How to Avoid Auto Repair Scam Artists: Tips for Finding a Reliable Mechanic
You can avoid being the victim of an auto repair scam by finding an honest and reliable mechanic. Whether it is for an oil change or a major repair, everyone who owns a car will need a mechanic at some point in time. But, when that time comes, how do you know that you are not going to be taken advantage of or overcharged?
You don't want to wait until a major breakdown happens to start looking for a mechanic. By doing a little research and following a few tips, you can find a reputable repair shop with employees you can trust.
- Find a shop that services your make of car. Some mechanics are specialized for a particular manufacturer. Although they may agree to work on your car, they may not be as familiar with the specific make or may charge more for parts. Also, some general repair shops will not service higher end cars such as Mercedes or BMW.
- Ask friends or family to recommend a mechanic. Find out what kind of car they own, how long they have been using their current mechanic, what work they have had done, and how happy they have been with the service received. Make sure to ask someone who has a car of similar age or classification as your own. For example, a vehicle with a manufacturer's warranty will likely be repaired at a dealership, or someone with a luxury sports car will probably go to a garage that specializes in a particular make of automobile. If you are looking for a mechanic to complete general service on a six-year old family sedan, it is likely that neither of these suggestions will be helpful.
- Check certification and licenses. Look for garages that have been approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and/or the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Also make sure that the shop meets all the state licensing requirements. You may also want to check with the local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed.
- Keep good records. Keeping an accurate maintenance log, and copies of all invoices and receipts, is a good way to prevent auto repair scams. If a mechanic recommends something that has just been completed, you can be fairly sure that they didn't actually inspect your car. If you know that you just changed your air filter last month, and you have the paperwork to prove it, the mechanic will learn very quickly that you cannot be fooled.
It is also a good idea to check your vehicle fluids before taking your car into a garage. This way, you will know if the fluid is low or dirty, in case you are charged for top-up or shown an "inaccurate" sample.
- Look for a shop that offers guarantees.You do not want to pay for sloppy work that needs to be repaired again in a few weeks. Protect yourself by making sure that the garage guarantees its service. Also, make sure that you know what is covered (parts, labor, or both) and for how many months/miles this warranty is valid.
- Get a written estimate. A reputable shop will provide an itemized estimate listing the cost of all parts, labor, taxes, and fees. Make sure that the mechanic is willing to sign and honor this estimate, and ask about their policy if additional work is needed. Your approval should be required before the completion of any repairs not listed on the estimate.
- Ask questions. You should be able to ask the mechanic why a particular repair needs to be done and get a respectful and straight answer. They should take the time to explain to you what is wrong with your vehicle and how it can be repaired. If you feel like the mechanic is “talking in circles” or “talking down” to you, then you may question his integrity.
- Look for a repair shop that is busy. If a garage is reliable and trustworthy, it will have a large customer base. Of course, you may have to wait a little longer to get your car in for repairs, but that is better than using a mechanic who does sloppy work or lacks the proper certification. If you are waiting while your vehicle is being serviced, ask other customers about the reputation and quality of the garage.
- "Test" a mechanic with a simple service or small repair. Don't wait for a major mechanical failure to begin looking for a reliable mechanic. If you are considering a particular shop, take your car in for an oil change or minor repair to see how confident you feel about their service. How did they treat you? Do they have a polite, customer friendly staff? Did they pressure you to authorize work that isn't needed? Did they provide an estimate and then stick to it? Did they give you an itemized bill and review the invoice details? If you trust them with the small repairs, you know that you will be able to count on them when something more serious happens.
- Have some basic knowledge about your car. You don't have to be a mechanic, but being familiar with the possible causes of specific signs and symptoms will lower the chances of you being taken advantage of. A mechanic will be less likely to try to "pull the wool over your eyes" if you know or understand basic terminology.
- The customer has control. When it comes to taking their car to a mechanic, many people are nervous or intimidated. Relax and remember that you are the one calling the shots. It's your money, so you are in charge of the situation. If you don't feel comfortable going alone then take someone with you. And, don't be afraid to ask question or say "no". If you aren't happy with the service or the way you are treated, then take your vehicle somewhere else.
- If in doubt, get a second opinion. If you are not convinced that a mechanic is being completely honest and upfront with you, take your vehicle to another garage for a second opinion. This is a good way to put your mind at ease and find out who you can trust.
A reliable and reputable mechanic will run a professional and organized business, have customer friendly staff, provide a detailed estimate and invoice, and stand behind his work. Research the reputation of a shop and then try it out with a small job, so when a major breakdown occurs, you will not be the victim of an auto repair scam.
Extended Protection
The everyday costs of owning a car can be high, even without calculating in the expense of unexpected major repairs. While an extended warranty or mechanical breakdown protection will not cover consumable wear items or preventative maintenance, it will give you peace of mind when something major happens. For example, an air conditioning problem can cost you $1,600 to $2,200. Trouble with the fuel pump is another common issue, and depending on your car, you can expect this to be about $800 to $1000. A transmission replacement can range between $1,700 and $3,100 depending upon your vehicle year/make/model. An engine replacement can cost between $6,000 and $17,000.
Protect yourself with autoPOM! autoPOM!'s Platinum Mechanical Breakdown Protection plans cover virtually all your vehicle's mechanical and electrical components. In the event of a roadside auto breakdown, having mechanical breakdown protection (commonly called an extended warranty) can really help. All autoPOM! extended breakdown coverage plans come with roadside assistance including towing, lost key/lock-out services, emergency fuel service, etc. In the event of a breakdown, all you have to do is make one phone call, and Mercury (autoPOM!'s administrator and underwriter) will take care of all the details. If your vehicle requires an extended stay in the shop, Mercury will even provide rental car assistance. . Mechanical failures are never enjoyable, but when you have mechanical breakdown protection, the only thing you will have to worry about is making sure you have the phone number when you need it. The peace of mind knowing that everything will be taken care of is worth the investment and will take the stress out of roadside breakdowns.
Insuring, licencing, and maintaining your car will put enough strain on your budget, so eliminate the worry of major vehicle repair costs by purchasing an extended warranty today.
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