Continued from page 27
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WALLET
Do your homework before you take your car to a mechanic . The following steps will reduce the risk of getting ripped off .
THE RIGHT MECHANIC The first step is to find a trustworthy mechanic . This is easier said than done unless you already know one . Online reviews don ’ t always tell the whole story . Many businesses , including repair shops , offer incentives for customer reviews . Family , friends , neighbors , and co-workers might be able to recommend a good mechanic . But often , consumers aren ’ t aware a repair shop has cheated them . So this isn ’ t foolproof either .
RESEARCH SYMPTOMS Before you head to the shop , research your vehicle ’ s symptoms online . Typically , a particular symptom can be associated with multiple mechanical issues . So read about each of those potential issues to determine if you have any of the other symptoms . Also , learn how to distinguish your symptom . For example , if you hear noise when you brake , what do different sounds mean ? One type of noise could indicate a brake problem . Another sound could be the result of brakes dragging on unevenly worn tires . Watch Youtube videos to hear the difference . You can also see how to test your car for a specific mechanical problem . Armed with this information , you ’ ll be better able to discern whether the shop ’ s diagnosis is legitimate .
TALKING TO THE REPAIR SHOP When you take your car to a shop , never disclose what you think is wrong ( unless you know for sure ). Otherwise , the mechanic might diagnose that even if it isn ’ t the problem . Instead , provide the shop as much detail as you can about your car ’ s symptoms . Also , ask that the mechanic take your car for a ride , so he knows what you ’ re experiencing exactly . If the problem is intermittent or occurs only on certain types of roads , ask if you can ride along to make sure the mechanic experiences it . This will increase the odds of an accurate diagnosis .
THE DIAGNOSIS Once you receive a diagnosis , ask the mechanic to show you and explain how he knows the part is bad . Also , although it may feel awkward , take photos of the part from every angle . This will be handy to research and verify the problem . It ’ s also evidence if something seems amiss after the work is done . Next , go back to the waiting area or leave the shop and do some research . Look up all the symptoms of the diagnosis . Are your symptoms typical for the specific diagnosis ? Does your car have any of the other symptoms ? How does a mechanic determine if that part is bad ? Does everything the mechanic told and showed you jive ?
GET A WRITTEN ESTIMATE Request a total estimate for the repairs before you approve the work . Also , ask if the shop uses OEM parts . If not , what brand do they use ? Research the brand and component to make sure it has a good reputation . Next , call a couple of other repair shops to compare prices . Dealer service centers are typically more expensive , so they aren ’ t a good comparison . If you do find a better price , verify the brand of parts the shop will use .
GET A SECOND OPINION When you take your car for another opinion , don ’ t mention you already took it elsewhere or the diagnosis . That way , if the second shop does offer the same diagnosis , you can be confident the diagnosis is probably correct . If the diagnosis is different , take your car for a third opinion .
GO TO A LIFT If there ’ s a do-it-yourself repair shop in your area , take your car and have it lifted . Be sure to do your research beforehand , so you know what to look at . Also , have your phone or laptop handy in case you need to do more research . It ’ s a good idea to take a few photos as well .
ASK FOR YOUR OLD PARTS . No matter how trustworthy you think the repair shop is , always ask for your parts back . It could save you a lot of stress and money . Getting the old parts confirms the shop did replace the part they charged you for ( although mechanics have been known to return parts that came off another vehicle ). Also , it ’ s evidence if the part they replaced isn ’ t bad or wasn ’ t the cause of your car ’ s symptoms . If you drive away and the symptoms are still present or return within a short time , you can use the parts to leverage a refund or credit .
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ’ VE BEEN RIPPED OFF
If you believe your car got sabotaged , evidence got planted , or you paid for a repair that wasn ’ t done , ask if the shop has video cameras . Most do . Then ask if you can watch the video . Video recorders typically record over old tape after a few days to a month . So you ’ ll need to ask about this as soon as you suspect something .
Take any other issues up with the manager as well . If you ’ re not satisfied , ask to speak to the owner . If the shop is a chain , you can call the corporate office , which will put you in touch with a higher-level manager . You can also post reviews online . Often customer service or management will reach out to you if you post a negative review . Finally , if you ’ re confident you were ripped off , you can file small claims . The photos or video you took and the old parts can be used as evidence for your case .
28 • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022