Don't want to get ripped off by mechanics...?

if you have a local community college they sometimes offer courses in auto repair.it wont make you a mechanic but it will give you some understanding on the workings of an automobile.when you do take your car in for service show confidence and explain the problem clearly.dont use words like "that brake thingy" or you could just be setting yourself up for a scam.remember there are honest shops out there and its not always the mechanic thats dishonest.it all starts with management and the mechanic is doing what hes told to do

The mechanic desires funds to stay such as all and distinctive else. would not look like he ripped you off too a lot for the aspects. If some thing is going incorrect, then you definately should be complaining (no longer that you would possibly want to not already in case you sense there is an difficulty). it really is complicated to stumble on a sturdy high quality mechanic. it really is not any longer precisely the pastime for a complicated-operating, trustworthy guy. If he's executed the pastime good, thank him. once you've topics... get a clean mechanic.

It's hard to tell if you've been ripped off by a mechanic. The price is not an indication, shop time is expensive and so are good parts. The most common ripoffs are work charged that was not done and unneeded work done to pad the bill. Always ask for your old parts so you can see the damage or wear. If they can't show them to you, beware of a scam.

Have a guy friend drive your car into the mechanic's shop and do all the talking. The car and bill should be in your name, but you should not be afraid to let them know you are relying on you friend for advice about the quality and cost of the work. If you have a Pep Boys near you, I recommend (generally) the quality and the price.

Shop around, call 3-4 places and ask about the same job. The prices vary , shops can charge anywhere from $45 - 100 an hour, parts can be remanufactured, used, genuine dealer parts. that's why prices vary , don't mean people are trying to rip u off

if you have no understanding of car's, i would suggest that when you do have a car problem take your car to the dealer,i.e. toyota,dodge,ford,chevy. whatever kind you have. yes they are a little more expensive but it's not as likely they'll try to pull a scam. FYI when the check/service engine light on the dash comes on it's telling you that there is a fault in the electrical system i.e emission problem or some sort of fault. if your brake light comes on and it's yellow it mean's a problem in the brake system. red light normally will mean you need brake fluid.

A lot of larger cities have call in car talk shows. Click and Clack are national, but there are local ones too. I know 550 WKRC has Steve Overbeck on Saturdays. If you don't want to ask on the air, go to their website and ask him. He will call you on Saturday morning off air, help you diagnose the problem and give you an idea of what to expect to pay. You probably have one of those shows in your area too.

Never be afraid to get a second (or third) estimate.

Also, getting an estimate from a dealer will give you a good baseline as to what to expect pricewise - and dealers will usually be the highest price.