... Short Cuts For Learning Spanish, "Car Trouble" ...
by Christopher Howard M.A.
Author of The New Golden Door Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica

Having mechanical problems with your car is an unpleasant experience not to mention when you are in a country where English is not widely spoken . Memorizing the phrases and vocabulary below is an importamt Spanish survival skill which will help you communicate your car problems to your mechanic, emergency highway personnel, police or anyone else.

¿Hay un taller mecánico por aquí? - Is there a car repair shop around here?

mecánico - mechanic

mi coche está averiado, mi carro está - My car doesn't work. descompuesto or mi carro no funciona

estación de gasolina, gasolinera or - gas station estación de servicio

no tiene gasolina - It's out of gas

aceite - oil

agua - water

llanta desinflada or ponchada - flat tire

no arranca or no enciende - It won't start.

La batería está muerta - The battery is dead.

arranque - starter

el parabrisas - windshield

Mi carro hace un ruido raro - My car is making a strange noise.

Necesito un carro de remolque/grúa. -I need a tow truck.

luces, faros - headlights

gato - jack

portaequipaje, baúl - trunk

quema aceite - It burns oil

¿Qué tiene mi carro? - What's the wrong with my car?

el radiador - radiator

Huele a quemado - It smell like something is burning.

¿Cuánto tiempo tardará la reparación? - How long will the repair take?

¿Cuánto cuesta? - How much will it cost?

Los frenos no funcionan. - The brakes don't work.

llanta de repuesto - spare tire

Christopher Howard M.A. is the author of "The New Golden Door Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica," He is also a paid consultant for National Geographic in Costa Rica. For more information call 800-365-2342, access: www.costaricabooks.com or www.publishingonline.com to directly download his books from the Internet. Mr. Howard also conducts monthly one-of-a-kind exploratory trips for those wanting to live in Costa Rica Please call toll-free 800-493-8426, e-mail: crbooks@racsa.co.cr or tico@gate.net. Contact them to see how your can win a FREE round-trip ticket to Costa Rica on one of their tours. Mr. Howard also works as a paid consultant for newcomers and those thinking of investing or going into business. For a listing of his services see: www. liveincostarica.com. Anyone needing assistance may contact him directly at: crbooks@racsa.co.cr.