How To Avoid Garage Rip Offs
One of the most potentially frustrating, nerve wracking and expensive times for any car owner, and even more so if you are young or female, is taking your car to the mechanics.
How many times have you heard friends or family recounting tales of the local rip off mechanic taking them for a ride and coming out with empty pockets and a at the end of the experience?
We've put together some tips that will hopefully save you some money and keep you out of trouble.
1) Choose the right garage for the work and your car
Make sure the garage where you take your car is experienced with your make and model. Not all garages may be familiar with your car but nevertheless, few are likely to turn down work because of it. This is especially important if you drive a rare or vintage car. Any mistake the garage makes could end up costing you more money.
2) Steer clear of unnecessary repairs
Ensuring your mechanic only fixes what needs to be fixed is one of the biggest minefields. You've probably heard the stories of the mechanic who slips a 'Settlers tums' into the battery cell to make it boil over! Or the quick squirt of oil on the shock absorber to make it look like it's broken. But how do you get around it?
There are a few things you can do which may help:
• Educate yourself about how your car works and keep a history of the work you have had done on it.
• Request that the mechanic sets aside any replaced parts for you to inspect later.
• Come in with a checklist of the work that you think needs doing. Never go to a mechanic and say 'do whatever needs fixing'!
»Next: Certified mechanics, second opinions and friendly advice
