How to Protect Yourself from Auto Mechanic Scams

Mechanics can be nerve wracking sometimes, especially when you don’t know much about cars. How do you know if your being scammed or you actually need a new engine filter? You go into the shop to get an oil change and all of a sudden your car seems to be in worse shape than ever. So how can you be sure you’re not getting tricked? We’ve come up with a helpful guide to keep your wallet safe.

 

Here’s our tips on avoiding a car mechanic scam.

 

Recommend a Friend

While mechanics can be intimidating, most people can usually find one they trust. If you haven’t found yours yet then try asking around. Usually word of mouth is the best way to find a credible mechanic. Have your friend bring you to their auto shop and get a feel for the place. If you like what you see and your friend swears by them, it’s usually a good sign that you’re safe in their care.

 

Receipts Don’t Lie

 

Another helpful way to keep track of what you’ve already fixed in you car would be to save your receipts! Keep a folder of them in the glove compartment so if you find yourself at the auto shop you have a list of repairs you’ve already done. This way when a mechanic points out a problem you can refer to your list and see if it’s really a problem. Keeping the receipts may seem old school, but it could save you a lot of time and money at the auto shop. You should also keep a car manual in the glove box to keep track of how much time can go by until you have to replace certain parts or necessities for your car.

 

Ask for Proof

Don’t be afraid to speak up. Mechanics get away with cheating you out of money because most of the time you don’t understand what they’re even telling you. You panic and don’t want your car to be in danger of dying so you let them take control. Ask them for proof about what they’re talking about. Don’t understand something? Ask them to explain. Don’t just take their word for it, do your own research. Get an estimate of what needs to be repaired and then maybe get a second opinion. 

 

 

Service Centers Tell All

Don’t make your first trip to the mechanic for car repairs. Go to the service center to look around and see how the customers are treated before you bring your car in. Does it look clean and sanitary? Are the workers professionals? Does it seem like customers are being treated with respect? How long have they been in business? These are all questions you should try and get answered before you bring your car in for any repairs. If you don’t like what you see you can just leave and not worry about wasting your money, but if you approve, it was an easy way to find a mechanic you trust without breaking your bank!

 

Customer Satisfaction Policy

A lot of shops have different policies regarding customer satisfaction. If you don’t like what they’ve done to your car, you should be able to go back and get it fixed. If you can’t, you should at least be offered a refund. If the shop refused to do either option then you should bring your business elsewhere. Before you let them look at your car make sure to ask someone about their customer satisfaction policy. If they don’t have one there are plenty of places that do.

 

Check for Certification

 

There are a lot of auto shops to choose from so how do you know where to go? Check and see if they are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This would be a non-profit organization that has worked to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. It’s their job to test mechanics to ensure they have the customers best interest at heart. 

 

Record Keeping in Essential

If you want to make sure to avoid being scammed, record keeping is critical. Make certain you choose a stop or dealership that maintains detailed, computerized history of your repairs. This way, you can be certain of what work has been done and the money that has been paid.

 

There are plenty of auto shops to choose from, but the question is which to choose? There are a lot of mechanics that are just in it for the money so you need to be careful about who you trust. These tips can help you find a credible auto shop that has your best interest in mind instead of their own wallet. 

 

Did you know Nutley Auto Kia has its own service center? We are partnered with Goodyear to give you the best service experience.We GUARANTEE the lowest costs and the highest quality of service.Visit our website at https://www.nutleykia.net/service.aspx to learn more about our services or call 973-667-0010 for any service related issues

 

Sources

 

https://news.carjunky.com/automotive/how-to-protect-yourself-auto-repair-scams-cde131.shtml

https://considertheconsumer.com/consumer-news/protect-yourself-from-used-car-scams

https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/protect-yourself-from-auto-repair-scams

https://www.thelisttv.com/the-list/how-to-protect-yourself-against-auto-mechanic-scams/

Tags: avoiding mechanic scams, mechanic scams, mechanics, Nutley Kia
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