ALT-6 What Women can do about getting Overcharged for Car Repairs
With today's computer based business procedures, being overcharged for auto repairs is not really the issue anymore. Most auto shops have diagnosis programs that once the problem is initially diagnosed a quote is given, based on the estimated repair time and parts cost. Where the problem lies is that with the computer controlled cars of today, most people don't know what it takes to make a car tick. Coupled with engine panels and other covers under the hood, many of today's cars don't look like they even have conventional engines, let alone any access points to do repairs. This in turn can lead to nearly anyone being charged for unrelated - and therefore unnecessary - repairs.
Familiarity with the way a car works is crucial to understanding and avoiding many repairs. For example, if there is a knocking in the front of your front engine car when idling, then it is probably safe to assume that it is not the rear brakes causing the problem. People in general take for granted that businessmen are basically good people, and this is more often than not true. One exception to this rule that has been a thing of legend is the shady mechanic, or "skinner".
The best way to avoid being "skinned" in auto repairs is to go to a reputable mechanic. Ask a friend. Better yet, ask two or three. Also, don't assume that a dealership is any more reputable than a small independent shop. Most dealerships have huge facilities and therefore have higher overhead, in turn they charge higher labor costs (sometimes more than double) than the smaller shops.
Understand how systems in a car work. The Internet is a valuable tool in researching problems and factory recalls with any make or model of automobile. Don't get charged for factory recalls. These are free services if your vehicle has a bulletin. For example, if your fuel pump breaks and there is a safety recall on your particular make, model, and year's fuel pump, then all repairs to the fuel pump are free.
Also, if you are in doubt of what is wrong with what the mechanic says is wrong with your car, by all means get a second opinion. But the best defense against being skinned is to find a good mechanic and stick with them. Keep up on your oil changes and basic maintenance by going to one full service technician. This way, they appreciate your business and get to know your car, and you will eventually develop a rapport with them as well. With that rapport, a good technician will spot and tell you about minor trouble with your car before it becomes a major concern. Preventative maintenance is ultimately and definitely less expensive when compared to a major overhaul.
The fact is, familiarity is the best defense. Oil changes and tune ups are simple procedures that anyone can do by themselves. Repair manuals are available at most auto parts stores for numerous makes and models, and they provide step by step instructions on how to do things as simple as checking the air in the tires all the way up to and including complete engine rebuilds. These manuals also include troubleshooting sections so that you can identify symptoms to narrow down what the ailment might be. No car owner should be without one of these. For older and late model cars, trucks, suvs, and even boats and motorcycles, you might check haynes.com to see if the manual is available for your make and model.
Knowledge is your best weapon. Arm yourself.
