Many car repair shops diagnose your vehicles with care, but unreliable auto shops could try to charge you extra for irrelevant services. While these services could be traditional maintenance and replacement work, not every car repair should cost thousands of dollars. Look out for these common car repair scams to avoid overspending on your repairs.
1. Unnecessary Engine Flushes
While an engine flush can help in specific situations, many cars undergoing routine maintenance don’t need it. Dishonest shops may push this service to inflate your repair bill and cite sludge buildup to prove their point. Check your owner’s manual and look for any signs of distress yourself before adding this service to your repairs.
2. “Free Inspections” Leading to Expensive Repairs
It might start with a “free inspection,” but some shops use these opportunities to recommend urgent, costly repairs. They may attempt to persuade customers to schedule extra repairs and replacements by using fear and uncertainty. Be cautious of any vague diagnoses and seek a second opinion by choosing the right auto repair shop before committing to any major repairs.
3. Charging for Parts That They Never Replaced
Some unethical mechanics may charge for parts they claim to have replaced, even though the old parts are still in use. This common car repair scam to look out for often goes unnoticed unless you actively inspect your vehicle.
Ask to see the old parts before approving the repair to avoid this scam. Honest repair shops will happily comply with this request.
4. High Charges for Basic Maintenance
Unreliable specialists often significantly markup basic tasks, such as changing filters or topping up fluids. For instance, cabin air filter replacements cost as little as $20, but auto shops could quote the service for over $100 based on hidden fees or labor costs. Check the average costs of a basic service or complete any simple repairs yourself with a quick tutorial if the maintenance seems manageable.
5. Inflated Issues After a Minor Accident
Some mechanics exploit minor collisions and claim that excessive repairs are necessary for dents, scratches, or unrelated damage. While this damage does require buffing and repairs, you won’t need a full replacement unless your vehicle was involved in a major accident. Take your car to an independent professional or insurance-approved workshop to ensure you only pay for legitimate repairs.
Ask for a breakdown of the cost of the vehicle repairs as you meet with repair specialists. These specialists should detail each repair on the receipt and mention any additional services and parts that were necessary for the appointment. These tips will help you manage your time and money wisely as you schedule your next auto repair service.
