• Car
• Vehicle
• What to do
• Auto
• Repair
• Replacement
• Service
• Mechanic
• Service center
• Auto parts
• Dealer

A single day without a car is a big inconvenience for most of us since we rely heavily on it. That's why when a car shows a warning sign, we want to get it fixed right away.

Of course when an unexpected breakdown happens and you’re unsure of what to do, the first thing that comes to mind is to bring your vehicle to a mechanic for repair. 

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:

1. Request For An Up-Front Estimate

Never tell your mechanic to fix whatever needs to be fixed when you drop off your car for a repair. If you end up with a dishonest one, you may get charged for a lot of unnecessary stuff. 

While you're there, ask the mechanic to assess the vehicle, explain what needs to be done and provide you with an estimate of the repair cost.

Don't hesitate to ask questions and never assume that the mechanic is always right. 

It's also best to ask the mechanic to give you a call or inform you of any changes with the cost and estimate that was initially provided. This will give you more time to think about it and decide.   

2. Ask the Mechanic for Your Old Parts

There are some unethical mechanics who will charge for parts replacement they never performed. So when your mechanic tells you that he'll be replacing some parts, let him know that you'll need the old parts after the service. 

Doing this would discourage them from trying to charge you for parts they didn't really replace.

3. Brush Up on Basic Auto Mechanics

It will be difficult to tell if you are getting ripped off or not if you don’t even know the most common parts of a vehicle.  

You don’t need to join a class to get this information. All you need to do is spend a few hours reading your car’s manual and familiarize yourself with the parts. 

Take some time to learn about your car so you can protect not only yourself but also your wallet. 

You can also check out Car Care Council – a non-profit org which offers a free guide to explain the car basics and help all drivers. 

4. Ask Friends and Family for Mechanic Referrals

Finding a mechanic you can trust is the best way to avoid getting ripped off. Ask your family or friends if they know a reliable mechanic they can recommend. They will most likely recommend someone they can speak highly of or a shop they’ve tried and tested. 

The best mechanics believe in a long-term business strategy so they always try to provide a good value for money.

Remember not all branded dealerships or shops are great and ethical. Sometimes the small, independent car repair shops are better since their goal is to keep and satisfy long term customers. 

5. Double-Check the Price of New Parts

If you think that a replacement part is overly expensive, check and compare the price online and talk to your dealer about it. 

Don’t be afraid to ask and discuss it with your mechanic if you think you’re being overcharged.  As a customer, you have the right for fair pricing and quality service. 

6. Don’t Be Afraid To Get A Second Opinion

If the mechanic is giving a long list of repairs which you feel is unnecessary. Or if the mechanic is going over a lot of issues that confuses you. Go to another mechanic for a second opinion. 

Find out what the second shop will say and ask for their estimate for the repairs. Then, compare the costs before you decide. 

7. Stay Up-To-Date With Automotive Repair Recommendations

Vehicle maintenance guides change through time as technology advances. 

Keeping abreast with car repair guides and recommendations will help you stay current with tools and information to properly repair new-model cars.  

It’s also important to follow the advice of the car’s manufacturer. It will be hard for a shady mechanic to scam customers who know their way around a car. 

8. Use A Diagnostic Tool

By using an automotive scan tool, you can determine the car’s issue even before you take it to the repair shop. 

You can plug a diagnostic tool such as CarMD or ScanGauge II to your vehicle’s OBD2 port before going to the shop. 

This will give you a direct report and show problem codes which you can decode using the manual. The probable fix, labor, and parts costs in your area will also be shown on some advanced OBD2 scan tools.  

It will give you an idea about what the real issue is and if the mechanic is telling the truth about the repairs and replacements. 

9. Never Overpay For Repairs

Check with your dealer first if your car is still within the warranty period. If it is still covered, you just need to bring your car to the service technician and get it fixed. You don’t need to pay for anything.  

10. Develop A Sound Working Relationship With The Mechanic

If you found a reliable mechanic and you’re satisfied and happy with the service, stick to it. You’ll be able to build trust and a good relationship if you go the same one each time your car needs repair. 

You’ll also be stress-free knowing your car is in good hands and will be charged fairly for the parts and service.