Early detection of possible mechanical scams can save you hundreds of dollars. Excessive costs, incorrect diagnoses, and a lack of precise estimations are all symptoms that a mechanic is attempting to defraud you. In a recent video released by the TikTok account Andy’s Auto Service, an expert mechanic offered five warning signs to look out for if you feel the shop you drove your vehicle to is dishonest. For this reason, we would like to share the subtle signs you need to know if you don’t want to get ripped off at the garage.
5 subtle signs to know if your mechanic might be lying to you
- Inflated costs for minor fixes: According to Andy, one of the most prevalent examples is being charged $750 to change brakes when the cost should be between $300 and $500, depending on the car’s type. While there are certain exceptions, an exorbitant fee for a simple repair is a glaring red flag.
- Diagnostic cheating: Paying for a mechanic’s diagnosis is customary, but Andy warns against ‘diagnostic trickery.’ This happens when a mechanic charges to inspect the vehicle but refuses to repair it until another seemingly unrelated problem is resolved first, which can be used to extort more repairs.
- Unjustified markup on original parts: Some shops overcharge you by claiming to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, whereas in reality, they may be using generic or lesser quality parts. Although OEM parts are often more expensive, there is a significant distinction between a legitimate overcharge and one that is abusive.
- Lack of a clear quote from the start: When a mechanic fails to provide you with a clear quote before beginning the job, it is an indication of distrust. Phrases like “we don’t know how much it will cost yet” can lead to an unexpectedly high charge.
- Repairs that cause new problems: Another common tactic among unreliable repair shops is to fix one thing and break another, intentionally or carelessly, so that you have to come back. The problem is that this is usually only noticed after several days, which makes it difficult to make a claim.
Moreover, it is important to highlight that before bringing your vehicle to a shop, Andy suggests conducting some research. Reading reviews, asking friends for advice, and asking about them are all effective ways to avoid falling into these traps. If you find someone honest, stick with them and avoid switching between shops.
Americans should expect higher repair costs due to a mechanic shortage in the country
The United States is facing an increasing mechanic shortage as workers age out of the profession. Experts in the field have warned that there isn’t enough staff to fill their positions. ‘Hands-on’ work is not important to younger people, Autotrader executive editor Brian Moody told FOX Business. Through 2033, there will likely be 67,800 annual openings for automobile mechanics and service technicians, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The department ascribes a large number of these vacancies to the necessity of replacing employees who retire or move to other professions. According to recent data from Carfax, millions of car owners are already behind on critical auto services, such as tire rotations and oil changes.
The business pointed out that skipping these repairs is not only risky but also expensive. The compensation structure at larger firms is one of several issues that discourage people from ever pursuing a career, according to Moody’s. For instance, some mechanics only get compensated for the appropriate number of hours needed to resolve an issue, which is determined by the shop or car manufacturer, he added. If a person takes an hour to finish a job that has a two-hour flat rate, for instance, they will still be compensated for two hours of labor. However, they will still be paid for two hours of work if the task takes longer than expected.
