At the Car Workshop in Spain
Spanish expressions for a breakdown, a mechanic's diagnosis, the quote and picking the car up again.
In Spain you take your car to el taller, ask for un presupuesto before anything is touched, and every few years it must pass la ITV, the compulsory roadworthiness test. Mechanics usually talk to you with tú and tell it like it is, and everyone fears being overcharged, or that te claven. These expressions follow a breakdown near Valencia, the visit to a local workshop and the pick-up a few days later.
- 1
El coche me dejó tirado en la autovía.
My car left me stranded on the motorway.
- 2
Hace un ruido raro cuando freno.
It makes a strange noise when I brake.
- 3
Se me ha encendido un piloto en el salpicadero.
A warning light has come on on the dashboard.
- 4
¿Me puedes hacer un presupuesto antes?
Can you give me a quote first?
- 5
Le toca pasar la ITV el mes que viene.
It's due its MOT next month.
- 6
No quiero que me claven.
I don't want them to rip me off.
- 7
Eso cuesta un ojo de la cara.
That costs an arm and a leg.
- 8
Las pastillas de freno están gastadas.
The brake pads are worn.
- 9
Habrá que pedir la pieza.
We'll have to order the part.
- 10
Estará listo el jueves como muy tarde.
It'll be ready by Thursday at the latest.
- 11
Menuda chapuza.
What a botch job.
- 12
Échale un ojo al nivel del aceite.
Keep an eye on the oil level.
- 13
Está en las últimas.
It's on its last legs.
- 14
No compensa arreglarlo.
It's not worth fixing.
- 15
Creo que el motor ha dicho basta.
I think the engine has given up.
- 16
Has tenido suerte, no es nada grave.
You were lucky, it's nothing serious.
- 17
El mecánico me lo dijo sin rodeos.
The mechanic told me straight.
- 18
Siempre pasa lo mismo: se estropea justo antes de las vacaciones.
It always happens: it breaks down right before the holidays.
- 19
Haz lo que haga falta.
Do whatever needs doing.
- 20
Ahora va como la seda.
Now it runs like a dream.