Auto repair rip-offs, frauds, scams are a common practice inside the auto mechanic industry. That is not to say there aren't any reputable auto repair shops, but according to the Consumer Federation of America's "2007 Consumer Complaint Survey Report," the number one category among the top ten consumer complaints is auto.
To not be taken advantage of, here are a few tips to avoid unscrupulous auto repair shops.
Research and Get Repairs in Writing - Understand your car's problems. Know what needs to be done to improve your car's overall performance before you have the car repair shop begins any work on your vehicle. Make sure all the quotes worked on your car are in writing for you to know exactly what is done to your car with the complete service and labor cost.
Don't be Pressured into More Services - The California Auto Body Association estimates 40% of repair bills have some degree of fraud. It is the shops job to tell their clients what else needs to be done in their vehicles, but do not be pressured to have more services done if there is no need for urgency. Be aware of long list of repairs when you only brought the car in for only one service, get a second opinion if needed.
Go for a Drive with a Mechanic - A good mechanic would not mind taking a test drive of your car to accurately identify the car problem pertaining to noise or a problem that comes and goes. Be aware of auto mechanics not taking their time to identify the problem because they are probably wasting your time and money.
Look for Reputable Repair Shop Clues - Finding honorable repair shops might not be as difficult as it may seem. Look for signs that the shop is California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), or "Triple A" approved. Other clues to look out for are professionalism, shop appearance, and personnel.
Get a Guarantee from Mechanics - Ask for the shop's guarantee of its work in writing if possible. Find out what the guarantee covers. By receiving a guarantee, no matter where you are, the work done on your car is covered under the warranty. If you do run into trouble though, try to work it out with the shop first. Most honorable mechanics should try to make it right for you.
