It would be nice if a visit to a mechanic is always easy and hassle-free. Sadly, not all mechanics are honest and trustworthy. An inquiry about a brake repair can lead to a costly leak job; and a simple oil change can suddenly become a transmission replacement. Keeping the car repair costs down is as important as keeping your vehicle well maintained, so you have to be smart and geared with the basics to avoid becoming a victim of dishonest mechanics. Here are several tips you can use to avoid car repair rip-offs: