You may not give your car an in-depth inspection every time you take it to get serviced. In fact, who of us has that kind of time? It’s just a car, right? You know they’re not trying to scam you and they wouldn’t screw you over on purpose. These are assumptions that can get you into trouble. Scammers target trusting people like you and rip them off for as much money as possible. Unless you know what to look out for, these mechanics will try their best to con you. Luckily for you, we have compiled some tips on how not to get scammed when taking your car in for service:
Research the Mechanic
The first thing you should do is research the mechanic. You’re probably asking – “how can I know if I’m visiting a mechanic who will screw me over?”. There are plenty of mechanics who are honest and reputable. However, there are also plenty of mechanics who are looking to make a quick buck. A quick search on Google can show you how the mechanic has been reviewed in the past. You can also visit Yelp to read reviews from other customers. If the mechanic is new or has very few reviews, you might want to be extra careful. Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Your instincts are there for a reason. If you can visit the mechanic before you go in for service. You can ask around to see if any of your friends or family members have had their cars serviced there before.
Be Alert for Upselling
When you take your car to the mechanic, they may try to upsell you on additional services that you don’t actually need. They will try to convince you that you need a new transmission, or that your brakes need to be replaced immediately. When this happens, you need to be alert and know when to say “no”. Some mechanics may even try to convince you that you need more expensive parts than what you actually need. These mechanics are called unethical because they are trying to scam you. If you aren’t sure, get a second opinion from another mechanic.
Ask Questions
While you should definitely be on the lookout for upselling, you should also ask questions if you’re unsure about something on your car. You may not know that your lights are burnt out, or that your tires need replacing. These are all things that mechanics check when they do an inspection. They’re also things that they can charge you for. If you aren’t sure what something is, or why it needs to be done, don’t be afraid to ask. If the mechanic is honest, they won’t mind you asking questions. They’ll actually appreciate your concern for your car. If the mechanic gets offended or snobby about your questions, you should be wary.
Watch Out For Really Shady Tactics
Shady mechanics may try to lure you in with incredibly low prices. They may promise services for less than they should be, or say that you need new parts when you don’t. If a mechanic is offering services for next to nothing, there’s probably something wrong. Mechanics can’t make a profit on services if they’re charging next to nothing. If a mechanic is offering services for extremely cheap, you should be wary. They might not be using quality parts, or they might be taking advantage of you in some way. If a mechanic is saying that you need parts replaced when you don’t, you should be careful.
Ask for an Itemized Work Order Before Work Begins
When you go in for services, you should receive a work order before the work begins. This work order should include the cost of the parts as well as the cost of labor. If the mechanic is being shady, they may try to just give you a general order without itemizing anything. If this happens, ask for an itemized order. You have the right to know exactly what you will be paying for. If the mechanic refuses to give you an itemized order, you should leave. This could be a sign that they don’t want you to know what you will be paying for. If the mechanic is being shady, don’t hesitate to walk away. You don’t have to accept being treated poorly at the hands of a mechanic. You have every right to leave and take your business elsewhere.
Good Mechanics are Worth Finding & Keeping
Car mechanics are there to fix your vehicle and keep it running smoothly. However, they are also there to make money. Keeping that in mind, it is easy to see how it is possible to get scammed when visiting the mechanic. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do in order to avoid getting scammed when visiting the mechanic. Find one who will spend the time showing you why you need something and answering all your questions. That is a mechanic you will want to keep around for the life of your car.