How do I not get overcharged at the mechanic?

How to Not Get Overcharged by a Mechanic

1. Use an independent shop, not a chain store or the dealership.
2. Make sure to get a second opinion before replacing “everything” one shop suggests.
3. Look for a mom-and-pop operation that looks professional, has good references, and has been in business for a long time.

Why do mechanics charge so much?

Also, the cost of becoming a mechanic can be expensive. Mechanics must put themselves through school and the common practice in the auto industry is for mechanics to supply their own set of tools. “Every mechanic’s got at least $25,000 in tools that they own. They’ve had to pay for them themselves,” said Larsen.

Are mechanics more likely to sell women unnecessary repairs?

In a 2013 survey of car owners and leasers by consumer resource site RepairPal, 77 percent of respondents said mechanics are more likely to sell women unnecessary repairs, and 66 percent believed that mechanics charge women more than men for the same services.

Does the auto-repair industry discriminate against women?

The auto-repair industry discriminates against women. So I quit my engineering job to become a mechanic. I was tired of getting scammed by the male-dominated auto-care industry. Patrice Banks shows women how the air filters operate at a recent workshop in Philadelphia.

Are women more vulnerable to auto-repair horror stories?

Story continues below advertisement Most drivers have auto-repair horror stories, but women are especially vulnerable.

What drives a mechanic to cheat?

What drives mechanics to cheat or push unnecessary repairs, Joe said, is the tiny profit margin at many repair shops. Most mechanics are honest, he said, but many are pressured by their bosses to perform unnecessary work. “The shop has to stay in business,” Joe said.