Auto repair scams, fraud and scams are common practice within the auto mechanic industry. That’s not to say there aren’t any reputable auto repair shops, but according to the Consumer Federation of America’s “2007 Consumer Complaint Survey Report,” the number one category among the top ten complaints from consumers is the car.
In order not to be taken advantage of, here are some tips to avoid unscrupulous auto repair shops.
Investigate and get remedies in writing – Understand your car problems. Know what needs to be done to improve your car’s overall performance before the auto repair shop begins any work on your vehicle. Make sure all quotes worked on your car are in writing so you know exactly what is being done to your car for full service and labor cost.
Don’t be pressured for more services – The California Auto Body Association estimates that 40% of repair bills have some degree of fraud. It’s the shops’ job to tell their customers what else needs to be done on their vehicles, but don’t feel pressured to do more service if there’s no urgent need. Be aware of the long list of repairs when you only brought the car in for a single service, get a second opinion if needed.
Go for a ride with a mechanic – A good mechanic wouldn’t mind giving your car a test drive to pinpoint the car’s noise-related problem or a problem that comes and goes. Keep in mind that auto mechanics don’t take the time to identify the problem because they are probably wasting your time and money.
Find the keys from a reputable repair shop – Finding reputable repair shops may not be as difficult as it sounds. Look for signs that the shop is California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) or “Triple A” approved. Other clues to consider are the professionalism, the appearance of the store and the staff.
Get a Mechanical Warranty – Request the store’s warranty on your work in writing if possible. Find out what the warranty covers. By receiving a warranty, no matter where you are, the work done on your car is covered under warranty. However, if you have problems, please try to resolve it with the store first. Most honorable mechanics should try to get it right for you.