How To Avoid Auto Repair And Service Scams
Keywords: service, repair, auto, car, scam, owners manual, recommended service, oil change, tire, dealer
There’s a reason why auto service stations have one of the largest numbers of complaints with state attorney generals in every state. Some uphold good business practices and ethics, but most, unfortunately are all about profit and don’t care if they have to lie and cheat to get it. To prove this all one has to do is go to several dealers with the same problem or question. You will get many different answers, price ranges and estimates all for the same problem(s) and almost all recommending unnecessary and unneeded services or repairs.
Just ask the dealer the question of routine maintenance and what is recommended at each service. If you open your owners manual it will tell you what is recommended for normal driving habits and some may give you recommendations for harch conditions. Regardless of your climate and weather most service advisors will tell you that the area of your country qualifies for harsh and extreme weather - they are trained to do this as it requires more services and makes them more money. Its not whether your car needs it - most people will qualify as normal conditions and require a lot less servicing per the National Highway Traffic Safety Association and AAA. The manufacturer made those owners manuals after millions of dollars were spent on design, research, and testing - I think I would listen to the manual.
On calling several dealers as to recommended mileage intervals between oil changes we got a range of 3,000 - 3,500. It didn’t matter what area of the country we called. The answer was the same. Upon reading the owners manual of several cars it says 4,000 - 5,000 for normal driving habits. We then called asking about the correct mileage to change a timing belt 60,000 to 70,000 was the answer range we got. The owners manuals gave a range of 90,000 -100,000. This is proof positive that profit hungry dealers are pushing up more expensive services, requiring additional and unnecessary services, and basically scamming and ripping off customers. We could not find an honest new car dealer in the bunch, but we did find one service and repair shop that did not require anything over the manufactures recommendations.
Our recommendations:
1) Read your owners manual and take it with you for servicing. Let the service advisor try and argue with you over when an actual service is really recommended. Don’t pay attention to his fancy charts and recommendations.
2) Check and see if your warranty covers the item and if it is really necessary.
3) Oil changes are only $14.95 at Walmart - why pay more at your dealer (dealer average is $26). The oil is the same and you can get synthetic, the best, for the price the dealer charges for regular. As an added bonus, Walmart won’t push unnecessary repairs or services on you. Walmart is also much cheaper for tires - so is BJ’s, and Discount Tire.
4) Do minor items your self. Windshield wipers cost only $4 for a set of two of the same original equipment quality. Just guess what dealers charge. We only asked a few as we could quickly see, just like with oil changes, that the dealer wants to make a lot of money - $54 including installation for the same $4 wipers. Buy then at most Auto parts stores and they will install them for free.
5) If you must use a dealer for repair, always call around. Don’t just take their word for it. Before you go to the dealer, check them out with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Find out what their customers are saying.
The most important thing to remember here is to not get scammed. Some services are needed, just check it out and make sure the dealer isn’t just trying to get a high priced and unnecessary service out of you. Get your owners manual and read the section on required services - it will save you money nest time you visit your dealer. Remember their service advisors are constantly trained just like car salespeople to get you to buy regardless of whether you may need it.
David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in automotive safety products and information. He holds numerous patents and awards for his patented headlight cleaner and restorer. For more information please visit: www.mdwholesale.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Deceptive Car Dealer Ads And Activities - Pervasive As Ever (1)
Even crossing the line or blurring what is legal and what isn't. And according to one big dealer in Charlotte, North Carolina whom didn't want his name or dealership mentioned for obvious reasons - "its all about that bottem line and if we get caught, thats what our lawyers are for.
How To Save Big Money On Your Car, Truck Or SUV (2)
Speeding greatly increases the odds of an accident. It also increases fuel consumption and can result in a ticket. A speeding ticket alone can cost over $200 in fines and court costs easily plus there is added insurance points and costs which can easily cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Routine Car Polishing Gives Your Car A Spruced-up, Fresh Look (3)
It is time now that you follow it up with buffing up, removing extra wax. Your car should, by now, look all spruced-up - spotlessly clean and glistening, as you saw it at the car dealer's showroom, the first-day.
Rising Car Arson And Insurance Fraud Costs Everyone (4)
This isnt new, however as car arson (or torching) and insurance fraud have been going on for decades. The problem is that it is now seen in direct correlation to the economy.
7 Great Money Tips To Lead You To Financial Freedom (5)
Let someone else pay for that depreciation and get a two or three year old car or truck. With the latest technological advances cars can easily go 150,000 miles and above.
Preventative Car Maintenance In Summer Helps To Avoid Breakdowns (6)
In summer, you have to regularly check and maintain the mechanical components of the car to tackle the rigors of the hot summer conditions. The following tips on preventative car maintenance in summer assures you trouble less rides: The very first thing you need to take care is the cooling system.
What Is Oily Skin, How To Treat It, And How NOT To Treat It (7)
A trichloroacetic acid (TCA peel) skin peel is the most effective external treatment and now the most cost effective as it is currently available to consumers for in home use.
What You Need To Know About Glycolic Acid (8)
Regular exfoliation has been proven to make the skin healthier and have less of a chance for pore blockage. Glycolic is not as effective on deeper skin issues like mild to severe acne, cystic acne, acne scars, wrinkles, etc.
Tips For Safer Driving At Night (9)
You will not win with a 3000 pound car going 50 mph. For emergencies pack a flashlight in your car and a reflective vest so you can be seen.
How To Fix And Repair Headlights For Maximum Safety (10)
Keywords: headlight repair, repair headlight lens, headlight cleaner, fix headlight, walmart, cloudy headlight Basically, fixing and repairing your cars headlights is something everyone can do. You could take your car to your local car dealer and pay hundreds of dollars or you could repair them yourself for as little as $15.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
How To Qualify For The Best Rate On Your Mortgage Or Refinance (1)
There are still quite a few mortgage scams out there. Be sure to look up your mortgage company with consumer reporting agencies just to make sure. It is better to be safe than sorry.
No Surgery And Fewer Hassles, Skin Peels Are The Easiest Skin Treatment (2)
You could also make natural skin peels right at home. Natural skin peels ensure elasticity, open clogged pores, soften fine lines, wrinkles, reduce hyperpigmentation and boost collagen production. "To make a natural peel, mildly heat a pack of unflavored gelatin, add the juice of a lemon and an orange until the gelatin is well blended.
Hybrid Cars - The Cars Of The Times! (3)
Success on a mass-scale came about the beginning of the twentieth century; however, it was not until 1999 (on the verge of the 21st century) that America saw the launching of the hybrid car on a commercial-scale, to be bought and used by the mass.
How To Properly Check Tire Pressure And Condition For Safety (4)
More expensive ones are digital. Both are rudimentary and easy to use. If you find you are under inflated most gas stations have an air pump. Fill and check again to ensure proper pressure.
Nationwide Dermatologists' Best And Most Recommended Skincare Products (5)
This is documented by many medical studies and numerous articles in medical journals. These antibiotic ointments seal out bacteria and infections and greatly increase healing and lessen any resultant scarring.
Gas Prices To Come Down Next Week Unless George Bush And Big Oil Intervene (6)
The recent cease fire and UN agreement between Israel, Lebanon, and the Hizbollah and the recent downgrading of the years predicted hurricanes and gulf coast storms have reduced the risk to the oil industry.
Best Car Wash And Wax Tips From The Pros (7)
If it is a hot day, be sure to routinely wet the car so it does not dry suds or cleaning chemicals on it. Next use a car wash solution, don't use general purpose detergents and cleaners that were never meant for car care and car washing.
How To Improve Your Gas Mileage In You Car (8)
For maximum cooling make sure you close your vents when you have the air on (many cars need you to reset this every time you turn on the car). You could really save by finding alternative transportation - walking, ride the bus, car pool, or even riding a motorcycle (some get 50+ mpg).
Helpful Treatment For Dry Textured Hair From The Professionals (9)
First you must properly clean your hair. When we say properly clean that doesn't mean to wash your hair regularly. You must remove all the products you use to style your hair.
Hurricane John Becomes Category 3 Major Hurricane Threatens Mexico (10)
Hopefully for the people of Mexico the current hurricane John will track left and away from land and die out at sea For more great eye opening information please visit www.bestbraindrain.com You will be glad you did.