The principal benefit is that the communication is taking place while the mechanic still has your car on his lift. If there are any other avenues of investigation that he needs to pursue, he’ll have the information when he needs it.

The relatively small size of most independents is a characteristic that is of considerable benefit to the customer . . . But to benefit from this, you need to be there. Whenever you drop off your car for servicing, wait around until they present their list of recommendations.

This is still only a portion of it. The total review can be found under my name – Pembroke Thom – on Facebook. It can be purchased at kftmc.com, or for those of you who love to type: knowledgeforthemechanicallychallenged.com. The full review can be found under either address as well.

I recently completed a book entitled “Knowledge for the Mechanically Challenged: An Owners’ Guide to Car Repair”. Its first review said “ Knowledge for the Mechanically Challenged is a valuable tool you can use to overcome your mechanical insecurity and help keep your vehicle on the road."