2010 NASCAR Illustrated Automotive Issue
Car Smarts : How to Keep from Getting Scammed by a Mechanic
By Stacey David
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Car Smarts
- Find a Reputable Shop. Whether you ask a neighbor or car guy that cares for his own vehicles, recommendations are helpful. However, you also want to do your homework. Is the shop ASE certified? How long have they been in business? Are they members of the local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce?
- Look around. Any reputable shop knows they have to keep their tools and parts organized and tagged so they know what goes where. Remember, there is messy work going on, so even a good shop can look cluttered, but if you sense they struggle with organization, run away!
- Get estimates in writing. Whether you’re building a hot rod or fixing the family car, you want to know what it’s going to cost. Protect yourself by writing down the person’s name, the additional repairs and the cost, so you can compare it to the work order when you pick up your car.
- Understand your warranty. If your vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, take it to the dealership for repairs other than normal maintenance. Once you’re there, a service advisor will tell you if the repair is covered by the warranty or not. Do not feel obligated to have the dealership fix it if it’s not warranty work.
- Ask to inspect faulty or worn parts removed from your vehicle. Always have the mechanic show you the part and explain and why it failed. Doing so keeps them accountable and lets you use the situation as a learning experience.
- Consider going to a specialty shop. You wouldn’t go to a transmission shop for your brakes, would you? The same goes for replacing tires at a radiator shop – that just doesn’t make sense. Shops accustomed to making specific repairs are generally more knowledgeable about them, and will often have special deals with parts suppliers allowing them to get replacement parts for less because they buy in bulk. The result? You save money.
- Ask what brands of parts are used, and what the shop’s warranty is on parts and labor. Name-brand parts usually come with a warranty, so if it doesn’t fit or fails shortly after the work is done, it isn’t your problem. Remember, mechanics are human so even the best make mistakes from time to time. The key is in how they handle those mistakes.
- Don’t be afraid to look around to get the best price on vehicle repairs. Keep in mind that most garages pay commission to their service advisors, so the tendency is for them to write up as much as they can so they get paid more. This is why it is important for you to ask a lot of questions to keep from paying for something you really didn’t need.
- When you find a good mechanic, don’t let go! A good mechanic is one of the most valuable commodities you will ever find.
Popular News
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. increases points lead to 22 over Elliott Sadler 0
- Ron Hornaday wins at Kentucky for 50th career Truck Series victory 0
- Rusty Wallace not shutting down Nationwide team, looking for sponsors to back son Steven 0
- Iowa Speedway adds new CEO, eyes Sprint Cup date 0
- Reed Sorenson losing sponsor at Turner Motorsports 0
Recent Headlines
- Pat Tryson named crew chief for David Gilliland
- Girl Power: Danica Patrick comfortable using her looks, sex appeal to attract attention
- Richard Childress Racing’s Cup effort fit and trim as overall organization undergoes expansion
- Team owner Robby Benton going to Speedweeks with full slate of truck, Nationwide and Cup cars
- NI Top 25: Brad Keselowski not resting on his laurels after surprising 2011
Post a Comment