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Protect Yourself From Being Ripped-Off
By: Terry Keller
These car tips, along with a relationship with the right auto repair shop will protect you from being ripped-off on auto repairs.
3 Main Ways of Being Ripped-Off
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They sell you something you don't need. This is the worst rip-off. This occurs regularly in shady repair shops.
How to Protect Yourself: Before you agree to the repairs, be sure you understand what's being done. A good shop will take the time to teach you everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Have the shop show you each needed item before and after repair. If you feel uncomfortable about anything, remember: you can take your car anywhere for your repairs. Always ask as many questions as you can so that you are sure of your decision. Afterwards, verify that the repairs were done, and ask the shop to give you back your old parts.
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They don't know what they are doing. Many unskilled techs are in the field due to a general shortage of technicians nationwide. You are paying for their incompetence in wasted diagnosis time, mistakes, and in parts that weren't needed.
How to Protect Yourself: Select a shop that is accredited by AAA, ASE, ASA, BBB, etc. Technicians can be specially certified for different car systems, so whenever possible, make sure your tech is ASE certified in the specialty he's working in. Just because a tech is certified in one specialty, doesn't mean they are in all areas.
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They promote a price which isn't realistic. We all see commercials advertising cheap four-wheel brake jobs for $99, and a lot of us are tricked by those commercials into getting a $200-$300 service. Scheduled maintenance, tune-ups, and many other services can have a misleading price tag.
How to Protect Yourself: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Have an honest shop give you a correct estimate or get ready to open your wallet much wider than you thought!
