Up charging and offering additional services have long been ways to make a quick buck by shady mechanic shops. Each day more and more people find it difficult to find trustworthy and reliable mechanics who have your best interests at heart. If you want to make sure you are not dealing with a shady mechanic when you need repairs, keep reading below on how not to get tricked!
Get Recommendations
The best way not to get scammed by a mechanic from the get-go is to get a recommendation from a family member or friend you trust. If someone has used that repair centre and not had a problem, the chance of you getting scammed or them not doing a good job will be very low.
Professional Service
Once you've picked a centre, take a quick trip to the shop beforehand. Is the shop clean and in order? Do the mechanics seem professional? Are the tools all correctly packed away and not lying around? These are all valuable questions that will help you figure out if the business is professional or not. The chances are that if they look and seem professional, then it’s more likely to charge a fair price.
Ask Questions
Most scams by mechanics hinge on the fact that the customer doesn't know much about their vehicles. To avoid this, ask lots of questions about the function of the part. A reputable mechanic will always happily explain as much info as is necessary.
Get a Written Estimate
Getting a written estimate from the shop will safeguard you against any hidden costs that most scammers try to pile on when it's time to pay. Make sure the estimate states that any other work needs pre-approval from the customer so no hidden costs find their way onto your invoice.
Don't Pay Upfront
At no time should you ever pay for a repair before you see the end result! Once the agreed-upon work ends, insist on taking a test drive with the manager or mechanic. Once you feel satisfied that the problem has been eradicated, then, by all means, schedule that payment.
Get Warranty in Writing
A reputable mechanic's work will always carry a warranty for workmanship or parts failure. Be sure that the warranty period is written down and signed by both parties. This will give you peace of mind and ensure you don't have to pay twice for the same failure.
Avoid Being Scammed by a Mechanic
Having your hard-earned money taken away is something that shouldn't happen but in today's world is something that can happen quickly, with you being none the wiser! By following these simple guidelines, you will avoid being tricked by a mechanic and have a good experience at a reputable auto repair shop.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy and reliable auto repair shop, contact us today! Our team will ensure your vehicle is taken care of.