Because this customer thought she had expensive transmission trouble, she would probably be happy with a bill for $350 and she will also think shop did her a favor. Her first mistake was to diagnose problem herself. I wonder if she goes to her dentist and tells her which tooth to pull or if she thinks it is time for another root canal? You take your car to repair shop to have someone else diagnose and repair your car; so let them do their job. Her second mistake was to tell shop how much she was willing to spend.

Most of mechanics and service writers that I know of work on commission, and in example above, an additional $150 would sure be a nice tip. I see this happen all time and it is so easy to prevent. Sometimes it is better to simply describe symptoms to service writer, remain quiet about your budget dollars and let shop diagnose problem with your car and how much it will cost to repair.

If problem you are having with your car will require a test drive for mechanic or service writer to hear make sure you ride in car with them at time you drop off your car for repairs. If they can't hear it or feel it they can't fix it, and you will probably just get frustrated and discouraged by them not being able to repair problem you want them to fix. Have you been over-paying your mechanic?

Sincerely,

Austin C Davis ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interested in an e-book about everything your mechanic doesn't want you to know? Sound advice from Austin Davis. Click Here! Click here

Austin Davis comes from a family that has been in the auto repair industry for over 64 years. Austin has written a book “What Your Mechanic Doesn’t Want You To Know”. His book is about how to find an honest mechanic, and the simple steps to keep them honest. Austin points out that it is usually what the customer says or does that can cause them to be taken advantage of by a repair “professional.”

If you can't sleep, don't waste time lying in bed. Get up and do something.

Use an answer phone.

Walk out of a poor movie or show. You've already wasted money - so don't waste time as well.

Plan your leisure. Don't expect your free time to fall into place by itself. Plan your weekends as carefully as you plan your weeks...and it's OK to do nothing.

Don't read a book, just because it has been given to you- if it doesn't interest you, give it to someone who would be interested.

Stop going to social events you would rather avoid - life's too short. On other hand, don't miss a social event you would enjoy just because you feel tired. If you enjoy something it revitalises you. But remember - there is usually work tomorrow!

"Never hurry - and don't worry - and don't forget to stop and smell flowers." - Walter Hagen, American Golfer

"What I do with this day is important, because I have exchanged a day of my life for it."

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop. - Ovid

I like words of Simon and Garfunkel song: "Slow down, don't you go so fast" from 'Feeling Groovy'. Not that I feel that way here in "Sleepy Hollow" in beautiful country that is Godzone!

So just take and plan your time carefully. Always remember,

"Yesterday is a cancelled cheque, tomorrow is a promissory note, today is ready cash - use it well."

WHEN YOU TAKE CONTROL OF TIME, YOU TAKE CONTROL OVER YOUR LIFE. Craig Lock "Information and Inspiration distributor"

Author's Note: This extract is from Craig's first published book HANDBOOK TO SURVIVE - a collection of writings on various subjects to help every man or woman survive in a rapidly changing, uncertain world.