When you take your vehicle to an auto mechanic, you should have reasonable assurance that they are reputable and trustworthy. It always helps to research the mechanic ahead of time. However, being prepared with knowledge of some of the sneaky car repair tricks that many mechanics use can help you avoid being scammed. Here are just a few things to look for, and none of them require much more than some basic automotive knowledge. Thanks to WalletPop for giving us some great ideas.
Spit and polish auto mechanic scams
A customer’s lack of knowledge is what auto scams depend on. A mechanic may say that a part needs to be replaced, but the reality is that they may remove it, clean it up, then simply put it back on the car so that it looks like it is really brand new. Anything easily removed is a common target such as batteries, oil filters, and radiators. Many mechanics claim to have given you a refurbished one. This means they actually did nothing. If you can take the car home first before having repairs done, you can try to mark the part in question with a small dab of paint that isn’t easy to spot unless someone knows it’s there. Make sure you see the old parts and purchase order for new ones. Match the part and the receipt. If you see the paint on the “new” part, you’ve spotted a scam.
There’s manic maintenance
Always follow manufacturer suggested intervals for standard maintenance. Look in your owner’s manual. The manufacturers know your vehicle model better than anyone, so their recommended specs are authoritative. If a mechanic tries to get you to agree to an oil change, flush or other repair sooner than you might actually need it, you’ll have reason for suspicion. You should bring the manual with you to the repair.
Don’t pay for guesswork
This is for those who have paid a mechanic and didn’t get the problem fixed. Hold your mechanic to a high standard of accountability. If they failed to fix it the first time, demand a refund. Try a different mechanic if problems persist.
Consider your dipstick
Before going in for repairs, check your dipstick. Do this because this will remind you to watch for an old nickel-and-dime trick some mechanics use. By only inserting the dipstick partway, they will get a lower reading. Even if it is cheap, it is still something. Also, watch for the detached spark plug trick – it might just save you from expensive and unnecessary engine exploratory work. Don’t get the power steering flush either. No manufacturer recommends this according to WalletPop.
Seems doubled over with labor
Repair jobs often lead to another, and then another. Sometimes mechanics double the labor charge. If you’re quoted one labor cost, that’s what you should pay in many cases. The mechanic still needs to make money off their time if the job is big. Communicate with your mechanics and make sure they spell out whether additional labor charges will be incurred before you give your consent to proceed.
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WalletPop
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