5 Common Auto Mechanic Scams to Watch Out For

Have you ever gone into your local auto repair shop for a simple oil change and walked out with a long list of random repairs and a hefty bill? You may be falling victim to a classic auto mechanic “trick.”

As our technology gets smarter, the longevity and reliability of our vehicles continues to increase. As a result, car dealerships and independent car repair mechanics might panic that profits will dip, leading them to practice shady service tactics.

Read: How to Choose a Trustworthy Auto Repair Shop

Look out for these five signs that your auto mechanic is being dishonest.

5 Auto Mechanic Tricks That Raise a Red Flag

• Preying on the Fear of the “Idiot Light”

There is nothing more frustrating than when your check engine light turns on at the worst time possible. And while it can be caused by something very minor, it could also be a big deal—with a big price tag. Keep in mind, however, that this is an easy way for a mechanic to jack up a repair bill.  In fact, the check engine light is also sometimes called the “idiot light.”

The light sparks fear in car owners because, more often than not, they cannot diagnose the problem themselves. A dishonest mechanic could exaggerate the extent to which you need a repair or add on additional services that may seem unnecessary. Our advice? Do your research and find a local auto repair shop that you can trust.  

Read: Is it Safe to Drive Your Car With the Check Engine Light On?

• Taking Longer Than Necessary to Finish a Repair

Typically, car repair shops charge by the hour for a repair. Labor rates typically range anywhere from $100 to $150 per hour at repair shops and $150 per hour or more at a car dealership.

Complex repairs can take a lot of time to complete, but it’s a problem when mechanics takes an unnecessary amount of time on even the simplest repair. This practice, also known as “gravy work,” is one of the oldest auto mechanic tricks in the book.

A dishonest mechanic will say that something took longer than it actually did just to upcharge you. If you brought your vehicle in for a routine fix that takes about 20–30 minutes and you’re charged for two and a half hours, you’re probably getting scammed.

• Doing a Repair Without Asking

When you go into an auto shop for a repair, usually the shop has an official process for how they go about a replacement or fix. It begins with the mechanic and the car owner agreeing on a price estimate for the job. Then, the mechanic will run a diagnostic test to verify what the problem is. Once the mechanic has a diagnosis, he (or a service advisor) should let the customer know what the problem is and how he plans to fix it, and then get verbal confirmation to proceed with the repairs.

This process is important because a shop should be compensated for the work they have performed and each customer should know exactly what is going on with their repair. By having a set estimate process, it ensures that the auto repair shop asks for permission before performing any services. This prevents any shady auto mechanic tricks when it comes to pricing. Without an estimate process, a dishonest mechanic could proceed with a repair without consent from the customer.

Read: How Auto Repair Estimates Work

• Pushing a Preventative Oil Change

Routine oil changes help keep your car performing at its very best, which is why you should make sure you are changing your oil regularly.  

Previously, the industry standard was to get an oil change around every 3,000 miles or every three months. But with today’s engine and lubricant advancements, some cars don’t need oil changes as frequently.

If you have a newer car that uses synthetic oil, you could potentially drive up to 15,000 miles between oil changes. Some facilities, however, still try to recommend an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles—but beware, this is a shady business tactic.

Before agreeing to get an oil change in addition to your repair, check your owner’s manual to see how often you should get an oil change.

Read: How Long Can You Go Without an Oil Change?

• Overcharging For Replacement Parts

Most auto repair quotes have a parts component and a labor component. A dodgy mechanic could charge you for used replacement parts as brand new ones to make a higher profit. An even more dishonest mechanic could say you need a replacement part when you really don’t and then charge you without replacing anything.

When you get your repair estimate, ask for the breakdown of labor and parts. If something seems off, ask your mechanic to explain. Since very few consumers know the cost of parts or what is reasonable, questionable mechanics can often profit from consumers’ ignorance.

You Can Trust the Experts at Virginia Tire & Auto

Here at Virginia Tire & Auto, you don’t have to worry about any auto mechanic tricks, scams or ripoffs.

Our employees receive top-of-the-line education and spent a total of over 3,800 hours in classroom training sessions last year. Virginia Tire & Auto mechanics and service advisors will never try to sell you a service you don’t need, overcharge you for parts and services, or do a repair without your consent.

We are 100% committed to making sure that customers are 100% satisfied with their experience, and we pride ourselves on our customer service, honesty, and integrity.

Find your local shop, and come visit us today!