#System mechanic scams install

Make sure there are no blank sections that could later be filled in, and take your signed copy in case you need it for comparison later. (Keep in mind that may be charged if these estimates require dismantling the car.) Once you’ve chosen a shop, ask for a detailed estimate before you authorize repairs. If your car needs major work, gather several general estimates for comparison. Also, check your car’s warranty-if it’s still in effect, you may be required to use only authorized dealerships.Īnother good search strategy is to try a different shop each time you need an oil change or other routine service until you find one where you’re comfortable-that way, the stakes won’t be so high when you need serious help. Look for mechanics currently certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or who belong to your insurer’s authorized repair network. Once you’ve identified several good candidates, check with your state Attorney General’s office or local consumer protection agency to see if any complaints have been filed against them. Some people prefer to use a mechanic who specializes in their brand of car. Ask friends or your auto insurance company for recommendations, or search the Better Business Bureau’s website for accredited businesses. Perhaps the smartest thing you can do is to have a trusted repair shop already lined up before you need one. You can also request to see the new parts after they have been installed on your car while it is still on the lift. If you’re paying for new parts, they need to be in visibly new condition. Just ask to see the parts before they’re installed, and you will avoid this scam. Even less reliable mechanics might use counterfeit parts in the repair.

#System mechanic scams install

Some untrustworthy mechanics may sell you new parts for a repair but install used ones. Charging for new parts, putting in different parts. Don’t buy brand new tires if yours are in good condition.ģ. Otherwise, though, you should be fine with just a patch. If either of those is the case, then it’s a good idea to purchase a new tire or new set of tires. Sometimes when you get a flat on the road, your tire becomes so mangled that you need a new one, or maybe it was getting worn out even before the flat. Better yet, you can change your own cabin and engine air filters yourself every 15,000 miles or so. Ensure the filter you’re seeing is from your car by asking to see the vehicle yourself.

This is one of the most prevalent scams an untrustworthy mechanic might pull-a mechanic will tell you your air filter is dirty and needs changing, and will sometimes show you a dirty filter kept around the shop to fool unsuspecting customers.

Have you ever gone in for car maintenance and your mechanic told you that your engine or cabin air filter is plain filthy? Maybe he or she even showed you a dirty filter to convince you. Changing “your” dirty air filters (that aren’t yours).