Advice by Bob White

So you’re having trouble with your car, and you need the name of an honest mechanic. Trouble is, you just moved here, and don’t know anyone to ask. Your co-workers all have the same concerns, and no one has a regular mechanic that they use. What do you do now? You are still stuck with a car problem, and nowhere to turn to in order to fix it.  Well, hang in there; what follows are some simple rules to protect yourself and help ensure you and your car don’t end up on a sixty minutes expose.

Rule # 1.  Mechanics think women don’t know anything about cars. This can be used to your advantage but can also be a great handicap if you really don’t know anything about cars. So, first, bring a male with you to the shop. Remember, the shop does not know you! They don’t know if that male is your husband, friend father brother or some bum you just found in the park. The practical upshot of this is any male will do. Ask a co-worker, or even a new friend. Most guys understand and dislike the way women are treated at the garage.  Remember, conversely, if you think you might be getting taken for a ride, play dumb, and then get a second opinion.

Rule # 2.   Always ask for the old parts before you let anyone touch your car. This simple practice is a great protection against fraud. Any other mechanic and most parts guys can recognize truly bad parts (and sometimes even parts that are not from your car!). Once the work is done, take the old p[arts to someone knowledgeable, and check them against what the mechanics report says.

Rule #3.    Always get a written report of the work done, ask for it up front. Do not let any mechanic who is not willing to do that work on your car.

Rule # 4.    Make sure that the problem goes away! You would be surprised how many times I hear about someone taking their car in onto have the problem remain after the repairs. If that happens, return IMMEDIATLEY to the garage, park the car and do not move it until the problem is fixed. Always test-drive your car as soon as you pick it up, and let the garage know that is what you are doing so they can expect you back if the problem is not fixed.

Rule #5.      Look at the repair! Ask the mechanic to show you what he or she did. Ask for this service up front. A shop that mumbles something about “insurance regulations” not allowing you in the shop area is crap. Any shop can take you out momentarily to show you both the problem before they fix it, and the new or repaired parts after the work is done. Do not let them work on your car if they are not willing to do this.

Rule #6.     Pay by VISA. Any product or service you buy with your visa card is protected against fraud. Visa will refund your money if you are ripped off.

Rule #7.     Always, always take your car to more than one garage to diagnose. If there is a charge, then it is usually included in the cost of the repair if you have that garage fix it. In that case, let one look at it, and take the estimate to another garage, show it to them and ask what they think. Most garages are competitive enough to look at you car for free for a second opinion (and a chance to steal the job away!)

Rule #8.    And, finally remember YOU ARE PAYING FOR THIS. The mechanic is not “rescuing” you; they are not knights in shining armor. They are selling a service and you are the consumer. Be a savvy, educated consumer, keep your wits about you and you will weather this trying time well.