How you can be "scammed" at a service station: points that every driver should know

Who doesn't like to make extra money easily? The easiest way to do this is when the client is not very knowledgeable about the subject of the transaction. For example, car service stations are guilty of such tricks. Rarely does a driver know the construction of his car to the last screw. Therefore, you need to know how you can be cheated at a service station.

OBOZREVATEL has collected some of the most typical car mechanics' deceptions. We'll tell you how to recognize them and how to react correctly.

Fraud with parts

A mechanic can easily replace your original branded part with a cheaper analog. Even if you brought a high-quality replacement with you. Then he will have the opportunity to sell the real part and earn extra money.

How to deal with this? Insist on being present when the part is being replaced. Also, try to go to trusted workshops, preferably with a system of penalties for such petty fraud. The latter is a universal advice.

Unexpected work

Sometimes you may receive a receipt at a service station that contains several unexpected types of work performed. Accordingly, the amount in the check will also be higher. Sometimes significantly. Most likely, the mechanic will explain this by the fact that during the repair process he found additional malfunctions and eliminated them arbitrarily, but not free of charge.

In fact, you are not forced to pay for work that was not agreed with you in advance. It is not a problem for the service station to call you back, warn you about the problems and discuss additional repairs.

Exaggerating the scale of the problem

You should be alarmed by a proposal to replace a particular component or make other major repairs, especially if the car is still running. The mechanic, taking advantage of your ignorance, can significantly exaggerate the extent of the malfunction. For example, they may point out traces of oil "sweating" and start scaring you with significant problems. But in fact, the repair may be quite minor.

To begin with, ask about alternative repair options that are less expensive. If the mechanic insists, say that you will consult another specialist. If he still doesn't change his tune, it may be worth changing service stations.

How to prepare for a conversation with a mechanic

Knowing these tricks, start by finding out all the details about the prices of the service station you've chosen and the cost of its employees' labor hours. All this should be freely available near the order desk.

Also, do not neglect the papers that you are given at the station. They are documentary evidence of your agreements with mechanics, and the work order is also a guarantee for the work performed.

Try to study in detail how your car is designed, its weaknesses and typical problems. This will make it more difficult for mechanics to deceive you and sell unnecessary services.

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