While most mechanics are hard-working folks grinding out a living in rain or shine, there are certain unscrupulous elements that have tainted the public's view of the entire profession. Because of this, every time you're having your car worked on you run the risk of running into one of the dishonest types. Therefore, it's important to do everything possible to protect yourself from getting taken advantage of. Here are 5 ways you can protect yourself from dishonest mechanics:
1) Check reviews - The internet has leveled the playing field between consumer and business-owner, making it nearly impossible for an unscrupulous business to hide any pattern of deceptive behavior. Use this to your advantage by thoroughly researching a potential mechanic before entrusting them with your car. Websites like Angie's List, Mechanic Advisor, and Yelp allow you to read customer reviews and get a picture of what others have experienced, for better or worse. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is also a great resource for checking a business' ethical practices.
2) Ask for certifications - Asking a mechanic about their certifications is a smart move for two reasons. The first is that it allows a mechanic to inform you about their training, and whether or not they are ASE Certified. This certification is the universal standard in the automotive repair world. Although a non-certified mechanic is not necessarily incompetent, the certification sets a benchmark for having achieved a certain level of education. The second reason it's good to ask is that it helps break the ice and establish communication between you and the prospective tech.
3) Get a written estimate - Documenting the process of repair is one of the best ways to protect yourself from a dishonest mechanic. When you have determined that the mechanic will be performing repairs on your vehicle, always ask for a written estimate on company letterhead. This will allow you to get everything in writing, including the work performed, the parts involved, and the cost associated with the work. If, after the fact, anything goes awry, you can always refer back to the paperwork. And while it's unpleasant to even consider, documentation will be helpful in the unlikely event that you have to take someone to court over a dispute over services, usually a last resort.
4) Determine their warranty policy - One of the biggest benefits to using a professionally trained mechanic, aside from expertise, is the fact that there is some level of protection offered for the work performed through a warranty. This warranty will usually cover labor and parts, assuming that you purchase the parts through the mechanic. Before handing over your car keys, make sure to get a clear understanding of what the warranty entails, and, if possible, get a written copy of it. A warranty, in conjunction with a written estimate and receipt, will offer you solid protection in the event of an issue between you and the mechanic.
5) Trust your instincts - This is often the most neglected aspect of doing business, and deciding who to trust. If you get an uneasy feeling about someone, whether it's because what they're saying and offering sounds too good to be true compared to what you're hearing everywhere else, or because they're using fear to motivate you to act, it's best to move on and take your business somewhere else. Typically after we have a bad experience, we can look back on it and realize that there were warning signs that we just didn't acknowledge. So if something seems a bit "off," it's best to think twice before trusting someone with your expensive car, and setting yourself up for a costly and stressful mistake.
MechanicAdvisor.com is one of the largest online mechanic resources in the US. We are the premier website for consumers to research and connect with reputable local mechanics for routine and specialty automotive repair. Our website features instructional videos, articles about maintaining your car, and detailed profiles of over 500,000 mechanics across the country. If you're a shop owner, please claim your shop page for free here 
