How to Spot an Evil Mechanic

The auto repair industry is notorious for overcharging customers for shoddy work, and considering that your new or used vehicle is one of your biggest investments, it is essential that you know the signs of a bad mechanic. Here are some things to look out for:

Lack of Certification.

Professional mechanics will display their certificates or wear patches to indicate that they have the proper automotive training. Know what associations grant certificates in your area and avoid mechanics that lack these credentials.

Lack of specialization

You should be wary of mechanics who offer both diagnostics and repair as they may lack the specialization to fix specific problems with your vehicle.

Verbal Estimate

Always have a written estimate! A dishonest mechanic may just give you a verbal estimate over the phone or over the counter. It is important to have a written estimate after the initial inspection before you approve of any work.

Cheap parts and labour

It is important to ask where the replacement parts are coming from. Cheap parts from K-Mart or other retail chains may not be sufficient and can result in you bringing the vehicle back for more work. Insist on using official parts from your vehicle’s manufacturer. You can ask to keep the old part being replaced if you want to show it to a second or third party to assure that it really needs replacing. An honest mechanic would certainly have no qualms about this. Also, overly cheap labour may suggest that the mechanic is untrained or inexperienced.

Distracting Deals

Watch out for ads for free brake pads, etc, as there may be high fees for other services.

Poor condition of the garage

A clear sign of a bad mechanic is the appearance of his garage. Dirty and disorderly garages should be avoided.

Not a people person?

Avoid dealing with irritable or impatient mechanics. Overtly demanding or brash mechanics may try and rush the work being done on your car to avoid accurately explaining its condition.

Unnecessary Work

Probably the most encountered problem in auto-repair. A mechanic may perform unnecessary tasks and replace parts that have been recently installed or do not need to be checked. For example, during an oil change, a mechanic may also want to change the air, fuel or transmission filters when really only the oil filter needs to be checked. It is important for drivers to know what needs to be done before going in to the garage.

The following videos also provide useful tips on avoiding rip-offs:

How to avoid getting ripped off by a mechanic

How to avoid getting ripped off by a mechanic if you’re a woman

Remember to consult your vehicle’s manual before heading into the shop to see what specifically needs to be done and if there is anything you can do personally to fix it. Research any of your car’s problems to get a basic idea of what work needs to be done and relatively how much it should cost. It is always best to be prepared! Finding a reliable and honest mechanic can take some time but with a little background knowledge as well as the recommendations of insurance companies, car dealers and basic word of mouth, you’ll track one down.

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