Don’t get ripped off by your car mechanic

It’s no secret that getting your car serviced can be a massive drain on your finances. Many car owners are happy to shell out wads of cash – no questions asked. We help make your car service more affordable with these five hot tips.

Of course, some cost is unavoidable, but with a little know-how and a can-do attitude, you can save a stack of money on your car service and eliminate that burning hole in your hip pocket for good.

1. Do your research
Reputability is key to avoiding a dodgy mechanic. Before taking the plunge, try and find out as much as you can about the business. Do they have a website, and if so, what does it look like? A good quality website and logo can indicate a lot about a business’s overall professionalism. Also, seek out ratings from previous customers; a lack of – or obviously terrible – reviews definitely raises some red flags.

2. Understand your needs
A basic car service normally includes an oil and oil filter change and a tyre, steering and suspension check. Your car mechanic should also make sure all lights, wipers and seat belts are working and that all fluid levels are correct. Of course, these requirements vary between different makes and models, so double-check your car handbook for all the details – especially if your car is due for a larger service.

3. Standard inclusions or optional extras?
When receiving the initial quote, make sure you find out exactly what’s included. Your car mechanic should provide you with a cost upfront and then give you an itemised account when work is complete. If any additional expenses arise, you should be contacted for your approval. It’s a good idea to be firm about this when you drop off the car so there are no misunderstandings – and so you don’t get a nasty surprise when you’re handed the invoice!

4. Strength in numbers
With years of experience under their belt dealing with naive customers, many car mechanics are masters of the upsell and bamboozle you with their technical speak. So that you’re not persuaded into something more than you need, it’s a good idea to take a car-savvy friend along for the ride. If you’re not lucky enough to have one, it’s still a good idea to bring someone for moral support.

5. Consider your options
Most car mechanics offer a manufacturer’s service and a cheaper non-manufacture service. If you’re not fussed about where your parts come from, the non-manufacturer service could be a good option to save a few pennies. Just make sure to double-check that your choice doesn’t jeopardise your manufacturer’s statutory warranty.

So if your car’s due for a service but you’re strapped for cash, there’s no need to sentence it to a lifetime of coughing and spluttering. By following our handy hints, you can help your car kick its nasty “habits” for a reasonable price that won’t break the bank!