The Whole Truth about Auto Mechanics

It’s easy to think that all auto mechanics are liars, cheaters, and frauds. A few bad apples does spoil the whole bunch. But is it the truth? Are all auto mechanics terrible at what they do? Nope.

As a journalist reporting on everything from new car releases to the testing of products I have had hundreds of conversations with different auto shop owners, technicians, and other problem-solvers. I talk and write about everything automotive daily. It continues to be part of my job. Still, even with this experience, I find myself at a crossroads when it comes to recommending a good, honest “auto shop.”

Problems start when we get in a pinch to get our vehicles back on the road, and we don’t have time to do any research before taking it to Acme Auto. As it turns out Acme Auto is a huge waste of time.

The national news show 60 Minutes did a series of reports years ago on fraudulent auto shops across the country. It amazed me at the length in which some auto shop owners would flat lie about a person’s vehicles to cash in. Then when the camera crew appeared with proof on video, the mechanic would say redfaced it was all a big misunderstanding.

Cheating consumers happens. And, it is getting more difficult to catch bad actors. Many late model vehicles vehicles can’t be serviced by do-it-yourselfers. But if you slow down and think things out you can learn to make the right choice when it comes to auto repairs.

To ease your mind, great auto shops do exist. I have used two excellent, honest shops for years and I trust everything they recommend. And, I’m very skeptical.

Dealership vs. Private Auto Shops

Dealerships are often seen as the credible place to take your car. I want to believe that’s true, but that doesn’t make a dealership more competent in their trade/skill level than the little auto shop down the street. Dealerships do have higher standards because they represent the brand they are selling. But they will upsell you on products and services you don’t need faster than a McDonalds’ drive-thru at lunch hour. A part at a dealership will cost you double of what you can buy that same part for online. That’s common knowledge.

An issue with private auto shop mechanics is that unless you own a $10,000 Snap-On toolbox and all the computer programs to diagnose glitchy vehicles, there is no arguing with them when they say your engine part failed. Most of us must take them at their word. That’s the state of auto mechanics. It’s a dicey world and to put your trust in someone you’ve never met… you know the odds aren’t always in your favor.

One more thing…there are part hangers and qualified mechanics. Know the difference. A part hanger can’t diagnose anything correctly. They simply toss more parts at the problem. An ASE-certified mechanic will root out the problem and come up with a fix. ASE is what MD is to doctors. Never go to a part hanger. Look for an ASE license at your local shop before you leave your vehicle.

You won’t always be able to spot a Fraudster from an exceptional auto mechanic… but I recommend making an effort to learning more about who you are dealing with. It will save you lots of time and trouble.

1. Obviously, start by asking family and friends if they have a favorite auto shop or dealership before you just stop by for an estimate.

2. Look the business up on Google and read all the reviews, knowing that some reviews are likely biased, or written by their partners and family members. Personally, I use social media groups and other forums to weigh my decisions.

3. Go to the Better Business Bureau (BBB.com) online and plug in their business name. See if there are any liens, or complaints against the business. Sometimes it won’t mean much to you, but you might be surprised by what you learn.

4. Get a written estimate of the work. Don’t agree without getting something in writing. It is always better to have proof of what they are suggesting is wrong.

5. If anything about the business creeps you out leave and don’t look back. If Bubba is smoking a cigarette as he’s turning wrenches… get out of there. A dirty shop floor is an indicator that this shop doesn’t care about appearances.

6. If you have no idea what’s wrong with your vehicle offers symptoms. Explain everything you know about the problem you are having with the vehicle. Allow them time to answer. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. A good mechanic will be patient with you. A bad mechanic will be on the defensive.

7. Ask the shop to return any component they replaced when the job is completed. That ensures that these components were changed. A friend I know puts a “mechanic’s proof mark” across any component he believes they must remove to complete the job. It could be the bolt of an air-intake system. He uses a Sharpie to scribe the mark. If the component was removed by the mechanic you will see the proof with the misalignment of the mark. It’s a bit sneaky, but he said it works. I love this one.

8. Ask for warranties for the product and the labor. I purchased a transmission with a two-year warranty and free labor. Just ask and see how the shop responds. Most decent shops will have no problem helping you if you experience future problems with the same parts they replaced or repaired.

9. Check with the business to see if they use factory parts or aftermarket parts. It makes a difference. Factory parts are more expensive, but they typically will last longer and perform better than many aftermarket parts. With that said, not all aftermarket parts are terrible. But choose wisely.