[align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Member's, below is good information to send to[/align][align=center]your family members, friends that don't[/align][align=center]know much about repairs to their vehicles.[/align][align=center]I learned a few things from reading.[/align][align=center](Knowledge is Power + $'s : )[/align][align=center]Please add your warnings post, and what to look for[/align][align=center]when getting your car repaired...Thanks[/align][align=center][:-][/align][align=center]By Kelli B. Grant,
Reporter, SmartMoney.com



Five sneaky tricks by repair shopsto watch out for
WE'VE ALL BEEN THERE: We take our car in for a repair and a little voice inside our head wonders "Am I getting ripped off?" The best way to prevent rip-offs is to find a trustworthy mechanic who is both certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and recommended by AAA.

Even if you aren't that thorough, most mechanics are on the up-and-up.

[/align]That said, here are five sneaky tricks to watch out for[/align]1. Spit-Shine Fixes

Here's the scam: The mechanic will tell you something in your car needs to be replaced, like the starter motor. But rather than replace that perfectly fine, functioning device, the mechanic simply removes it, gives it a good cleaning so it looks like new, and puts it back in your car. Parts singled out for the spit-shine trick are those that are easily removed, says Jack Nerad, executive editorial director of Kelley Blue Book. Batteries, for example, are prime targets, as are oil filters and radiators. Some shops won't bother to do anything at all -- instead telling you they replaced the part with one that was refurbished (and so, unlikely to appear shiny and new).

Your fix: Have your mechanic point out the part in question to be replaced. "Mark it in some way," suggests Nerad, while the mechanic isn't looking. If that seems pretty much impossible, take the car home before agreeing to the work. Try a dot of Wite-Out correction fluid or a swipe of chalk. Then, post-repair, ask to see the old part and the shop's purchase order for its replacement. You'll know your old part by its identifying mark, and the new one from the dated receipt. [/align]
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[font="times new roman"][size=4]2. Accelerated Maintenance

When it comes to regularly scheduled maintenance, your vehicle manufacturer and your mechanic agree on just one thing -- your car will need some work at some point. But their opinions on just what should be done and when are vastly different, says Karl Brauer, editor in chief of

 

I'll give you credit this time Space.. it's not some post about a car we can't afford, its actually some good, useful information

[sm=massbounce.gif]

 

 

well it was mean't in a more joking manner than i think it was written... maybe an explanation point and an "lol" would have been nice

 

 

Good information as ususal Space.

It's not just women who can't do some of the larger repairs on their autos. Men fall in to this as well.

It's one reason why I try to do as much of my own work as possible.

 

Great info Space!

I fell for the guessing games trick by a local independant mechanic when I got my first car. My dad had gone to him for years, so I trusted him. When I started having to bring my car back for the same problem 2 or 3 times, I caught onto his tricks. Took it to a dealership and they fixed it right the first time.

 

I got a good 1 for you. back when my wife owned her 90 dodge shadow, I spent the afternoon rebuilding the front brake system. New rotor straight threw to the flex line. So later that day we dropped it off at a local Tires Plus for an inspection. We get a call the next moring from the mechanic saying the flex line was missing a bolt and would not pass inspection. I straight up told him I was coming down to see this for myself and if he had removed the bolt to put it back. He got a little testy with me and I told him I had just rebuilt the front brake and all the nuts and bolts where put back where they belonged. All of a sudden his tune changed. He said it would be done by 5pm. So at 5pm I was there at the dorr waiting for the car and the mechanic was no where in sight. So I notified the shop mamager about the issue. And the both of us checked it out and guess what the bolt was there. As for the quack that inspected the car, I have not clue what they did to them.

 

Also Beware of alignment shops. They usually suggest an alignment when you buy new tires. They always conclude you do need one, and sometimes make a list of parts you need replaced as well. If your car drives straight, doesn't wear the tires funny and the steering wheel doesn't shake at speed you don't need an alignment. But, those are the same people that don't know how to check oil, air pressure, etc.