When you know little about auto service, it can be very easy to lose money on needless auto repairs. While many auto service shops are honest, there are some out there that are simply interested in draining as much money out your wallet as they can. But as long as you are aware of what to look for, you can avoid some of the most common auto repair rip-offs. Here are some of the ways in which you can prevent losing money on services that you don't need.
Unauthorized Repairs
Never tell your mechanic to do whatever's necessary. Always ask for a repair estimate, that is, an itemized list of the repairs you have discussed with him and approved of, complete with a total cost. Go over the list a couple of times before signing it so that you know if you were charged for unauthorized repairs when the paperwork comes back to you after the job is done.
Needless Replacement of Parts
Unscrupulous mechanics will often advise you to replace a car part when the part is actually in perfect working condition and does not, in fact, need replacing. If an unwarranted replacement comes up, ask the mechanic to show you the part and explain why it isn't working. Also, if you go through with the replacement, ask for the old part back, to make sure that there actually was a replacement performed. If you want, you can take this old part to another mechanic, to see if it was in fact broken.
Deals Too Good to be True
Auto service shops that offer super-low deals, often expect to lose money on them. They offer them in the hopes that customers who come in can be sold on other, more expensive, and often overpriced, repairs. Sometimes you will come for a free tune up and end up getting fifteen different repair suggestions that you didn't know you needed. Remember to ask the mechanics to explain their suggestions. If they are not convincing, go and get a second opinion.
Misdiagnosis
Sometimes mechanics make mistakes. A misdiagnosis is not necessarily intentional. So when you get a diagnosis, check to see if it matches up with the car's symptoms. Never be afraid to ask questions. And again, one of the best ways to double check the validity of a repair suggestion is by going to another shop and getting a third-party opinion.
Want the best San Diego auto service specials? Check out http://www.robertsautoservice.com for the best service and repair.
Unauthorized Repairs
Never tell your mechanic to do whatever's necessary. Always ask for a repair estimate, that is, an itemized list of the repairs you have discussed with him and approved of, complete with a total cost. Go over the list a couple of times before signing it so that you know if you were charged for unauthorized repairs when the paperwork comes back to you after the job is done.
Needless Replacement of Parts
Unscrupulous mechanics will often advise you to replace a car part when the part is actually in perfect working condition and does not, in fact, need replacing. If an unwarranted replacement comes up, ask the mechanic to show you the part and explain why it isn't working. Also, if you go through with the replacement, ask for the old part back, to make sure that there actually was a replacement performed. If you want, you can take this old part to another mechanic, to see if it was in fact broken.
Deals Too Good to be True
Auto service shops that offer super-low deals, often expect to lose money on them. They offer them in the hopes that customers who come in can be sold on other, more expensive, and often overpriced, repairs. Sometimes you will come for a free tune up and end up getting fifteen different repair suggestions that you didn't know you needed. Remember to ask the mechanics to explain their suggestions. If they are not convincing, go and get a second opinion.
Misdiagnosis
Sometimes mechanics make mistakes. A misdiagnosis is not necessarily intentional. So when you get a diagnosis, check to see if it matches up with the car's symptoms. Never be afraid to ask questions. And again, one of the best ways to double check the validity of a repair suggestion is by going to another shop and getting a third-party opinion.
Want the best San Diego auto service specials? Check out http://www.robertsautoservice.com for the best service and repair.
SHARE
