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Arranging
Car Repairs

In this conversation, you will learn how to discuss car problems and repairs, focusing on using the causative passive structure to talk about services you arrange for someone else to do.

Arranging Car Repairs
1

Listening

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2

Reading + Practice

Read the script, practice vocabulary, and learn useful sentences.

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LIAM
Hey Chloe, you look stressed. What's up?
CHLOE
Hi Liam. My car broke down again last week, right on the way to work.
LIAM
Oh no, what happened this time?
CHLOE
The engine made a grinding noise, then stopped. I had to get it towed.
LIAM
That sounds awful. Did mechanics look at it?
CHLOE
Yes, they called this morning. I need a new timing belt, a big job. Also, the brakes are worn, so I'll get those done for safety.
LIAM
Ouch, that sounds expensive. Did you get an estimate?
CHLOE
I did, and it's substantial. I'm also having the tires rotated while it's there to save another trip.
LIAM
Smart move. I just had my oil changed and a check-up. Regular maintenance is key.
CHLOE
Definitely. I wish I'd been more proactive. Now I'm without a car for days, a huge inconvenience. My brother has to drive me to work.
LIAM
At least you have a backup. Last year, I had my windshield replaced after a stone hit it. Unexpected expenses are the worst.
CHLOE
I hate those sudden expenses! Was it done quickly?
LIAM
Yes, same day. My insurance arranged the repair directly.
CHLOE
Good to hear. I hope mine's ready by Friday; I need it for weekend plans.
LIAM
Fingers crossed. Car repairs are always a hassle, especially unexpected ones.
CHLOE
Tell me about it. But at least I'll have a reliable, safe car again.
2b

Vocabulary Match

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Words

Definitions

2c

Useful Sentences

Quick sentences you can use in real life.

Discussing Car Problems
  • My car broke down again last week.
  • The engine was making a strange noise.
  • I had no choice but to get it towed to the garage.
  • What exactly happened this time?
Arranging Car Repairs
  • I need to have the timing belt replaced.
  • I'll definitely have to get those done too.
  • I'm also thinking about having the tires rotated.
  • I had to have my windshield replaced after a stone hit it.
Expressing Frustration/Relief
  • That sounds like a complete nightmare.
  • It's always such a hassle.
  • That's really good to hear.
  • Fingers crossed for you.
3

Grammar

Review the rule and take the quiz.

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✓ Grammar Focus

Causative Passive (have/get something done)

★ Examples from the lesson

- I had to get it towed.

- I'll get those done for safety.

- I'm also having the tires rotated while it's there.

- I just had my oil changed and a check-up.

- I had my windshield replaced after a stone hit it.

💡 Uses

1) To describe a service performed for you by someone else: I had my oil changed. (A mechanic changed the oil for me.)

2) To describe something unpleasant that happened to you, caused by someone else: I had my windshield replaced. (Someone else replaced it because it was damaged.)

3) To arrange for a service in the future: I'll get those done for safety. (I will arrange for someone to fix the brakes.)

📝 Forms

The basic structure is **have/get + object + past participle (V3)**. The verb 'have' or 'get' changes according to the subject and tense.

Subject Affirmative (Present Simple) Negative (Present Simple) Question (Present Simple)
I I have my car repaired. I don't have my car repaired. Do I have my car repaired?
You You have your car repaired. You don't have your car repaired. Do you have your car repaired?
He/She/It He has his car repaired. He doesn't have his car repaired. Does he have his car repaired?
We We have our car repaired. We don't have our car repaired. Do we have our car repaired?
They They have their car repaired. They don't have their car repaired. Do they have their car repaired?

*Note: 'Get' can often be used instead of 'have', especially in informal contexts (e.g., "I need to get my car repaired"). The tense of 'have' or 'get' can be changed to express different times (e.g., "I had my oil changed" - past simple, "I'm having the tires rotated" - present continuous).*

⚠ Common Mistakes
Mistake Correction Explanation
I had my car fix. I had my car fixed. Always use the past participle (V3) after the object in the causative passive structure.
I changed the oil. (when a mechanic did it) I had the oil changed. Use the causative passive when someone else performs the action for you.
Did you got your tires rotated? Did you get your tires rotated? The auxiliary verb 'did' carries the past tense, so 'get' should be in its base form.
He has his car repairing. He has his car repaired. The past participle (V3) is used, not the present participle (-ing form).
They will have their house to paint. They will have their house painted. Do not use 'to' before the past participle in this structure.
Finish