A Girls Guide to Getting Her Car Serviced

Girls, ever feel like you’ve been ripped off after getting your car serviced? Ever wonder why the mechanic tries to push additional services onto you? The answer is simple. An uninformed consumer is always an easy target. If you want to avoid falling victim to price jacks and tactics that would scare you into buying a service, then stay alert! Be an informed consumer next time you get your car serviced by keeping these tips and tricks in mind. 

1. Ask your mechanic to show you exactly what the problem is. If he tells you that you need a new air filter, for example, make sure to go look at it! Anything that he wants to replace should be shown to you directly from your car.

2. Keep a maintenance log. Write down your mileage, the repair, and service dates and put it in your glove box. This way you won’t end up changing your oil before you actually have to.

3. Keep all of your receipts so that you have proof of maintenance and repairs.

4. If you’re in a time crunch, don’t go see your mechanic. You don’t want him to do a rushed job and make mistakes.

5. Get at least two estimates before you get work done on your car. The final price should never be over 10% above the estimate.

6. Never admit to not knowing much about the maintenance of your car. If so, you will become an easy target!

7. Check for certifications. ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) or AAA (America Automobile Association) certification, as well as a state license.

8. Watch out for scare tactics! An example would be “I wouldn’t drive this another mile without fixing A, B, and C.”

9. Always ask for your old parts back! That way, you will know if they’ve actually been changed.

10. Request name-brand replacement parts and ask to see the box that they come in. That way you can be sure that the parts are not faulty.

11. Never sign a blank authorization form. Always get a signed work order with the estimates and the warranties that apply.