Repairs are part and parcel of car ownership. And when your truck springs a leak or starts making an odd sound, you’ll probably be bringing your vehicle to a local RAM dealership in Las Cruces, NM for a checkup.
But how do you know if your mechanic is being straight with you or ripping you off? Below are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
Learn how your car works
You don’t have to be a car expert, but you’ll want to learn as much about your vehicle as possible, including how it works and the most common repairs. Some mechanics may take advantage of people’s lack of knowledge by tricking them into paying more for otherwise inexpensive repairs or suggesting ones that aren’t necessary so they can charge a bigger bill. But if you know enough about how cars work, you won’t fall victim to such tactics.
Know your vehicle’s maintenance schedule
Many drivers hear mechanics say: “Why don’t we do maintenance while your vehicle is here?” While these might sound like the words of a concerned professional, always take their advice with a grain of salt. Often, mechanics recommend maintenance work long before they’re due just to increase your bill. Luckily, your car has a manual that spells out exactly when certain maintenance procedures should be done. Consult that whenever you get asked if you want it earlier.
Get an upfront estimate
No one wants to get sticker shock after visiting a mechanic. That’s why you should always insist for an upfront estimate in writing before you leave your car in their garage. Wait for the mechanic to evaluate your car and give a quote on the service fee before you ask yourself if the price is fair. You may also want to instruct your mechanic to call you first if issues that require additional costs are suddenly uncovered during repairs.
Ask for your old car parts
A huge chunk of your car repair costs will likely be tied to parts replacements. But did you know that unscrupulous mechanics might bill you for replacing parts they never actually replaced? That’s right: they might tell you they swapped out your carburetor for a new unit, even if the old one is still in your engine. How do you avoid this scam? Simple—just ask for your old car parts when you fetch your vehicle. If the mechanic can’t produce them, that’s a big red flag.
Get small repairs first
If you’ve owned a car for a while, you probably have a mechanic you trust. Should they be unavailable, however, you may need to go to another shop. But since you have yet to know the quality of service they provide, you shouldn’t let a new mechanic undertake major repairs on your vehicle at first. Rather, have them do minor repairs to get a feel of their workmanship. Should their work prove excellent and fairly priced, you can then add them to your list of trusted mechanics.
Of course, the best way to avoid getting ripped off is by visiting a trusted Dodge dealership in El Paso, TX and surrounding areas. If you’d like more tips on car maintenance, visit Viva CDJRF today.
