How to know if your Mechanic is Overcharging
The most common targets for unscrupulous auto mechanics are women and the elderly. The less than honorable mechanic uses the customer's lack of knowledge to get them to agree to repairs that are not necessary or charge them for work that was not actually done. People have acquired a general mistrust of mechanics. The author worked as an independent auto mechanic for some time and found people's fear of being overcharged or cheated to be advantageous. Honesty and quality work led to more work than the author could handle without the need for advertising. Simple word of mouth led to jobs as far as fifty miles away. The author would like to share the ways he gained the customers trust. This will serve as a guide for honest mechanics and for customers who fear being ripped off.
Thoroughly inspect and evaluate the customer's problem. As everyone knows, one thing leads to another. This is especially true in auto mechanics. Mechanics often find other related issues while addressing a problem. That is why mechanics give estimates rather than a set price for a job. Rusty bolts and brake bleeder vents can break off causing additional work and expense. Worn brake pads and shoes can destroy rotors and drums. A broken timing belt can damage or destroy an engine. Even a simple oil change can get ugly if water is discovered in the oil or brown sludge is found on the dipstick.
A good mechanic will be aware of the possible issues and advise the customer of what the repair may entail. Customers hate surprises. Be upfront with them. If the mechanic advises the customer of possible problems ahead of time, they will be better prepared to face the time and expense of additional related repairs. A good customer will have the mechanic explain the problem in simple language and show them what is wrong, if possible. The mechanic that takes the time to show the customer the problem and what the repair may entail gains their trust.
Courtesy inspections are often mistaken for ways to get more money out of the customer. This is usually not the case. A good mechanic will advise the customer of any urgent or life threatening issues they discover during a courtesy inspection. The most common issues found during an inspection are worn or cracked timing belts and worn ball joints or tie rod ends. These are potentially dangerous issues. A worn timing belt can break, leaving you stranded and possibly damage or destroy the engine. Ball joints and tie rod ends can lead to excessive tire wear or break causing a loss of steering. If your mechanic advises you of conditions that can be hazardous to you or your vehicle, make him show you what is wrong. He may be trying to save your life or prevent further damage to your vehicle. There is always the option of having a different mechanic do an inspection of your vehicle. If the two inspections reveal the same conditions consider having the work done. Industry sponsored auto dealerships use certified mechanics. They rely on their integrity to generate consumer confidence and repeat business. If you are in doubt of your mechanics integrity, an authorized dealership can help determine if the repairs are needed.
It was the author's custom to show the customer the parts that were replaced and show them why. This helped dispel the fear that they were paying for repairs that were unnecessary or parts that were never replaced. Have your mechanic show you what they replaced.
Charge a fair and reasonable price for parts and labor. A mechanic or garage can buy parts at wholesale cost if they have a resale license. They charge the customer the retail cost of the parts. This is standard practice and the way businesses work together. If you think your mechanic is overcharging for parts, take the list of parts to a reputable auto part outlet and find out what the retail price of the parts are there. Bear in mind that your mechanic may be buying authorized replacement parts and not rebuilt or aftermarket parts. To be sure that your mechanic is charging a reasonable price for labor look at the estimate for the labor per hour charges. Call around to other auto repair shops and ask what they charge for labor. Giving the customer their money's worth is a good way to gain their trust and encourage repeat business.
Guarantee the work. A good mechanic will guarantee the repair for a reasonable period. If the replacement parts have a warranty period, the mechanic should tell the customer that and be prepared to replace defective parts with little or no charge. Ask your mechanic about guarantees and warranty services. The mechanic's willingness to stand behind the work and provide customer support in the event of premature parts failure are sure signs that you are dealing with an experienced and reputable business.
The bottom line is that there is more to consider than just per hour or per job labor charges when determining the value of a mechanic's services. The computer controlled, anti-emission equipped vehicles being produced these days are much more difficult to work on. Today's mechanics need to invest in more specialized tools and equipment. Consider the intangible, value-added benefits provided by your mechanic. Prompt, courteous service, willingness to show the work and stand behind the repair and a reasonable price for parts and labor are all signs that you will get your money's worth.
