Taking your car to the mechanic can be a frustrating experience. Most people no little if anything about car repair, leaving them at the mercy of the mechanic. While many mechanics are reputable professionals, there are also many who pull quick scams in order to make a fast buck and keep your car coming back for repairs indefinitely. Here are some common auto repair scams to keep a look out for the next time you bring your car in for a service.
Not Doing the Job
Many auto mechanics simply cant get the job done right. While no mechanic is perfect and sometimes fixing a problem takes a bit of trial and error, others simply dont perform the required auto repairs. Look for auto shops with good customer service policies such as warranties and free estimates. Its also wise to ask the mechanic to show you what was done and explain it to you. If youre having a new part installed, ask to receive the old part along with the packaging for the replacement to ensure you got what you paid for.
Extra Work
You brought your car in for a tune up and ended up with an outrageous bill. Some auto repair con artists will try and convince you that they performed necessary and important repairs without your express permission. No repair should be performed without consulting the owner first. You should also get everything in writing. Be wary of charges that greatly exceed the estimate as well.
Premium Prices
Many auto repair shops have a "dont ask, dont tell" policy when it comes to the type of parts they order. They often choose the most expensive, and most people are so clueless about cars that they agree. The internet gives you a cheap and fast way to shop around for prices. Ask what part is needed and then do a search on your own before having the repair done. You may bring in the part yourself and just pay for the labor if you find a better price. You can also ask to have a used part instead of a new part.
Multiple Estimates
Some people are so desperate to get their cars back on the road that they drop them off at the first auto repair shop they find. This can put a huge dent in your wallet. Visit two or three different shops and youre likely to find great discrepancies in the prices, possibly even by hundreds of dollars. Youre also likely to get different opinions on what repairs need to be performed.
Unnecessary Repairs
Sometimes scam artist auto repair mechanics will try and convince you that you need extra repair work done. While some may be legitimate suggestions, its good to check around and see how often certain parts should be changed. Its also good to keep records of all your repairs and tune-ups so you can check to see what has been performed recently. If you just had your air filter replaced and you find a shop owner is insistent you need a new one, time to find a new mechanic.
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