When you need this

At the repair shop, you're explaining a problem to someone who knows more about cars than you do, and they're explaining a cost you didn't plan for. Both sides of that conversation need clear language: you describe what you notice, and you ask what the work involves before you say yes.

Describe the symptom, not the cause. "It's making a grinding noise when I brake" is much more useful than "I think it's the engine". Then ask for an estimate before any work starts, and ask the mechanic to call you if they find anything else. Nobody at a good shop minds these questions.

Phrases

bring it to a shop for service or repair

replacing the old oil in the engine

the car sounds wrong

a warning light on the dashboard

a tire with no air in it

the brakes make a high sound

the car won't start because the battery is empty

the expected price before the work begins

asking the shop to check with you

asking when you can collect the car

a general check and adjustment of the engine

checking if you can keep using the car

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.