Do you stare at the techs while they work on your car?

[jrisebo]

Originally Posted by dianeokie

I HAVE asked if I can watch so I can learn about the car. Then I try to chat up the mechanic or tech. They can tell how much I care about my car and usually it ends up that I teach them something about my car or camaros in general. . Only time I haven't been able to watch is when they did repairs (3 times) for the AC fail. I'd love to do the work myself but I don't have the tools or skills. Lately my mechanic boyfriend and i have been doing this. I hand him the tools and hold the flashlight, have put the lube on the shifter we installed, and some "no skill" duties.

Lube and shifter...what kinda boyfriend you got?

[slicktempo]

I try to not stare too much, as I've been told it makes mechanics nervous to some degree. I do stare just enough to let them know that I am watching though!

[Tyler360]

Originally Posted by nayrchris

You don't even need a jack! Just drive it up on a sidewalk curb right over a storm drain! LOL!

[Bobby @ LG Motorsports]

I have seen this one at a few shops.

[1BADLS3]

I can't look. If I drop a car off at the dealer, I make a note of the mileage, drop the car, and then I don't want to see it. Watching some lot-nerd get into it just kills me. Let alone seeing it up on a lift and some guy monkeying with its undercarriage.

[strych9]

LOL, this thread takes me back to my very early days as a dealership technician. I worked at a Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealer in a farming town of 20,000. The old timers loved to come into the shop, and in those days, they let 'em. I was changing oil on this elderly gentleman's Lincoln, and he came in under the car and peered over my shoulder. I knew him because he did it every time he came in for an oil change.
Hating this, I "accidentally" let some oil fly onto his shoes, and he jumped back quick, then left.

Never came back into the shop ever again.

[OPP]

Originally Posted by Ladybugsmom

No, because I only go to shops where I trust people.

Do the techs stare at you when they work on your car?

[WheelmanSS]

Originally Posted by JoshBobGuptaMarley

It.was.expensive.....

ok..... point?

Welcome to life.

[sam.mak]

Originally Posted by black.

I stare from the window, and if I cant see my car from the window I walk outside and pretend I'm on the phone and stare right at them while talking to my imaginary friend.

I do the same ditto!!

[hightower]

No because techs don't touch my camaro. Simple as that.

[Myyu]

I stand outside the rolling doors smoking a cig and talking on the phone. I look over every now and then.

[RallySS]

Originally Posted by slicktempo

I try to not stare too much, as I've been told it makes mechanics nervous to some degree. I do stare just enough to let them know that I am watching though!

It isn't that it makes them nervous, it just really pisses off the trustworthy ones. I don't know too many mechanics who like to be treated like zoo animals and hawked while they do their job, much like most any career for that matter. Imagine your boss hawking you all day and how much you detest it. I'm glad I quit working as a mechanic several years ago for this reason. Some do understand people who love their car, and don't mind being chatted up, just don't like being stared at. Just don't act suspicious and be friendly without being too over anxious and you should be fine.

Originally Posted by Myyu

I stand outside the rolling doors smoking a cig and talking on the phone. I look over every now and then.

This is a good approach. If your tech smokes, offer him one too if he's waiting on a part or something. Maybe buy him a coke. I'm not saying to kiss up to him, but you'd be surprised how much more attention your car gets if they know you are cool with them.

[ZED SLED]

Originally Posted by RallySS

It isn't that it makes them nervous, it just really pisses off the trustworthy ones. I don't know too many mechanics who like to be treated like zoo animals and hawked while they do their job, much like most any career for that matter. Imagine your boss hawking you all day and how much you detest it. I'm glad I quit working as a mechanic several years ago for this reason. Some do understand people who love their car, and don't mind being chatted up, just don't like being stared at. Just don't act suspicious and be friendly without being too over anxious and you should be fine.

The people on the line in Oshawa who build 'em didn't seem to mind. In fact they seemed to enjoy it.

[RallySS]

Originally Posted by mclark10

The people on the line in Oshawa who build 'em didn't seem to mind. In fact they seemed to enjoy it.

They were building them, probably with pride. When you are in that environment, without the introduction of troubleshooting, it would likely be less stressful. I would be willing to guess they are in air conditioning also. Keep in mind all factors in play is all I'm asking people to realize. It isn't the easiest career to be in, and adding unwanted stress to these guys may not be the best foot to start off on. The best thing to do is make it a little more pleasant and most will really appreciate it.

I wonder if they are akin to the oompa loompas?