Professional Vehicle Testing, Servicing, MOTs, Repairs, Clutches, Brakes by Skilled Mechanics
Car mechanics are amongst a group of professionals that we need to be able to trust, for our safety, and budget. Many car owners don’t know their cambelt from their flywheel, but they shouldn’t need to with the amount of garages around. It’s the skilled mechanic’s job to provide a quality service, but unfortunately this isn’t always the case!
When 2,000 people in the UK were surveyed, it emerged that a whopping 85% do not trust car mechanics. According to one professional, this viewpoint is justified in many cases. Here are four of the underhand tactics he told Confused.com, were employed by dodgy garages to part you from your money. [and how not to fall victim]
1. Use of Jargon
Some garage workers will use what appears to be a foreign language in order to persuade the car owner of the need for additional work. Make sure you ask questions, particularly about the need for any replacement parts. Ask for answers in plain English and if you don’t get an answer that you understand you may want to go elsewhere.
2. Second Hand Parts
It’s outrageous but sometimes parts are replaced with used components and not the new version you paid for. They may even not have been replaced at all, and it’s not always easy to tell. Ask to see the old part or have the new one pointed out if possible, and get an itemised bill.
3. Do you need a New Tyre?
Tyres do not always need to be replaced, unless they are badly damaged, cut or bulging. A puncture in the tread can often simply be repaired. Ensure they show you the problem, and if it really does need replacing, check online that you are not being overcharged for your tyre.
4. MOT Scams
Don’t be fooled by a list of bogus repair requirements risking an MOT fail, although some may be essential for roadworthiness. The Government have taken steps to make it clearer to drivers which issues need to be dealt with immediately. Some minor defects may be acceptable and allow the car to pass it’s MOT.
Remember that despite this expose, not all garages are untrustworthy, and some like John Atherton have an unequalled reputation and a long history of customer focussed service.