subject: Avoiding Auto Service Scams [print this page] Owning a vehicle can be a lot of fun and can provide consumers with greater freedom and the ability to go wherever they choose, whenever they choose. However, owning a car can also be a huge headache. If you aren't prepared to deal with auto repairs and regularly scheduled maintenance, you may be in for a gruesome surprise. Understanding the way auto repair services operate will help you avoid paying too much for a repair or getting scammed by a dishonest mechanic.
Research Your Vehicle and Suggested Repairs
The easiest way to get taken advantage of at an auto repair shop is if you're unprepared regarding the history of your vehicle and the type of repair that you need. If a mechanic sees that you know nothing about auto repair, he or she may be tempted to charge you more than is necessary. You don't have to be an expert on the subject. Simply use the internet to research your vehicle and research the cost of different repair services. This small amount of preparation can go a long way in avoiding an auto repair scam.
Demand a Service Quote
Your auto mechanic should never begin working on your vehicle and making expensive repairs before he or she has provided you with a quote regarding the cost. Once you have this quote, you can go over it with your mechanic. You can also take the quote to other mechanics to see if you can get a better price.
Ask Questions
One of the biggest mistakes that vehicle owners make is failing to ask questions when they encounter a pricing issue or a repair cost that they don't understand. There is no such thing as a dumb question, and yet many consumers feel embarrassed to ask questions about the price breakdown of their repair costs. If you don't ask questions, you will never be able to understand why your repairs cost what they did. Many mechanics take advantage of consumers, and the consumers know it, but are too afraid to speak up. If you want to avoid a scam, ask questions. Watch your mechanic's facial expressions to look for signs of evasion or dishonesty. If you don't like what you are seeing or hearing, leave and find another mechanic.
Consult Your Friends and Family Members
Your friends and family members may be able to help you find an auto mechanic that will provide you with reliable and honest service. At the very least, your family members and friends may be able to suggest places to avoid so that you don't go to an auto mechanic with a reputation for providing shoddy service or for taking advantage of unsuspecting customers.
If you do get a recommendation from a friend or family member, you should mention this recommendation to the mechanic before he or she begins working on your vehicle. Often, when a mechanic knows that you have been recommended by a current customer, he will pay special attention to your vehicle's needs because he doesn't want to lose two potential customers by not doing a good job. Networking is an important part of finding affordable auto service and avoiding auto repair scams.
