Car Repair Scam Alert
In previous articles we have learned how car owners must constantly be on the lookout for scams perpetuated by dishonest service centers and mechanics involving engine oil changes, transmission fluid maintenance and brake repairs.
The earliest known auto repair scams are believed to have been perpetuated by “road bandits” – mechanics who owned or worked for gas stations and preyed on unsuspecting motorists who often had to pull over – for gasoline, air or water while traveling.
Typical scams involved simple, but effective cons, such as running engine oil that allowed it to drip under a vehicle under the pretense that a serious oil leak problem had developed. Punctured tires, damaged water hoses and fan belts were also tactics used to force a car owner to buy parts and repairs on site, often at inflated prices.
Today, however, today’s highway robbers have gotten lazier (and maybe a little smarter) charging car owners for repairs that aren’t actually done. We’ve learned this from several cases in previous articles about scams and bad repairs that Torque News has covered over the past few years where some mechanics have deliberately tried to trick their customers into believing that a repair was done and done correctly … when it was done. no.
5 secrets only car mechanics know
And that was the focus of a recent one Scotty Kilmer YouTube channel episode where Scotty warns car owners about scams involving repairs that shouldn’t be repaired.
Follow along with the host as he shares secrets about repair scams that only car mechanics know. The value of the video is that Scotty shows not only what scams are being done, but how to determine if repair is really needed…or if it’s a scam.
Related article: Fix scams that only another mechanic could spot
5 Secrets Only Car Mechanics Know (This Will Save You Thousands)
And finally…
For more articles related to the scam, be sure to check out the links below:
• Common brake repair scam at top name tire centers
• Fast Lube service center notice for new and used cars
• Two service center mechanic scams that are easy to spot if you know where to look under the hood
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter for Torque News based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications to improve performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily automotive related news.
Image source: Pixabay
