We’ve all felt the sting of getting ripped off in one way or another, whether it’s from a getting lousy meal in a restaurant or paying to see a bad movie. Or it’s being taken advantage of when having your car serviced. It’s an honest reaction as most people aren’t familiar with the inner workings of their vehicles, and are then a greater target for cheats. Ever had a mechanic tell you he needs to replace your blinker fluid? Not good.
So where do I fill up the blinked fluid??
Gary Grant is the service manager at a Canadian Subaru dealer and an automotive expert who currently contributes to two automotive sites, TheGarageBlog.com and DrivenWheels.com. His biggest piece of advice? “Do a bit of research. Read the maintenance section of the owner’s manual. Understand what the manufacturer considers important,” he says.
Regardless of where you live, your vehicle’s service schedule – i.e. the list of what work has to be done and when – is explicitly outlined in the manual. Everything from oil changes to tire rotations to transmission-fluid changes are listed, so trust it completely.
Follow these, they tell you all, including tyre pressures!
One solution to not getting “ripped off” would be to try and save as much money as possible by doing things yourself rather than paying someone else. Doing basic maintenance and repairs on your vehicle can be simple. However, cars have gotten so complicated in recent years trying to meet global demands for efficiency and performance that you can get into a lot of trouble very easily if something goes wrong.
“I’m often asked, ‘Can’t I do that myself?’” Grant says. “My response is usually something along the lines of, ‘I don’t know. I’m not sure of what skills you have.’ For the most part, the basics like oil changes haven’t changed in terms of difficulty. However, oil changes are more important now than ever due to tighter build tolerances in engines. Do them on time. Don’t reach for the cheap filter, buy the good one. Don’t miss an interval, ever.”
Do you know which bit is which?
Educating yourself on your vehicle and automotive tech in general is key. “Learn the meaning behind some common automotive terms so you understand what the service advisor is telling you,” Grant recommends. “If you don’t understand what the service advisor is telling you, ask for more details. If you think he doesn’t know what he’s talking about, ask for his manager to describe it. Don’t agree to something you don’t understand or feel skeptical about.” It’s okay to say you need to think about the work and review the estimate before agreeing to it. Sometimes a second opinion isn’t a bad option either, although that may increase your costs.
Get a second opinion
If you’re still unsure, the Internet is a hugely powerful tool that can provide the answers you’re looking for. Brand- or model-specific forums are wonderful because they’re usually a solid group of owners who are all looking out for one another, and chances are they’ve experienced similar things to what you’re experiencing. It’s important to make sure you find credible/authoritative sites with positive feedback before you decide your mechanic is just trying to line his pocket book.
By Mark Atkinson. Check out his blog and follow him on Twitter
Comment by colum stewart May 21, 2009
I’ve a tip for how not to get ripped off … don’t use Eurpcar at Heathrow. despite several written compliaints and submitting documentary proof they still a) didn’t respond and b) didnt refund the moeny they stole off me credit card. I realise that accusing someone of theft is a serious matter but b*ll*cks to them, I’d very happliy see them in court if they’d bother. Its a top tip don’t use Eurpcar, don’t get ripped off!