Is your Mechanic scamming you with extra repairs? Learn how to save yourself from auto repair scammers @Parts Avatar

Watch out for these tricks and pitfalls used by shady mechanics to scam you! Stick with reliable mechanics and save on Auto Repairs – By PartsAvatar.ca Aftermarket Auto Parts.

 

Whenever we have any car related problem we rush to the mechanic immediately. But not every mechanic is good. Most of the mechanics trap the vulnerable drivers by stating false repairs to be needed. “High Scare equals high profit”, says John Ibbotson who is consumer report chief mechanic and working in auto parts business since 1990.

Most mechanics believe the fact that their customers know nothing about their car. Based on that fact they try to scare and scam you regarding useless repairs they mention.They forge with the bills by adding extra repair cost. Actually those repairs have been done on their useless suggestion. So, beware of the extra charges and get to know your vehicle more.

Parts avatar suggests some item that you should watch out for while visiting a mechanic, as the mechanic may scam money by using those items as bait.It’s better to take second opinion of other certified professional or even a knowledgeable friend.Let us have a look at some scenarios that you need to watch out for.

Brake repair scam

Some dishonest auto services often practice brake repair scam services. We are often advised by our mechanic to replace brake rotors of car along with the brake pads. It has been observed that some mechanics offer cheap brake rotor replacement and also claim to offer lifetime brake pads by giving low quality brake pads in reality. It is advised to use either Aftermarket equivalent standard product or better go for an OEM.

When you need to replace the car brake pads, it is not compulsory or necessary to do so with brake rotors.Your mechanic will convince you in changing rotors and there are chances that inappropriate brake rotors may lead to more expensive repairs in future. So, better watch out!

Ask your friend before any replacement.You can search or read the symptoms of bad rotor and brake pads on internet. You can take advice from different repair shops so that you will have to pay a reasonable price for the brake repair. Always buy vehicle relevant aftermarket brake pads or rotors for replacement or original one instead of using mechanic’s own product as it won’t last long.

Spark plug replacement

Auto Spark plugs are also important component of ignition system. They provide with necessary spark that is needed to ignite the air fuel mixture within the cylinders. Problems with vehicle’s engine are prominent whenever the spark plugs go bad.

In older engine’s there was a time when you needed spark plug replacement twice a year because engine didn’t burn fuel efficiently. But if your car has traveled fewer than 100000 miles, and your mechanic is suggesting you for spark plug replacement, you better take a second opinion.Engines with new technology are less prone to wear and aging of spark plug so there may be a chance that your mechanic is not honest.

Air filter replacement

This is most popular car repair scam practiced by most mechanics (dishonest ones!).When you take your vehicle for regular service to the mechanic, he may tell you that your car’s air filter needs replacement.Car Air filters seldom need to be replaced. Even when you need replacement, it is a DIY project and you can easily perform the replacement process yourself without help of mechanic.

There are several videos and stories on internet that tell how the mechanics intentionally put mulch and leaves into the filter to make it look as if it needs replacement.You better search for the symptoms that could lead to a failed air filter and then you can yourself do the replacement.Air filters are quite cheaply available at aftermarket online stores which provide same standards and functionality as that of original ones.

Oil change scam and faking Leaks

Oil change is very important when it comes to maintenance. When we go to mechanic for vehicle’s oil change, the mechanic advises you to use either synthetic or premium high quality oil instead of the low quality oil that you have been using previously. He will also tell you to repair some problems that he noticed while checking your vehicle.Some fake auto shops spray coolant on a part of an engine purposely to make it look like a leak. You better ask them to properly show you the leak that’s causing this dripping of coolant. It is advised to better go to a certified, trust able mechanic from the very beginning.

Flushing of fluids

Some auto repair shops unnecessarily offer to flush out the auto coolant and car's power steering fluids. Cars are designed to go 100000 miles with fluids. It is very rare when you need fluid flushing and it happens under certain circumstances. Go through your vehicle’s owner manual. Replacing a fluid could also cause an old transmission to fail.You will find information about fluid flushing.  Take a professionals help and advice.

Offering free inspection on tire rotation

If any auto repair shop is offering you free check up of vehicle or even free tire rotation check up, be forewarned. This could also lead to a planned scam. Whenever you visit for free check up, mechanics scare you by stating different unnecessary problems with your car and offer as many things to repair as possible. You could just be wasting your hard earned money by going for a free inspection of your car. So watch out!

Watch out!

You read about certain elements that could be tempered by the mechanic in the name of repair. Let us read about some preventive measure that you can take to shield yourself from auto shop scammers and save your cash.

·          Mechanics should be paid by the hour, not for the part that they repair or replace or merely touch.

 If the mechanic doesn’t get the repair done efficiently for the first time, it is not wise to pay him. Do not pay your mechanic unless you are satisfies with your car’s performance. Otherwise mechanics would charge you again and again for any problem with the previous repair he has done.

       

             Most mechanics sell additives and tell that they miraculously cure your vehicle.Additives don’t harm your car but they also don’t make the car run faster at the same time. Additives can be used to clean a specific component but not every time. So don’t get forged.

                Mostly auto repair shops use scare tactics to sell what they want to. Beware of those who say” it’s impossible for your car to drive another mile”.Never get scared of any tactic they use and always instead counter scare them by saying that you need time to take a second opinion.

                You should inspect the auto repair shop for the state license of your country. Many shops proudly display their license.

              Any mechanic who says that he doesn’t need any technical tool to analyze the condition of your engine should be avoided.

                Never sign a blank authorization form. Be aware of repair jobs and warranties that are applicable.

    Unless you are using second opinion as a counter scare tactic, do not tell your mechanic that you took second opinion before coming.

     They will give you free replacement of mufflers stating that they would last long. But you could be heading towards an expensive repair road as car exhaust mufflers and pipes are quite expensive to repair.

      Some of the expensive parts like catalytic converters or exhaust and emission parts have long warranty and free replacement provided by law. Consult your manufacturer before going for other replacement.

     Do not let your mechanic to keep your car’s old parts. This way can you can inspect if they have been changed and you can show them to your friend for second opinion.

    Do not forget to test drive your car to access the performance.

     Before buying new tires know what your state’s tire tread specifications are. Then let the mechanic check the old tread with a gauge.

This way, if a mechanic is trying to overcharge you for car repairs, you will see it coming. Take second opinion and research before going to the mechanic.

For more information about Aftermarket auto replacement parts chat with a knowledgeable expert at PartsAvatar.ca.