Every motorist should be aware of the rising threat of garage scams. While the majority of mechanics are professional and honest, there are some that look to take advantage of motorists by overcharging customers and this is a problem that is becoming more prevalent. This post will look at what some of the most common scams to be aware of are along with what you can do to avoid these scams.

Common Scams

One of the most common scams is overcharging motorists for new parts. Of course, mechanics can charge more than what they paid to make a profit, but there are some that will massively overcharge and take advantage of the fact that most do not know how much replacement parts cost. Another common scam is overcharging motorists for the cost of labour and this often results from using complex jargon that can confuse those without a high level of knowledge of automobiles and how they work. Another scam that is used is a mechanic over exaggerating a problem with the car so that they can charge more for repairs.

How to Avoid Common Scams

So, what can you do as a motorist to avoid these scams? You will want to find a reliable and trustworthy mechanic to avoid these issues and there are a few ways to do this. You could ask a friend and family for recommendations as well as spend time researching mechanics in your local area online paying close attention to customer reviews and ratings.

Another way to avoid common scams is to do your own research. If you need replacement tyres, for example, then you could look online to see how much it costs to buy car tyres and see if this lines up with the amount that you are being charged. It is also a good idea to brush up on your car terminology as well as research what is involved in the work that you are being quoted for – this should give you an idea if they are overcharging for labour costs.

Reporting Suspicious Garages

As a motorist, you can also play your part in tackling the rising threat of garage scams by reporting suspicious garages. If you believe that a garage that you visit is overcharging, you report them to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) who will investigate further.

Garage scams are a growing threat in the UK with unscrupulous mechanics looking to take advantage of motorists that have little knowledge of automobiles and repairs. This is why it is important to be cautious, take your time to research garages and always look into how much parts and labour should cost before entering an agreement with a mechanic. Additionally, you should report any garage that you believe is overcharging its customers to help the fight against garage scams.