“Car repairs and maintenance are critical to keeping your ride running,” automotive expert Lauren Fix, otherwise known as “The Car Coach,” told The Epoch Times. “But while some are necessary, others are often not. How do you spot possible upsells or scams at car repair shops?”
According to American Trucks’ 2023 survey of 1,000 vehicle owners, 35 percent said they have fallen victim to scams by mechanics, at the average cost of $832. Of those surveyed, 86 percent were told that their vehicle needed repairs that weren’t necessary at the time.
And while the majority of these scams occurred in auto repair shops, don’t think that going to a dealership guarantees honesty—they’re responsible for 25 percent of scams.
“While there are many honest and decent mechanics and repair shops, a few bad apples take advantage of car owners with high prices, problems not fixed properly, or repairs that don’t hold up,” Ms. Fix said.
“It’s important to be aware of some common auto repair shop scams.
“Knowledge is power.”
With that in mind, here are eight scams to watch out for to keep your car maintenance bill where it should be.
1. Bait and Switch
One of the most common scams is to present a bill that is much higher than the price originally quoted for the work. The shop may claim that it required more time than initially expected to make the repairs.
“Whatever work you get done on your car, it is critical to first get a written, signed estimate,” Ms. Fix said. “You need to be sure that no additional work is done without the tech discussing it with you to get your approval before they proceed.”
Keep in mind that this situation can occur without always being a scam, as mechanics may well find additional problems with a vehicle once work begins. In that case, they still need to advise the customer before proceeding.
“The best way to avoid any unpleasant surprises is to make sure the written estimate includes all parts and labor costs before signing repair authorizations,” she said. “An estimate that does not provide the total cost is a red flag.”
Some unscrupulous shops may fill in additional work, parts, and labor after the customer has left, making it difficult to obtain restitution.
2. Recommending Unnecessary Repairs
A related scam involves the technician “discovering” additional needed repairs while performing the agreed-upon work. As an example, while tires are being replaced, the tech may call the customer over to look at the “dangerously worn” shock absorbers, while in reality, they are fine—he or she has simply pulled down the shock absorber’s protective boot or dribbled some dirty oil on it to make it appear to be leaking.
Some shops make outrageous claims, advising customers to have work done well before it is actually needed. For example, a technician may seriously advise that “oil needs to be changed every 90 days, even if the car isn’t driven much—it goes bad after that.”
That statement is 100 percent false, as are similar claims that engine coolant or automatic transmission fluid “goes bad.” Brake fluid should be changed every two years, but that’s because it can attract moisture that can harm the system.
3. Overly Frequent Oil Changes
“Most service facilities recommend 3,000 miles for an oil change,” Ms. Fix said. “However, the mileage recommendations that you see on your oil change sticker is used as a tool to remind you that your oil needs to be changed.”
AutoZone’s experts say that unless the oil is gritty or discolored, intervals of 5,000 to 7,000 miles between changes are acceptable and safe. Some rarely driven cars need oil changes only yearly. Just be sure to use a high-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic motor oil that meets the specifications outlined in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
4. Parts Not in Stock
This situation is all too common, according to Ms. Fix.
“After the car is apart in pieces, the tech ’realizes’ they don’t have the right original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part, so another, more expensive aftermarket part must be substituted or the car stays in pieces for several days while they wait on the correct part,” she said.
“If you are paying for new parts, you should be receiving new parts, and they should be in stock.
“Don’t be scared to ask to see the new parts being installed.”
Unless you’re paying aftermarket (cheaper) prices, make sure that the parts installed are OEM parts.Two related scams are to show the customer and charge for new OEM parts but actually install counterfeit, rebuilt, or used parts.
5. Faked Repairs
A scam that preys on consumers far from home whose vehicles’ check engine light goes on is to say that expensive parts, such as a catalytic converter, were defective and were replaced. In reality, technicians only cleaned and/or repainted the original parts. Most shops can easily turn off the check engine light, but it will eventually turn on again, usually when the car is too far away to go back to the unscrupulous shop.
Any reputable repair facility will be happy to show the parts that were replaced. But be careful to make sure they came from your car. This means paying attention—not spying, but watching—if possible. This isn’t always possible in a big shop, but knowing what the parts from your vehicle look like is a useful skill.
6. Upselling
Ms. Fix explained that “upsells” such as flushes and refills of not typically replaced fluids are scams used by disreputable shops to pad the bill.
“If an automotive repair facility recommends an engine oil flush due to oil sludge, make them prove it to you,” she said. “Have them show you the sludge that is causing them to recommend it to you.
“Typically, if it truly exists, it can be seen on the bottom of the engine’s motor oil cap. This is a common upsell that is not needed.”
Another way that dishonest shops pad the bill is by recommending a fuel injector cleaning service, according to Ms. Fix.
“Unless there are noticeable signs of clogged fuel injectors, such as a rough idle, stalling, poor acceleration, or high emissions levels, this might not be necessary,“ she said. ”One reason to question this is that fuel injector cleaning is not typically listed on automakers’ routine maintenance schedules.”
Other questionable “upsells” include flushing and replacing differential fluid and automatic transmission fluid. These services are advisable every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for differential fluid and 50,000 to 100,000 miles for automatic transmission fluid. If in doubt, review the odometer for mileage, and then refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommended flush intervals. If flushing is not indicated based on mileage, ask the tech why they are recommending this service.
7. Unnecessary Filter Replacement
“A tech suggesting filters be replaced is another possible warning sign,” Ms. Fix said. “While the various filters found on vehicles definitely should be replaced, the owner’s manual provides the suggested intervals for all of them.
“If you’re sitting in the waiting room and a service adviser approaches you to show you a dirty air filter and says this came out of your car, and the owner’s manual indicates it is too early to replace it, how do you know it really came out of your car?
“Ask to check your vehicle so that you can confirm that the dirty air filter you are being shown is definitely yours.”
8. Unwarranted Warranty Claims
Some dealerships tell customers that they must bring the car back to them for any repairs, but the reality is that the vehicle can receive routine, non-warranty service at any shop, assuming records are retained for tasks such as oil changes. For warranty work, the car or truck can be taken to any same-brand dealership.
Avoid Scams Altogether With Preliminary Research
If you want to minimize your chances of encountering scams altogether, take the time to research the shop before setting up an appointment. Use online platforms to check customer reviews and ratings. Verify the shop’s accreditation and certifications to see if they meet industry standards.
It’s a good idea to call around to a couple of shops and request estimates for comparison. You can also use an online estimate tool such as those offered by AAA or Consumer Reports to see what your repairs should cost. Be wary of significantly lower prices, because they might indicate inferior services or hidden fees. Don’t be afraid to ask about warranties and guarantees on repairs.
What to Do if You Suspect Fraud
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If you suspect fraud, talk to the shop manager or owner. If that proves fruitless, file a formal complaint in writing and send a copy to the local Better Business Bureau. If the repair facility is part of a dealership, give a copy to the owner and the automotive manufacturer’s customer service department, too. Provide as much detail as possible, and if possible, include photos of any questionable parts.