Mint has a great article on how to protect yourself from getting ripped off by a mechanic. First and foremost, read your car’s manual and learn what to ask for when you take it in. Just saying you need a tune up with a modern car flags you as an easy mark.

Other tips:

• Get a detailed estimate, sign it, and take a copy with you.
• If the mechanic tells you that something is about to give out, ask for details. “Find out if it’s leaking, losing pressure or what the specific problem is. Then ask to see the part. A good mechanic should be able to physically show you the problem with the part on your car or explain it to you by using a removed car part.”
• The “omg your car is in such bad shape that you shouldn’t drive it until I fix it” line is almost always a scam. If you could drive the car to the mechanic’s without issues, the odds good that you can drive away in the car, too.
• Speaking of driving away—get a second opinion if the quote sounds expensive and your car seems to be fine.

Read the full article at the MintLife blog.

“How to Avoid Unnecessary Car Costs” [MintLife]
(Photo: adobemac)

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