Auto Repair Shops to Avoid

There are some wonderful auto repair shops out there. In them, you’ll find well trained, honest and courteous mechanics as well as satisfied customers. In others, shoddy repair jobs or unscrupulous tactics can turn the experience into a nightmare for any customer unlucky enough to bring a vehicle there. It’s helpful to get some word-of-mouth referrals from friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers about the best mechanics in town. Once a motorist has developed a good relationship with a mechanic or garage, it will be smooth sailing. Being able to trust your mechanical guide is worth its weight in gold. When you go to a garage and find any of these red flags, head for the hills:

No written estimate: When a motorist drives his or her car into the auto repair shop, it’s crucial that the service manager give a written estimate of all work that needs to be done. It should be signed, dated and have parts and labor listed. A verbal estimate doesn’t hold water in case of a dispute. Get it all in writing and save the document for your records.

Won’t give you back your old parts: Most auto repair mechanics will give you back the old worn out parts in order to prove that they were indeed replaced. When you hand the person your debit card to swipe away the cost of the reparation, the service manager should hand over your keys and any old parts that were replaced. If they say no to this request, it will cast a shadow of doubt on their honesty.

Tries to up-sell you once you’re in the shop: You came in for an oil change but once they have your automobile in a bay, they dismantle it and tell you some pricey fix-ups are necessary before you can drive away. For one thing, why were they poking around in there when you just needed an oil change? If you think they may be telling the truth, it may be wise to get a second opinion.

They want to keep your red convertible sports car overnight and you see it at the theater later that same evening: It’s not acceptable for auto repair shop employees to be driving your car anywhere off the premises without your permission. It’s time to demand an explanation.

Business isn’t owned by locals: When a shop is owned by a local member of the community, chances are way better that it will be a reputable place for oil changes, lubes, tire balancing and tune-ups. Members of the community support each other.

Rude or unwelcoming staff: If anyone in the shop is rude or inconsiderate, run the other way. Having the ability to communicate with professional kindness is a “must have” requirement. Life’s too short to deal with cranky people.

Bad vibes: Sometimes a motorist can’t put their finger on the problem, but when he or she walks in the garage, he or she gets a bad feeling. A person should always listen to their gut and walk the other way.

There are so many high quality auto repair shops out there. Why waste your time and money on unsavory garages?