3 Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed By a Mechanic
As a busy working professional, you likely have a lot on your plate. In addition to job and family responsibilities, you have an endless to-do list of tasks you need to accomplish, including taking your car in for maintenance and repairs.
Lately, however, you’ve found yourself wondering if you’re truly getting the best and most honest advice from your mechanic. And while you don’t want to think you’re being scammed, sometimes you question whether that part or system really needs fixing.
Fortunately, it’s possible to avoid having those scary car maintenance nightmares. By becoming more knowledgeable about certain aspects of your vehicle — and how to look for great deals on auto supplies — you’ll feel more confident upon bringing your car in for a tune-up. With that in mind, here are three tips to avoid getting scammed by a mechanic:
1. Find a Trusty, Reliable Auto Shop
Ever visit your mechanic and scratch your head about the latest “find” they claim is worth fixing? If that ever is or tends to be the case, then, by all means, get a second opinion or even try to find a new auto shop. Of course, easier said than done.
But if you find yourself struggling with what to do, talk to family members and friends about where they go for routine car maintenance, as well as check online reviews. Likewise, you can also visit different auto shops to get a feel for the place before committing to bringing your car there. Indeed, a clean and organized business, along with a friendly staff, is often a good bet.
2. Learn the Ins and Outs of Tires
Besides having a trusty engine, you’ll also want to make sure your tires are always in tip-top condition. That’s why it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about tire maintenance and replacement before visiting your local mechanic. From performing a simple Google search to visiting YouTube for tutorials and how-to videos, your options on Tires 101 are endless.
In particular, you’ll want to learn everything you can about checking the tread depth — finding out the width, diameter and aspect ratio of your tires is a good start — and which tires are best suited for your vehicle. Sites like TireBuyer.com even have features like “Shop By Vehicle,” allowing you to enter your car’s make and model to determine the suitable tire type. Once you know the proper size, you can then narrow down the types of tires you choose based on area driving conditions.
3. Become Knowledgeable About Your Engine
Like most things car-related, the less you know about your engine, the easier it will be for a mechanic to try to scam you. With this in mind, locate your owner’s manual so you can get to know the various parts under the hood. Then, invest in a diagnostic tool that will allow you to determine any issues with the car before you bring it in for repair.
For example, the CarMD 2110 Code Reader — you can pick one up on eBay — works on cars built after 1996. All you have to do is plug it into the OBD 2 port and the display will indicate problem codes you can decipher using the manual. By being armed with this knowledge about what may be wrong with your car, you will be less likely to be ripped off by a mechanic.
Increased Car Know-How Equals Decreased Car Nightmares
It’s amazing how gaining knowledge can make you feel more empowered. By taking the time to learn as much about different car parts, how to find great deals on new tires and potentially switching to a new and trusted mechanic, you’ll avoid the potential of being scammed and, more importantly, become a more confident car owner.
