Planet Antares Scam Tips

As an industry, auto repair shops garner more consumer complaints than any other industry in the United States.  There are an almost endless number of scams that unscrupulous repair shop operators can run on customers who, at the end of the day, are simply trying to maintain their vehicles.

Among the most popular scams are recommending work that isn’t needed; overcharging for work performed; and using counterfeit, low-quality or used parts and charging for them as new.

To help avoid auto repair shop scams, here are a few tips.

Research your auto repair shop. Contact your local Better Business Bureau and/or your state’s Attorney General to see if the shop has a high number of customer complaints, or if they’ve ever been cited for bad business practices.

Work only with ASE-certified mechanics. ASE certification isn’t a guarantee that your repair experience will be good, but this credential is one indication of the professionalism of the mechanic.

Ask if all repair work is guaranteed. If the mechanic offers a guarantee, ask to see the guarantee terms in writing.

Ask for written estimates before any repair work is completed.  Mechanics often “find” additional problems while your car is in the shop. Do not authorize any additional repair work over the phone. If the repair estimate is very high, or includes additional, unexpected repairs, get a second opinion before authorizing any work.

If your car repair isn’t urgent, take the vehicle to another mechanic for a second opinion.  Sometimes, you may be able to get diagnostic help from a local community college or trade school that teaches auto repair. The school may not do the repair work, but the instructors may be wiling to confirm a mechanic’s recommendation(s) as a learning experience for their students.

If a mechanic makes a repair recommendation, ask if the shop uses original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. If so, ask to see the parts before they’re put into the vehicle. OEM parts will be stamped with the manufacturer’s name and part numbers.

Mechanics are required to return your old auto parts, unless the parts pose a danger to you or cannot be safely disposed of by you.  Even in that case, you’re entitled to inspect the old parts.  Ask for your old parts back whenever practical, and inspect the ones you can’t keep. It’s one way to prove that repair work was done.

If you have a bad repair experience, or think you’ve been taken advantage of, don’t stay silent.  Always report the problem to your local Better Business Bureau or your state’s Attorney General.  These agencies will keep records of consumer complaints and will follow up on fraudulent activity. You may not get satisfaction, however your experience can serve to warn other potential victims.