It’s no secret in the automotive world that women are more often ripped off and taken advantage of when visiting the mechanic, than men. Most of us have even experienced this. On average, women get charged $23 more than men in repair estimates. So, it’s no wonder most women dread taking their car in to have it serviced or get fixed! Here are a few tips to help you come out of the auto shop with your wallet and pride in tact!
The first thing I’m going to tell you is to find a mechanic you trust, and keep with them. Shopping around and trying to find the best deal could actually hurt you in the long run. If you stick with one mechanic, they know you and they know your car. Ask your friends and family to see who they know and trust.
Check out the shop. Look for a clean shop with mechanics willing to talk to you and who have been there for an extended period of time. If the shop can’t keep mechanics around, that’s a red flag. Another good thing to look for is a helpful Service Writer. He’s going to be the guy sitting behind the counter telling you what they’re doing to your car and what it’s going to cost. If he isn’t helpful, that’s a red flag.
Keep yourself informed. As an example, if you know what the status of your air filter is, you’re less likely to get coerced into an expensive and unnecessary job. Make sure you know when your last oil change or alignment and rotation was. Keep your receipts and records from previous services. It seems like more work, but it can save you some serious bucks in the long run.
Probably the most important one: don’t let yourself get pushed around. Don’t be afraid to question what your mechanic is telling you. Don’t ever tell the shop, “Just do whatever is necessary.” That is asking for trouble. Make sure you evaluate the receipt and keep track of the charges. Don’t let them do anything you didn’t authorize and let them know that when you drop off your car.
Going the mechanic can be unnerving and stressful, but if you keep your head on straight and don’t let yourself get run down, you should come out of the shop unscathed!
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