to take care of your problem and give options if there are any.  On car problems they are familiar with, they usually would call you to see what is causing the problem.  They would demonstrate how a thing fails to operate or becomes defective.

Mechanics have different attitudes and styles in plying their trade.  You may have observed many of them and could recall how they were to you.  With the above you would have a good basis on how to deal with them.