How to Avoid Being Ripped Off by a Garage

Avoid auto-repair scams at the garage by filling up on information.

Buying or leasing a vehicle can be one of the biggest expenses in a person's life, but the outlay of money doesn't end when the title and keys get transferred. Keeping that vehicle on the road may seem like an endless flow of finances, and while some investment is required to keep the car well-oiled and safe, other expenses may be avoided. For drivers who entrust the care of their cars--and their checkbooks--to garages and mechanics, avoiding a rip off means mapping out the best direction for trusting the right workers.

Instructions

1. Learn as much as you can about the car and its operation. This doesn't mean you have to get greased up and slide under the chassis, but reading the car's operation manual and knowing a few things, such as your proper tire-pressure number, may make you feel more confident when walking into the garage.

2. Ask coworkers, friends, family and auto-savvy acquaintances where they take their vehicles and who they trust within that garage. Ask them for the specific names of technicians or managers whenever possible. Personal referrals oftentimes can be the best guarantee of good service because they come from unbiased sources and experiences.

3. Check whether the shop is registered with your state. Florida International University notes that in the state of Florida, all garages must be registered, and the state keeps records of complaints available to the public.

4. Inquire about the garage and its technicians' certifications, which may be displayed prominently on the walls of the waiting area. Iowa State University Extension mentions the Automotive Service Excellence seal as one to be aware of, but it also cautions that these certifications don't guarantee exceptional service.

5. Bring your vehicle to a chain garage or to the local service center on the lot where you bought your car. While garages of nationally known chains and dealers don't guarantee against a rip-off, you'll have better recourse to take your concerns and complaints than a locally-owned and operated one-manager shop.

6. Ask for an estimate of the repair work. Visit two or three more garages in your area, and compare the quotes. If one quote is significantly higher or lower than the others, it may be a red flag.

References

• Florida International University: How to Protect Yourself -- Auto Repairs
• Iowa State University Extension: Money For Life