Car Services

How to Avoid Getting Ripped off by Car Services Mechanics

By Darren Williger

Getting a good job done on your car isn't exactly a walk in the park. Except that you've found a mechanic that you can easily trust, it may seem as if they are all after your wallet. Make sure that you avoid some of these common tricks when you take your vehicle to the mechanic the next time.

Insisting That You Only Take Your Car Back To the Dealer for Service/Repair

Except that you need your car repaired immediately, most mechanics are equally capable of fixing your car model immediately. Most of these people will accept warranties, recalls and post-warranty repairs which are covered under the goodwill program of the manufacturer. The service of a dealer can be quite expensive and it may only be necessary if you do not want to wait for a mechanic in order to get and receive a part that is hard to find.

Insist On Generic Maintenance Not Recommended By The Manufacturer:

You should check the owner's manual of your vehicle for scheduled maintenance itesm that you need and you should look out for mechanics that recommend add-ons in order for you to keep your car functional. The manufacture that made the car wants you to have your car in prime condition all the time, that way you'll buy a car from them the next time around. They'll make sure that they list all the services your car needs to stay in good repair and they will offer a list of suggested maintenance times.

Getting It Wrong The First Time:

Some mechanics aren't really mechanics but part replacers. They are experts at replacing one thing only to discover that it is another more expensive problem much later on. Sometimes a mechanic is allowed to get things wrong but when this situation is prevalent most of the time, that's a problem. Also make sure that he states why he got anything wrong when he's does and ask him why he's sure he' s right the next time around. Any reputable shop should give you a refund or discount on a wrongly diagnosed repair without any hassle.

Insisting That Some Cars Go Through Parts More Quickly Than Others:

If a newer part of your car fails quicker that it normally should, it may be the fault of your mechanic. He may have installed the part improperly or used a part that was already condemned or damaged. This may happen every now and then but when it becomes a regular pattern, then its time to look for a new mechanic. You should always insist on a complete refund or discount for the new work and whenever a part fails so quickly after it has been put in.

Insisting that they're Worth More:

Getting the best parts for your car will normally cost a bit more than usual but when this is the regular case with your mechanic, then you have a problem. Any mechanic who charges at least 20 to 30 per cent more than usual for his own repairs is overpriced. Make sure that you check around town and see what other garages are charging for basic repairs and beware of those who charge you a whole lot more than this.