How to Avoid Being a Victim of Auto Repair and Service Station Scams

While most car mechanics are honest, there are some unscrupulous service station mechanics and attendants who use gimmicks and tricks to con their customers into paying for unnecessary auto parts or labor.

Some unscrupulous mechanics use fear tactics in selling such parts as tires, radiator hoses, and shocks.

Beware of attendants who tell you that you need such parts replaced immediately or else you will have a serious accident.

Attendants want to arouse enough fear so that you will make a quick decision to purchase based on an emotional reaction rather than on sound reasoning.

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to be aware of all of the scams that can be used, but if you're careful you can protect yourself.

Here are a few basic guidelines to remember:

Deal with local service stations or mechanics whom you know from experience that you can trust. Scams are more likely to be used on customers who are out of towners rather than locals who live in the area.

Take your vehicle in when the shop is open instead of dropping it off, that way you can speak with the mechanic.

If you do leave your vehicle, leave specific instructions and a contact telephone number.

Remember to have your car serviced regularly and checked by your mechanic before any major trips. This way you can help avoid being the 'out of towner 'with a car  problem.

Motor vehicle repair shops must register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Verify that the shop you are dealing with is registered.

Some counties also require registration, check with your county consumer agency.

Be aware of the Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act.

This act requires that a written estimate of the cost of a repair be given to you if your repair will exceed $100.00.

Always get a written estimate for any work done on your car and demand additional written estimates if the repairs are to exceed the original amount.

You may also demand to be contacted by the attendant or mechanic for your authorization if there is going to be an expense over and above that which is stated in the estimate.

You can ask that old parts replaced during the repair be returned to you.

The repair facility must tell you whether or not new or used parts are to be used in the repair.

All work and parts are required to be itemized on an invoice so you can know the reason for all charges.

Following these few simple tips can help protect you from auto repair scams.