Recently, I’ve been speaking with some industry veterans who are out there fixing cars day in and day out. Some have complained that RepairTrust presents a slanted view of the auto repair industry and focuses too much on the negative. In an effort to ensure we provide the best information possible, we asked for their advice. The next few posts will come straight from hands-on mechanics, running repair shops. Read more…
Super Pages is advertising that they can provide auto repair customers peace of mind with their Super Guarantee. Super Guarantee – Get the job done right, or we”ll make it right,* they say. The fine print indicated by that tiny little asterisk at the end of their tag line reveals a very different message, however. Read more…
There’s a new tv commercial extolling the benefits of an extended car warranty. It shows one client relaxing comfortably in the waiting room of his car repair shop (he has the auto extended warranty) and another guy angry and frustated that he’ll have to pay for his auto repairs (he obviously doesn’t have an extended plan). What’s interesting is that the commercial repeatedly states that, with the warranty, the repair is FREE. This is a tad misleading… Read more…
When we get an auto repair estimate how do we know that it was done properly? Was it calculated according to manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines? The short answer is probably not. Manufacturer specifications and industry standards are not only not adhered to, but they are interpreted differently from repair shop to repair shop. This is a primary reason why auto repair estimates fluctuate so greatly. However, there is an automotive term that we can use to help us reduce any excessive car repair prices. It’s called “overlap labor.” Read more…
For over three years RepairTrust has been shedding light on the dark underworld of auto repair. With decades of study and analysis, we’ve argued that 98% of all car repair shops (including dealers, independents, and franchises) overcharge you at some point. A couple years back we were highlighting this with some car repair videos on our web site and blog. We’ve recently updated our videos page @ Car Repair. While the information and materials at RepairTrust provide the complete story, there are 5 videos that will give you a decent snapshot of what really goes on in this industry. They’re short, fun to watch, and enlightening. Read more…
Car repair prices fluctuate from repair shop to repair shop and car to car. Knowing if you were fairly charged can be very difficult to determine. Even online auto repair estimates miss the mark – often by hundreds of dollars. What makes it harder is that when you are overcharged it’s not for the hundreds or thousands of dollars we hear about in the news, but rather a little at a time, and over an extended period. Read more…
I received a postcard from an auto repair shop that I’ve visited on occasion, stating that my vehicle needed service. While I was impressed by the professionalism and proactive approach, it made me think. First, how do they know my vehicle needs these services? Second, and more importantly – should I trust an auto repair shop to dictate my car repair – my vehicle’s maintenance? They do know what’s best – right? While they probably do know what’s best, it’s not in your best interest to let them manage your car. Read more…
Have you ever wondered why an auto repair shop would include a FREE “multi-point vehicle inspection” when your car’s in for auto repair service? There are two primary reasons. The first is marketing. Repair shops are attempting to build value and to entice you to service with them. The second is they’re looking for work – literally. They’re hoping to find a problem, which they can then fix for you – not for FREE. Read more…
We received an email from a 30-year law enforcement officer who described so much of the dark underworld of car repair. A local repair shop attempted to charge him hundreds of dollars for an unnecessary repair. It started when his vehicle’s check engine light had come on. He then proceeded to go through many of the lies and deceit so common during auto repair service. Read more…
As the cold weather approaches you’ll notice a host of car repair advertisements for special services needed for your car during the winter months. These Winter Specials will generally include an oil change, miscellaneous checks, and possibly a fuel injection service. Do you need these services – No! Read more…