Beware of these 11 potentially unnecessary repair expenses

As car maintenance and repairs can cost good money, we trust that mechanics have the welfare of their customers — not self-interest — at heart. But some take advantage of noobs and the uninitiated who don’t know anything about car repair or cars in general. Be careful and be aware of these 12 potentially unnecessary car repairs and expenses when they’re proffered to you by a mechanic or car repair shop.

There are unscrupulous people out there with their self-interest at heart. Be careful

Suppose there’s this know-it-all who professes to understand what the repairs are about and gets handed an estimate of all work to be done. It will be game, set, and match if he or she doesn’t know what to do or is clueless. Be alert and don’t be hoodwinked by these ploys. When you hear these lines, think twice.

1. The battery needs replacement

This is the most common ploy to make the customer spend unnecessarily. Many have fallen for this stunt and ended up buying a new battery. Motorists are, of course, afraid of a dead battery, that’s why it's so effective!

This is the most common ploy to make the customer spend money

2. The alternator has a problem and is failing

This is a go-to line when the problem could be fixed by simply replacing wires or fuses. A victim will be hoodwinked into getting the alternator repaired or replaced! Always seek a second opinion.

When the problem is just electrical and can be fixed by replacing wires with some fuses

>>> Check out: 5 simple steps to get your car alternator checked in a proper way.

3. The brake fluid needs to be bled and changed immediately

Sometimes the brakes get some minor problems that are easily resolved. Bleeding is done to relieve the pressure on the brakes — which may not be the proper solution. Maybe it's just a matter of adjusting the calipers and nothing more. Bleeding the brakes will incur additional labor costs and extra brake fluid for an additional expense.

Brakes get some minor problems that should be easily resolved but are made out by mechanics to be much worse

4. There’s a problem with overheating, and the radiator needs fresh coolant and draining

Suppose you forgot to secure the radiator cap well and the car overheated. Ka-ching! The scoundrel will point out that the radiator might need draining and a top-up of coolant. Think twice!

Suppose you neglected to put the radiator cap on, and the radiator overheated. That might sound like a cash register to a mechanic’s ears

>>> You might want to know: Causes and remedies for overheating automobile engines.

5. You need fuel injector cleaner and oil cleaner

More than a few car owners will not know that these add-ons aren’t really needed. Not knowing how much is needed for the top-ups is something to exploit with someone who knows nothing.

More than a few car owners will not know that these add-ons aren’t really needed

6. Your brakes need replacement

Some hacks are experts at pointing out that brake pads may need changing soon — or else. Brake pads aren’t due for replacement when they’re less than half worn. Creaks and noises can be normal, and these may be remedied with sandpaper.

7. The wipers need to be replaced

These parts of the car should be the least of your worries. Getting replacement wipers and installing them is something you can do yourself!

8. Your wheels need re-alignment

Any driver should know better when the alignment is out of whack. If this is encountered, don’t fall for it because unless the car moves to either direction, it means that its alignment needs checking first.

Any driver should know better when the alignment is out of whack

>>> You might want to know: How to Spot Wheel Misalignments and Why It Is Important to Fix Them.

9. The air filter needs immediate replacement

This is a slick move that can be effective to make you spend more. The air filter can be used for a long time and doesn’t really cause a major problem unless it’s really blocked by dirt! Be smart and get a second opinion first.

10. The car needs to be looked at more closely

Locking down is a classic move that preempts the fear of a possible problem with the car. When the car owner isn’t around, there is a lot of “magic” to be done. The trick is to present an estimate and proceeding with the supposed repairs. Gullible car owners who fall for this will complain, but will eventually cough up the money anyway. 

11. Your car has more problems than you expected

Expect the unexpected because when least noticed this is when erring mechanics strike. They prey on the trust and ignorance of their customers to do their dastardly work. Either way, the customer will spend on labor and some parts, too. Be eagle-eyed and alert when dealing with a new mechanic, even with your usual too!

Expect the unexpected because when least noticed this is when erring mechanics strike

Most car repairs are taken for granted, and those who don’t know any better can kiss their cash goodbye. Should mechanics insist on 11 seemingly harmless remedies, be alert and think twice.

The best mechanics are honest about it, but some are simply unscrupulous. Car owners who don’t know better should wise up and get the picture quick. Get a second opinion and not be pressured at all! Just remember to check and double-check before agreeing in the first place. Philkotse.com encourages proactive action that will protect the cars and pockets of all motorists.