海外で車のトラブルに困らない！修理・点検で使える英語フレーズ集

Friend 1: Hey, I noticed the check engine light is on in your car. Is everything okay?
Friend 2: Not really. The car’s been making a strange noise when I accelerate, and my fuel economy has worsened too.
Friend 1: That doesn’t sound good. What about any other problems?
Friend 2: Yeah, the wipers are not working properly when it rains, and I found a crack in the windshield yesterday.
Friend 1: You definitely should get it checked. Did the battery warning light come on as well?
Friend 2: Yes, the battery is dead sometimes, and I had to jump start the car this morning.
Friend 1: Sounds like your alternator or battery cable might be faulty.
Friend 2: I hope it’s a simple part replacement. I’m going to get a repair estimate soon.
Friend 1: If it’s expensive, don’t forget to request an insurance claim.
Friend 2: I will. Also, the hybrid system warning showed up on the dashboard, which worries me about the high-voltage battery.
Friend 1: That’s serious. Make sure they run diagnostics on the hybrid system and check for any battery errors.

Customer: Hi, I need to repair my car.
Mechanic: Of course. Could you describe the problem you are having?
Customer: Sure. First, the check engine light is on and I’ve noticed my fuel economy has worsened recently.
Mechanic: I see. Do you hear anything unusual?
Customer: Yes, it makes a strange noise when I accelerate. Also, the wipers are not working properly when it rains and the windshield has a crack.
Mechanic: Thank you for the details. I’ll begin by inspecting the vehicle for any issues.
Customer: Also, my battery is dead and I had to jump start the car this morning.
Mechanic: That can be a sign of a weak alternator.
Customer: Can you replace the part if needed?
Mechanic: Yes, we can. I’ll check the alternator and the battery cable as well. If needed, we’ll give you a repair estimate before we start.
Customer: Thank you. If the repairs are expensive, can I request an insurance claim?
Mechanic: Absolutely. We can help submit the repair bill and provide an accident reportfor your insurance company.
Customer: That’s helpful. While my car is being fixed, can you arrange for a rental car?
Mechanic: Of course. If you have rental car coverage, it should be covered by your insurance.
Customer: One more thing—the hybrid system warning appeared on my dashboard yesterday and I’m worried about the high-voltage battery.
Mechanic: We’ll run diagnostics on your hybrid system and check for any EV/hybrid battery errors.

Repairing a car in the United States

Repairing a car in the United States involves several important steps, whether you are dealing with routine maintenance or unexpected breakdowns. Understanding the process and using key expressions will help ensure smooth communication with your auto shop and avoid unnecessary stress.

First, when you notice an issue, it is vital to describe the problem clearly to the mechanic. Mention if the check engine light is on, your fuel economy has worsened, or if the car makes a strange noise while driving. Also, point out symptoms such as wipers not working properly, a crack in the windshield, or if the battery is dead and you had to jump start the car. Giving as much detail as possible allows the technician to inspect the vehicle for any issues promptly.

The next essential step is to request a repair estimate before any work begins. This written document includes costs for labor, replacement parts such as an alternator or battery cable, and any other services needed. If your car is under insurance, you should be able to request an insurance claim and rely on the shop to submit the repair bill and provide an accident report for your insurance company.

Once you approve the estimate, the auto shop will begin the repair process. This may include replacing a part, fixing mechanical components, or ordering specific OEM parts. In case of extensive repairs, the shop may disassemble the necessary areas to perform body work or frame adjustments. If your car has modern features, such as a hybrid system warning or issues with the high-voltage battery, the shop will run diagnostics and check for any EV/hybrid battery errors.

While your car is being fixed, you can often arrange for a rental car. If you have rental car coverage included in your insurance policy, the shop can help set up your temporary vehicle.

After all mechanical and body work is complete, the shop will refinish and repaint any parts if necessary, making sure the new paint matches your car exactly. The final steps include reassembly, a thorough quality check, and cleaning before delivery.

By following these steps and using these bolded expressions, you can approach car repair in America with confidence, knowing how to communicate and advocate for the best service for your vehicle.