When it comes time to drop off your vehicle at the shop, there’s one tool more valuable than any wrench, diagnostic scanner, or service manual: good communication. Telling your mechanic as much as possible about your car’s issue isn’t just helpful—it’s vital. And believe us, we’re not here to judge—we’re here to help.
Here’s what you should share with us, and why it matters:
1. What You’re Experiencing—Even the Weird Stuff
If your car is making a noise, describe it. Is it a squeak, rattle, thunk, groan, hum, or buzz? When does it happen—cold start, turning, braking, going over bumps?
Even if it sounds silly, tell us. It’s not silly to us. It’s a clue.
Why it matters:
We may not be in the car when the issue happens. The more detail you give us, the quicker we can trace the problem and save you time and money.
2. What You Tried (Even If It Didn’t Work)
Did you Google it and try something yourself? Did you replace a part but the problem came back? Tell us. We’re not going to roll our eyes—we’ll thank you for giving us a head start.
Why it matters:
Knowing what’s already been done helps us avoid rechecking or redoing steps, and tells us more about what’s not the issue.
3. What You Forgot (Or Neglected)
Haven’t changed your oil in a while? Skipped a service interval? Used some mystery fluid from the garage shelf? It’s okay—we all get busy, and no one is perfect.
Why it matters:
We’re not here to shame you. We just need the full picture so we don’t miss something that could be contributing to the issue.
4. If You’ve Been Somewhere Else
Had it looked at by another shop? Tried a quick-fix at a parts store? Maybe even had it worked on out of town? Tell us. Seriously—we won’t be offended.
Why it matters:
It’s not “cheating”—it’s just life. Sometimes it’s timing, convenience, or cost. We just need to know what was done, by who, and when. That way, we don’t miss a beat (or duplicate a repair).
5. If It’s Getting Worse (Or Better)
Did it start small and grow over time? Did something new just pop up this week? Is it intermittent? Does it go away when it rains or when the engine warms up?
Give us the timeline.
Why it matters:
Problems that come and go are the trickiest to diagnose. The more context we have, the better we can narrow it down and find a long-term fix.
Bottom Line: We’re On Your Side
Here at Differentials Plus, we’re not in the business of blame—we’re in the business of getting your vehicle back to doing what it does best: getting you where you need to go.
We won’t think less of you for waiting too long. We won’t judge if you tried to fix it yourself. And we certainly won’t hold it against you if you went somewhere else before. That’s not our style.
We just ask that you be honest, open, and give us all the puzzle pieces. With the right info up front, we can work faster, more accurately, and with your safety and satisfaction front and center.
Need to drop off your vehicle soon?
Call us, text us, or stop by—we’ll be ready to listen.