Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

How much do consultations cost?

Accepted Answer

Each consultation is a flat fee: Quick Mechanic Consultation ($49), Repair Second Opinion ($70), Before-You-Buy Consultation ($60), and Breakdown Guidance ($50). There are no hidden fees, no per-minute charges, and no upsells. The Monthly Mechanic Membership is $29/month and covers unlimited consultations.

Question 2

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) through our secure Stripe checkout. Payment is processed at the time of booking.

Question 3

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

If you book a consultation and we are unable to complete it, you will receive a full refund. If the consultation has already taken place and you are not satisfied with the advice you received, contact us within 48 hours and we will work to make it right — up to and including a full refund at our discretion. We stand behind the quality of our advice.

Question 4

Can I cancel or reschedule?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you need to cancel before your consultation takes place, contact us and we will issue a full refund. If you need to reschedule, reach out and we will find a new time that works.

Question 5

What does the Monthly Membership include?

Accepted Answer

The Monthly Mechanic Membership ($29/month) gives you unlimited consultations for one flat monthly fee. You can ask about warning lights, repair estimates, maintenance decisions, used vehicle checks, and anything else vehicle-related. Priority scheduling is included. Cancel anytime — no contracts, no cancellation fees.

Question 6

What kinds of vehicles do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, diesel vehicles, pickup trucks, work trucks, and RVs. We have extensive experience with both domestic and import vehicles, gas and diesel engines, and older and newer model years. If you have a question about a specific vehicle, just ask — we will let you know upfront if it falls outside our expertise.

Question 7

Can you help with electric or hybrid vehicles?

Accepted Answer

We can help with general questions about hybrid and electric vehicles, including warning lights, maintenance decisions, and pre-purchase checks. However, high-voltage system repairs and battery diagnostics require specialized in-person equipment and are outside the scope of a remote consultation. We will always be upfront about what we can and cannot assess remotely.

Question 8

What if I don't have a diagnostic trouble code (DTC)?

Accepted Answer

No problem. Most of our consultations do not require a DTC. Describe your symptoms — what you hear, feel, see, or smell — and the mechanic will work through the possibilities with you. If you do have a code, that information is helpful but not required.

Question 9

Can you review a repair estimate from my shop?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that is exactly what the Repair Second Opinion service is for. You can describe the estimate verbally, upload a photo of the document, or read the line items to the mechanic during the call. We will assess whether the diagnosis makes sense, whether the work is necessary, and whether the price is reasonable for your area.

Question 10

Can you help me decide whether to repair or replace my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is one of the most common questions we get. A mechanic will walk through the repair cost, the vehicle's likely remaining lifespan, and the factors that typically tip the decision one way or the other. We will give you an honest assessment — not a sales pitch.

Question 11

Is a remote consultation a substitute for an in-person inspection?

Accepted Answer

No. A remote consultation is informational advice based on the symptoms, photos, and information you provide. It is not a substitute for a hands-on inspection by a mechanic who can physically examine your vehicle. We will always tell you when an in-person inspection is necessary — and we will never advise you to skip one when your safety depends on it.

Question 12

What can't you diagnose remotely?

Accepted Answer

Some issues require physical inspection, test drives, or specialized diagnostic equipment to diagnose accurately. These include intermittent electrical faults, internal engine or transmission problems that require teardown, brake system inspections, suspension and steering checks, and anything involving the high-voltage systems of electric or hybrid vehicles. We will be upfront when a problem falls into this category.

Question 13

Can you guarantee that your diagnosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

No. Remote diagnosis is based on the information you provide and the mechanic's experience — it is not a guarantee. Vehicle problems can have multiple possible causes, and some issues can only be confirmed with hands-on testing. Our goal is to give you the most informed assessment possible so you can make a better decision, not to replace a physical inspection.

Question 14

Is it safe to drive my vehicle after a remote consultation?

Accepted Answer

We will give you our honest assessment of whether driving appears safe based on what you describe. However, we cannot physically inspect your vehicle, and our advice does not override your own judgment or the recommendation of a mechanic who has seen the vehicle in person. When in doubt, do not drive — call a tow.

Question 15

How do I book a consultation?

Accepted Answer

Go to the Book a Consultation page, select the service that fits your situation, and complete checkout. After payment, fill out the vehicle intake form with your vehicle details and a description of the problem. A mechanic will review your submission and contact you to schedule the call.

Question 16

How quickly will I hear back after booking?

Accepted Answer

We aim to respond to all submissions within a few hours during normal business hours. For urgent situations — like a breakdown — note that in your intake form and we will prioritize your consultation.

Question 17

How does the phone consultation work?

Accepted Answer

After you submit your intake form, a mechanic will review your vehicle details and the problem you described. They will then call you at the number you provided to discuss the situation, ask any follow-up questions, and give you their assessment. The call typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes depending on the complexity of the issue.

Question 18

Can I send photos or videos?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After submitting your intake form, you will receive instructions for uploading photos or short videos of the problem. Visual information — warning lights, fluid leaks, damage, worn parts — is extremely helpful and often changes the assessment. We encourage you to send as much as you can.

Question 19

Will I receive a written summary after the consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After every consultation you will receive a written summary of the mechanic's assessment and recommended next steps. You can use this as a reference when talking to a shop, making a purchase decision, or deciding whether to drive the vehicle.

Pricing & Payment

What We Can Help With

Limitations of Remote Advice

How It Works

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