Car Repair: Advice That Will Keep You From Getting Bamboozled

Most people know next to nothing about car repair. Even those who grew up working on automobiles have found themselves increasingly out of the loop when it comes to the newer makes and models which rely more on computers than old fashioned craftsmanship. Unfortunately, this means that most of us open ourselves up to being scammed every time we bring our automobile into the shop. While the overwhelming majority of mechanics are trustworthy, there are enough bad apples out there that we must be vigilant. Here are some tips that will keep you from being victimized.

Do Your Research
This is probably the most important step in the process. If you’re looking for a car repair shop, don’t just depend on the phone book to give you a name. Look into it. Ask your friends and coworkers who they recommend. Go online with some names and see what comes up. You’ll find that people are more than happy to share their bad experiences. If you see too many of these, you’ll know to avoid a particular shop. If you can’t find good advice anywhere else, check with the Better Business Bureau and see what they have to say about the establishment. See if any customers have filed complaints.

Put on your Reporter’s Hat
When you call up a car repair shop, be ready with a list of questions. If you take your car in, do the same. Not only will the answers to your questions help you in making your decision, but you will put the mechanics on notice that you aren’t a typical customer who is too afraid to speak up. You certainly don’t need to walk in with an intimidating attitude, but you might want to drop some hints that you know a little bit about what you’re talking about. The worst thing you can do is throw up your arms and say, “Ah, I don’t know anything about all this,” even if the sentiment is true.

Be an Active Participant
No, this doesn’t mean putting on an old pair of overalls and joining the mechanics in the garage. Few places would allow this for safety reasons, anyway. It means asking to see the damage. Have the mechanic explain exactly what the problem is while you look over their shoulder. It doesn’t matter whether or not you know what you’re looking at (although it certainly doesn’t hurt if you do). It’s simply a matter of letting them know that you’re taking an interest. This by itself will give them less motivation to screw you over.

Be Willing To Go Elsewhere
Let the shop know that you are willing to take your car somewhere else in an instant if you hear something you don’t like. And be willing to follow through on that notion. It never hurts to get a second opinion, anyway. It could save you a substantial amount of money, making it well worth your time.

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