Going to the Mechanic in English

You are finally going to make your dream come true! A wonderful holiday in Scotland… a journey on the road in the style of Thelma and Louise. You and your good friend have planned everything are about to arrive at Dunnottar Castle to experience the amazing view of the sunset over the sea. But you never could have imagined that, suddenly, a big stone would damage the tires and prevent you from continuing your journey. What should you do? Where can find a mechanic?

A car trip is an excellent way to achieve all of the goals in your itinerary without the difficulties and setbacks of public transport. It also gives you the opportunity to discover unexpected places in the landscape as well as jewels of art and nature that you could hardly access on foot or by bus. In some countries, such as Ireland and Scotland, a car is the best way to move around freely and to enjoy not only the destination but also the wonderful natural landscape of your surroundings.

That being said, do you have the necessary English to communicate with a mechanic in case your car breaks down? It would not hurt to add some useful phrases and specific vocabulary to your travel log in case you need to go to a repair shop.

Vocabulary

Automobile Parts

Tyres
Spare tyre
Tread
Mud flaps
Jack
Jumper cables
Boot
Bonnet
License plate
Bumper
Headlight
Tail light
Brake light
Body
Petrol tank
Door
Window
Windscreen wipers
Mirror
Indicator
Horn
Brakes
Steering wheel
Dashboard
Fuel gauge
Warning light
Speedometer
Odometer
Seat
Seat belt
Exhaust pipe
Electrics
Axle
Roof rack
Cylinder block
Cylinder head
Piston
Valves
Radiator
Water pump
Carburettor
Decompressor
Engine
Dipstick

In the Mechanic’s Shop

Oil change
Maintenance
Overcharge
Inspection
Diagnose
Warranty
Labour charge
Accident
Adjustment
Anchorage
Lubricant
Malfunction
Fault
Flat tyre
Service
To break down
To fix

Phrases

Could you change the tyre?

The car is making a strange noise. Could you check if something is wrong?

How much does an oil change cost?

Can you tell me when it will be ready?

A light on the dashboard came on. Could you verify what it is?

A headlight bulb has burnt out. Could you replace it?

Could you help me top up the radiator with water?

I need to inflate the tyres.

Now you have the vocabulary to communicate with the mechanic in case your car breaks down as well as a selection of essential phrases. Beyond the specifics, before starting a trip abroad, it is always a good idea to refresh your English a little. Have you ever tried an online English course? ABA English offers 144 free video classes and the same number of short films to help you learn the English that is necessary for daily communication. Why not try it?