Have you ever seen those news “investigations” into different industries where they use hidden cameras to see how repairs are handled? I watched one the other day on car repairs (pretty sure it was a repeat) and the shops were making up repairs that were not necessary.
As someone who knows NOTHING about cars- this worries me when I take my car into the shop. We usually drop our car off and a few hours later we get a call that generally goes something like this, “When we were getting ready to do XYZ to your car we noticed that ABC was bad too. Do you want us to replace it?”
Of course, I then ask, “How much is that going to cost?” But I always worry, “Does this NEED to be done or am I being taken?”
So here is my thrifty tip: Tell the shop to keep the replaced part (belt, air filter, etc) so you can actually SEE the “bad” part. This does a few things:
- It lets the shop know that you are paying attention.
- It teaches you : Ask them to show you exactly what is wrong with the part and how to tell- Knowledge is power
- It reduces the risk that you will be charged for something not even replaced.
Share your saving at the repair shop with us!
I have worked in several auto shops and if u feel like someone is trying To get over on you ask to see the problem before they fix it. If your ask them to just save the old part who knows if its really the part that came off your car
That’s a good point- but not always possible if others are like I am and drop it off and don’t have a ride back until it’s time to pick it up. Luckily, we’ve found a super trustworthy shop and don’t have to worry as much anymore!
I hate when this happens….I normally bluff and say can you just type up what I need and I will take it to get a second opinion. I usually don’t but I have also found that the XYZ part I needed to be fixed usually does not show up on my receipt because I guess they don’t want to have it on paper when I go to another mechanic….or sometimes I just say okay just do my oil change and my husband will be up there to discuss what needs to be done. Some mechanics thinks it is so easy to get over on a woman and Lord know’s I know nothing about cars!!