Unfortunately, predatory auto shop practices are somewhat common. Your average driver doesn’t know a ton about car repairs, and auto shops are very aware of this. They can take advantage of your naïveté by suggesting repairs that might not be necessary, or upcharge you for items that you don’t need. Be on the lookout for common scams, like off-topic repair suggestions. In addition, if they won’t show you the broken piece or issue, it’s a red flag for sure. Some shops generalize and try to use scare tactics to get customers to purchase items that are not needed. And finally, there are some common scams to be on the lookout for, like needing a “system flush” or filter replacements. Hopefully, by being a little more aware of what to look out for, you can avoid these common scams.
Predatory Auto Shop Practices: How to Watch Out for Scams
Off-Topic Repair Suggestions
One of the biggest indicators of potential predatory auto shop practices is if the mechanic is suggesting repairs that are completely off-topic. For example, if you come in for an oil change and suddenly they’re suggesting you replace ball joints, filters, or brakes. If this happens, ask to see the issue and then take your car for another opinion at a different auto shop to make sure that it is legitimate.
They Won’t Show You the Issue
If the mechanic does not want to show you the repair item, it’s also a big red flag of predatory auto shop practices. They should be able to clearly explain the issue and show you how they found it. That way, you can take your car in for a second opinion just in case. If they seem uncomfortable with going into details about the repair, consider it a warning.
Generalizing
Another common predatory auto shop practice happens when mechanics generalize repairs. They might suggest that you do repairs on your car because that particular repair is common for your car’s make or model. Although it might be a common issue with your car, you still do not need to perform the repair or replacement based on their assumption.
The System Flush
Finally, there are a few common predatory auto shop practices that come up more frequently than others. One of these is that you need a
system flush. In general, if you are following your car manual’s suggestions for maintenance, you won’t need to flush out your system. They might also suggest that you replace filters more frequently than necessary. Finally, it’s also worth getting a second opinion if they suggest a brake replacement. Often, you simply need to change out brake pads or clean up rotors, which is considerably cheaper.
Don’t fall victim to common predatory auto shop practices. While you don’t need to have a degree in auto mechanics, it helps to have some understanding of how your vehicle operates. Showing that you are knowledgeable might deter mechanics from trying to scam you. Be on the lookout for them suggesting repairs that are unrelated to the reason you brought your car in. In addition, be wary if a shop hesitates to show you the actual issue. Don’t let them generalize about your car’s make or model and suggest repairs that aren’t necessary at the time. And finally, be on the lookout for common scams like brake replacements and system flushes. Getting a second opinion is always a good idea when a mechanic suggests expensive repairs. Hopefully, you can avoid paying for unnecessary repairs and keep your vehicle in
tip-top shape.
