Brake Repair - Don't Be Ripped Off Because Of Your Gender

Women are particularly vulnerable to unscrupulous brake repair specialists who will overcharge them or sell them unnecessary services. The gender bias is not deserved (few male drivers know that much about their cars either), but it is very real. It doesn't mean, however, that you are doomed to a lifetime of overpaying and being pushed around. In fact, there are several easy ways that many people (even males) can ensure they are treated fairly.

So how do you stop greedy brake repair mechanics from taking advantage of you? One way is to put yourself in a greater position of power by learning about your car. You don't need to know much, but understanding the different components and how they interact, as well as the indicators of common problems, will put you well on your way to intimidating most auto technicians. In order to really send the message home, you have to flaunt it. If you have a sneaking suspicion there is air in your braking fluid, tell the mechanic when you bring it in and explain your reasoning. Even if you get the diagnostics wrong, they are much less likely to try and pull a fast one on someone who obviously knows a little something.

Sometimes a smug brake repair technician will forget that you're the one who calls the shots. After all, it is your car and your money. Why not stick around for the initial inspection and estimate? It's the perfect time to ask questions and get some valuable answers. Also, there is the added benefit that your presence will intimidate the mechanic enough that he'll have to be honest. It's difficult to fib and concoct a phony story about warped rotors when the car owner is keeping a watchful eye on the process. If that isn't possible, once you return for the report, ask them to show you the problem. Most auto shops are used to people simply taking their word without any questions.

Do you actually care about your car? It shows when a person is invested in the maintenance of their car. It will be clean. The oil will be changed regularly. And the person will display a keen interest in explaining and understanding the problem at hand. That means they will ask many questions, remain focused, and will want to know details. A good example is when your car is emitting unusual sounds, if the mechanic doesn't suggest it, offer to take him for a short drive so he can experience it firsthand. A person who puts more effort into car care and maintenance isn't a good target for a scam, and most technicians know this.

If you can't tell a hubcap from a master cylinder, it might be time to play a little dirty. You don't have to lie, but a little bit of trickery on your part can save you some big bucks. Bring another person with you, preferably a man. He doesn't even have to say anything, but the mere presence can be intimidating enough for some spineless techs.