Beware Of These Common Auto Repair Scams | Gretna, LA
n recent years, the NHTSA has recorded more than 30,000 fatal motor vehicle crashes yearly. Some of these can be traced to poor maintenance and neglect. To prevent accidents and ensure your car lasts a long time, it’s wise to follow the advice of your auto mechanic.
Yet, auto repair scams are not unheard of. These scams target unsuspecting customers who don’t know much about their cars. A mechanic may convince you to get more than what you came for. Below you will find some of the most common scams and how to avoid them.
They Try to Make You Buy New Tires
When you have a flat tire and go for a patch, the auto repair shop may tell you that you need new tires.
Most of the time, a patch will take care of the puncture and only costs a fraction of the price of a pair of new tires. If the tread is not worn out and there is no serious damage, you probably do not need new tires.
A note of caution: Every year, there are numerous tire-related accidents. In 2020, such accidents claimed the lives of 664 people. Regularly check on your tires and ensure they are roadworthy.
They May Recommend Changing the Oil Frequently
An auto repair mechanic may tell you that oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles. But modern cars can run longer without frequent oil changes.
Check your car’s manual for the exact duration. Also, be sure that you only use high-quality oil recommended by the manufacturer. A good oil will last longer and keep the parts running smoothly.
They Tell You to Buy Things That Last a ‘Lifetime’
Everything in a car is due to wear and tear. Nothing can last that long. Depending on how often you use your vehicle and how much you drive, things like brake pads or oil filters will wear out faster than others. Follow your car’s manual to know when certain parts need to be changed or replaced.
They Offer You Extra Services
This is also called an upsell and is a very common sales tactic. When you take your car for routine maintenance, the auto repair mechanic may recommend other services like replacing the coolant or transmission fluid.
Coolant does not go bad the way oil does and can be replaced at 100,000 miles. Coolant replacement is also not part of routine service.
The mechanic may also tell you your car needs additional repairs. Try to get another opinion if you can drive away safely.
They May Try to Pass Off Old Parts as New
When you are going for a repair and certain parts need to be replaced, a mechanic may use old features instead of the new ones you paid for.
Request to see the parts before they are installed. Ensure they are unique and are a brand approved by the car’s manufacturer.
They Show You a Dirty Filter That is Not Yours
During repairs or maintenance, an auto repair mechanic may show you a dirty oil filter and tell you that it needs to be replaced. The filter is not from your car and is kept for such purposes. They may also do this with dirty fuel injectors and other parts that don’t need to be replaced as often. Always ensure the filter or part is removed from your car.
A car has two air filters: the air filter that keeps dust away from moving parts in your engine and the HVAC air filter located under the dash or in the glove compartment.
The engine air filter should last about 15,000 miles or a year. Most car owners can replace the air conditioner filter themselves after about 20,000 miles.
They Will Recommend Flushing Your Engine
If you take good care of your car and replace the oil as required, it will not need an engine flush. A flush gets rid of sludge and sediment that has accumulated over time. This only happens in neglected engines and cars that have been sitting around for too long.
They are Too Expensive or Too Cheap
Before choosing an auto repair shop in Gretna, LA, get quotes for common services from different mechanics. That way, you will know your area’s standard pricing and avoid being overcharged.
The opposite holds. If a shop’s prices are too reasonable to be accurate, it could mean that they aren’t licensed, have little experience, or use cheap parts.
Sometimes a technician will try to replace several parts while looking for the solution to a problem. They may try to convince you using technical terms you do not understand.
Always insist that the auto repair mechanic clearly explains what and why something needs to be done and how they came to that conclusion.
They Charge You for Numerous Repairs
This may happen when you take your car to an auto repair shop and ask them to look for a problem.
When you return, they give you a long bill stating everything they repaired and exchanged in your absence. If they refuse to return your car until you pay, call the police. A mechanic cannot do a repair that you have not authorized.
Safe Driving Starts with a Well-Maintained Car
Many of the above scams can be avoided if you pay close attention to your car and follow the manual. Choosing a reputable auto repair mechanic can give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in good care.Mr. Mechanic Auto Care is a licensed auto care shop in Gretna, LA, with years of experience. We offer tire repair, wheel alignment, maintenance, brake repair, and oil change services. Contact Mr. Mechanic Auto Care today for the best car service in Gretna, LA.
