Are you not very savvy when it comes to the world of mechanics? Finding a great mechanic is similar to finding a hairdresser; when you find one, you’ll want to keep hold of them. But not to worry, here are some of the top auto repair scams to look out for and how to avoid them.
1. Geeky technical mechanical chit chat
If chatting to your mechanic about all the different technical parts of your car doesn’t come naturally to you, then don’t worry you’re not the only one. Have you ever taken your car for an MOT and then before you know it you’re hit with a list as long as your arm of all the things that are wrong with it and needs to be repaired right away? Yes, well don’t panic. Mechanics will often bombard you with their car jargon and potentially end up convincing you that work needs doing on your car as soon as possible when really, it’s work that could be held off just for a little while longer. If you find yourself in this sticky situation, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
2. Buying new tyres
If your tyres are in good condition and you get a flat, think twice before immediately worrying that you need to replace the whole tyre. You may find that the puncture is just in the tread of the tyre, which can sometimes be repaired. You’ll find that a patch to fix your puncture is usually a lot cheaper than forking out the cost for a new tyre, so don’t let a convincing repairman try and persuade you that you need to purchase a new tyre if a simple patch will do the job for now.
3. False flushes
If you’re familiar with car jargon, then you may already know when you need to carry out an engine flush. However, if not, then you’ll find that you only really need to perform an engine flush if you’ve been driving your car for several years. “What’s an engine flush?” I hear you ask. The purpose of an engine flush is to get rid of the sludge that has built up in your engine. But, if you’re good at looking after your car then you’re probably unlikely to see a big build-up of this. So, if your mechanic tells you that you need a flush due to dirty oil, maybe try and seek a second opinion.
4. Cheeky charges for used and abused parts
Imagine buying a pair of trainers to find that they have already be worn by someone else. It’s the same with your car. If you’re forking out for repairs on your car then there’s no doubt that you’ll want to check that the parts that are being replaced are brand new and not used. To avoid this, a good idea is to ask lots and lots of questions. To be extra safe, it may be an idea to also check up on prices beforehand too.
5. An extortionate bill that’s out of the blue
It’s not unusual for a mechanic to provide you with a quote verbally to then hit you with a huge bill when the work has been completed. But how do you avoid this? It’s a good idea to ask for a quote in writing. This might sound a bit too formal but this way your able to see what’s include such as the price for parts, labor, and VAT. It’s a good idea to make sure that you keep the receipt too and that it’s guaranteed for at least 12 months.
If your car is on its last legs and it’s just not worth letting a mechanic take a look over it, you might want to just scrap it and say goodbye. We can help you turn your shed into some lovely cash. Just head over to our scrap my car page and enter your registration now to see how much you could get for your beaten-up car.
