5. Frequent Replacements

6 Ways to Steer Clear of Shifty Mechanics

Disreputable shops will try to convince you specific vehicles require a new starter each year or a new timing belt every 30,000 miles. Call other shops and find out what they think or look for online discussion groups devoted to your vehicle's model and problems.

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Don't Be Fooled ... Did you think that $600 bill was unnecessary for what was supposed to be a quick auto fix? You might have been fooled by your mechanic.

Don't let it happen again. FreeShipping.org has revealed 6 warning signs you should yield to the next time your car needs a repair.

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1. What to Say When possible, talk directly to the mechanic and describe the problem fully, including symptoms and when they occurred. Don't offer a diagnosis as you could be stuck with repairs made at your suggestion, even if they aren't necessary. Finally, ask for evidence the repair is necessary. Examine worn brake pads or rusted exhaust pipes.

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2. Unscheduled M... Your vehicle's manual provides a detailed guide for scheduled maintenance necessary for smooth running. Some shops "build the ticket." Translated that means they'll pad your bill by recommending extra and sometimes unnecessary procedures, such as flushing your engine and transmission or changing a timing belt too frequently.

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3. Pumped-Up Pri... Good shops may charge more to cover the cost of quality technicians and equipment, estimates that always come in 20 percent to 30 percent higher than the going rate are a warning you're dealing with a disreputable garage. Get estimates from several shops to ascertain the average price. For complex problems, compare the price of parts by calling parts stores or dealer parts departments.

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4. Piled-On Repa... Misdiagnosis happens, but not every time. If a mechanic fixes your fuel injector then turns around and says you actually need a new fuel pump, they may be a "parts replacer." Such mechanics will literally rebuild your car because they're unable to properly diagnose the problem. If this happens more than twice, it's time to stop replacing parts and replace the repair shop.

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5. Frequent Repl... Disreputable shops will try to convince you specific vehicles require a new starter each year or a new timing belt every 30,000 miles. Call other shops and find out what they think or look for online discussion groups devoted to your vehicle's model and problems.

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6. Dealership vs... Dealers naturally would prefer to do your lucrative repair and maintenance work but, in general, having repair work done by your dealer is only necessary for work covered under the warranty,recalls, post-warranty fixes you’re hoping the manufacturer will pay for under its “good will” program, or high-tech systems that require a dealership’s specialists.

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Safe Vehicles Choose safety first. Click here to see which vehicles were rated the year's safest autos.