How To Avoid Getting Ripped Off By A Car Mechanic

Having worked in the auto industry for the best part of a decade now, both in workshops and on the showroom floor, I've seen and heard it all too many times that the general public are not only worried they'll get ripped off by car mechanics, but a significant portion of them are all too ready to expect it when walking into a garage.

It's not an unwarranted fear, either, as there is no shortage of horror stories about spiralling bills and underhand tactics from unethical mechanics. However, there are a few things you can do in order to minimize the chance of being ripped off when taking your car to the workshop — a number of which we'll explore here.

One thing worth mentioning is that the majority of garages and mechanics are honest and professional, and this will usually be reflected by a glowing reputation, both in the local community and online. So, before taking your car somewhere new for a diagnosis or repair, check out their online reviews for a clear picture of how their previous customers feel about the service they received.

Many motorists will have a preferred garage or mechanic which they will book with when work is required, but, if you don't, how can you narrow down which mechanic should be your trusted go-to-guy? After exploring their reputation online, the first thing to do is speak to the mechanic about what service work/repairs you require. If they recommend a diagnosis before providing a quote, be sure to confirm the full cost, as more often than not this is where unethical mechanics will send costs soaring, without actually conducting any repair work.

Call around too, as another mechanic may be more familiar with the repair you need, and therefore can bypass the diagnosis stage. Getting two or three diagnosis quotes is a great way to ensure you won't be ripped off with pricey hourly fees. Next, once the problem has been diagnosed (if necessary) and a quote has been received, do the same again and obtain two other quotes from separate garages. 

This is the best way to highlight if one particular mechanic is overcharging you on parts or labor — be sure to request an itemized bill, too, so you can break down exactly who is charging for what. You might also be able to supply your own parts, which can dramatically reduce a bill, although be mindful that if you supply the wrong part, this could result in higher labor costs, and a longer overall repair time. 

The next approach isn't ideal if you've never wielded a wrench before and need your car for work in the morning, but, if you've got the time and are willing to give it a go, then working on your own car is the perfect way of avoiding being scammed by a mechanic.

Unless you have a very specific problem, or a rare classic car, the chances are many others will have experienced the same issue before now, and a documented way of repairing it will be available online. The best place to find this is usually on YouTube, but don't overlook owner's club websites and forums either, as these places usually have step-by-step instructions on how to tackle common problems with specific models.

Supplying the parts yourself, and providing your own labor, will prove to be much cheaper than paying a professional to take auto-repairs. Plus, it might be much easier than you first thought – changing your own oil is a great place to start. The only catch here is that buying tools can be pricey.