Watch out for these potential auto mechanic scams

When you take your vehicle to an auto mechanic, you should have reasonable assurance that they are reputable and trustworthy, rather than someone who is waiting to perpetrate one of many different auto mechanic scams. Researching a mechanic ahead of time via AAA or other industry resources helps. However, being prepared with knowledge of some of the sneaky car repair tricks those mechanics that are less than honest can help you avoid being scammed. Here are some things look for, and none of them require much more than some basic automotive knowledge. Thanks to WalletPop for giving us some great ideas.

Source for this article: Watch out for these potential auto mechanic scams

Spit and polish auto mechanic scams

A customer's lack of knowledge is what auto scams depend on. A mechanic may say that a part needs to be replaced, but the reality is that they may remove it, clean it up, then simply put it back on the car so that it looks brand new. Easily removed parts like batteries, oil filters and radiators are common targets. A variation on this scam can be that the mechanic claims they replaced your old part with a refurbished part. This means they actually did nothing. If you can take the car home first before you are going to have any repairs done, mark the part in question with a small dab of paint that isn’t easy to spot unless someone knows it’s there. After repairs are complete, ask to see the old part as well as the purchase order for the new one. Match the new part with the info in the receipt. It was a scam if you find paint on the part.

What about manic maintenance

Follow all suggestions for standard maintenance. Check your owner’s manual. The manufacturers know your vehicle model better than anyone, so their recommended specs are authoritative. If a mechanic tries to get you to agree to an oil change, flush or other repair sooner than needed, you’ll can be suspicious. You should bring the manual with you to the repair.

Don't pay for guesswork

This is for people who didn't have the problem fixed by their mechanic. Your mechanic needs to be held to a high standard. If they didn’t fix it the first time, demand a refund or at least a discount on the next repair attempt. If these problems continue, get a new mechanic.

Think about your dipstick

Check your oil via the dipstick before you go in for repairs. Do this, not just because you want an accurate reading of your engine’s oil level, but because this will remind you to watch for an old nickel-and-dime trick some mechanics use. By only inserting the dipstick partway, they will get a lower reading. It might be cheap but it's still something. Also, watch for the detached spark plug trick – it could save you from expensive and unnecessary engine exploratory work. And while you’re at it, don’t spring for the power steering flush. No manufacturer recommends this according to WalletPop.

With labor, doubled over

Repair jobs often lead to another, and then another. Some auto mechanic scams will center on this common occurrence by doubling your labor charge. The labor cost you were quoted is what you should pay. However, if the new job is something big, the mechanic still has to make money for his or her time. Communicate with your mechanics and make sure they spell out whether additional labor charges will be incurred before you give your consent to proceed.

Citations~More information on this topic~Read more on this topic here~Find more information on this topic~Additional information at these websites

WalletPop

walletpop.com/top5/general/sneaky-auto-repair-tricks/

The related video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4fLfpuXDuM