Mobile Mechanic Car Servicing: What You Need to Know and Do

It’s hard to beat the convenience of a mobile mechanic servicing or repairing your car. They come to your home or office, you toss them the keys, and an hour or three later it’s all done. It is that easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind when you book a mobile mechanic.

The correct details

So you’ve booked your mobile mechanic visit. Be sure that your contact details are correct, and that you’ve provided additional information if your location is a little tricky to find. On the day you should ensure that you have your phone nearby so that the mechanic can let you know they’re on the way, delayed, etc.

The other very important detail is that the mechanic has the correct make and model of your car.

They will have planned ahead, ordered and packed the parts needed to service your car.

Any misinformation here will at the very least delay the service being performed on the day, or at worst result in the service needing to be re-scheduled for another day.

In either case, there’s a strong chance that both you and the mechanic will be less than happy.

And as with any servicing on your car, it helps the mobile mechanic if you can present them the service history of your vehicle. Ideally, that will be receipts for previous work, the car’s logbook, or your notes.

Where the work is done

In what is a ‘travelling workshop’, the mobile mechanic doesn’t have the purpose-built environment that a standalone workshop has.

Instead, they perform their work in a variety of conditions. Your car will need to be parked on a hard, flat surface for the mechanic to do his job well, and safely.

If you don’t have a garage, carport, or suitable driveway, perhaps you could arrange the use of a neighbour’s.

A mobile mechanic may accept to work on your car on the roadside, but it really would be a last resort. Some may not mind, some might.

If you’re having the service done near work, ideally it would be in a car park or the like. Performing a service in places such as a city road, or in a busy shopping precinct, aren’t safe spots for the mechanic to work.

Apartment dwellers, it would be an idea to check that are no problems with the height of your car space, and that the mobile mechanic is able to park his van close to the car being serviced.

And that the van can get into the car park!

Lastly, if it’s a rainy or stormy day, it’s a good idea to check that the mechanic can still perform the car service.

Some might bother, and some won’t. The particular spot where your car is to be serviced could influence their decision.

You could be extremely efficient and ask about their inclement weather policy when you book or give them a call on the day of the service.

Arrival time

If your appointment has been made for first thing in the morning, then there is every chance the mechanic will be on time, though keep in mind that delays can occur due to traffic, or navigating their way to an unfamiliar location.

For appointments later in the day, the mechanic could be delayed due to previous jobs taking longer than expected, or they're having to travel quite some distance to get from one job to another.

But we’d hope that the mechanic contacts you in the case of any delays.

On the topic of communication, are you going to be there when the mobile mechanic arrives? Will you be there when they’re finished? Will you be there at all?

Either way, you will both need to arrange what to do about your car keys, both to start the job and to place them somewhere when the service has been completed.

Payment

Again, this is a matter of preparation and communication. Ask prior to the service what forms of payment the mobile mechanic accepts.

EFTPOS and credit cards are popular, but it’s best to know your options and pay on the day to avoid any awkwardness at the end of the job (not taking cheques, etc.).

Just as with organising the keys, if you’re not there at all for the job, or leave before completion, make prior arrangements regarding payment.

Paperwork

Here’s an area where there’s a possibility for some confusion and forgetfulness.

Some mobile mechanics will be able to not only stamp your car’s handbook in the case of a logbook service but also issue you an invoice on the spot.

Don’t be surprised if some mobile mechanics need to get back to their office in order to complete the paperwork, and then post or email your receipt.

Conclusion

Yes, using a mobile mechanic can be an easier, more convenient way to have your car serviced.

But just as you have to arrange yourself and your day to take your car into a 'regular' workshop, we hope this article helps you realise that there are things you need to do in preparing for a mobile mechanic.

As with so many things in life, good, clear, and friendly communication is key to a great car servicing experience with a mobile mechanic.

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