The Check Engine Light Scam

There are many reasons why a check engine light might come on. These can all be cleared with an OBD automotive computer. However, this does not correct the underlying cause of the light. In some cases, the cause of the check engine light can be due to a very difficult problem to diagnose properly and repair. In fact, if the light is reset by computer means, and the problem is not fixed, the light will assuredly come back on. To avoid this, we have found that some repair shops are dismantling the dashboards of cars and electrically overstressing the check engine lamp to put it out permanently. You can tell if a check engine light has been "popped", or removed, by observing the location of the check engine light on the dashboard when the ignition key is first turned to ON. If you are not sure where the light should be, look for the dashboard diagram in your owner's manual.

The FED EX Scam

When you bring your car into a shop for repair, typically, the shop will diagnose your car and give an estimate for the work it needs. In some cases the shop will indicate that one or more of the parts you need is not a stock item. If you indicate that you need the car repaired quickly, they may offer a rush service, which includes a FED EX or over-night delivery charge for parts. In many cases this is a scam! Service shops, especially those that use after market parts, have access to many different local suppliers. What's more, the parts that most cars need are generally common items and are most likely to be in stock at any given time. If you are asked whether or not you would pay a "FED EX" charge for more expedient service, and you agree to the terms, be sure to ask the repair shop for the over-night packing slip and box when you pick up the car. If you find that the shop is unable to provide it, then you should suspect a possible scam.

Nothing Was Done!

One very common scam is that the work that is supposed to be done is not being done. At The Civic Center we see more than a few examples of this every year. One example was a timing belt replacement where the customer paid for a timing belt and water pump and the water pump was never changed. Likewise, we have seen examples where a tune up was performed and the spark plug wires were never changed. The receipt clearly showed that the customer paid for new spark plug wires. To ensure that you receive all that you have paid for, be sure to ask the shop to show you the new parts on the car if possible (some parts can't be seen because of location) or the old parts in the new boxes. You may have to ask for this up front so that the shop doesn't put them in a waste bin.

Not the Right Parts

Most independent shops do not install original equipment parts. Original equipment parts are more expensive than aftermarket parts because they fit properly and typically last much longer. However, a shop can make considerably more money by installing after market parts. In fact, they may even charge original equipment prices, or more, for them

Some shops advertise “Genuine Parts Available Here”, but it should not be assumed that they would be installing them in your car. Unless their advertising says “Only Genuine Parts Installed”, chances are you are buying inferior replacement parts. Don't settle for the old line: “This is the company that makes the parts for Honda (or Toyota)”. If it doesn't say Honda or Toyota on the package - it isn't. In some cases, a shop will even write the original equipment part numbers on the receipt. Although some may consider this practice a case of caveat emptor (let the buyer be beware), we consider it outright fraud.

Most repairs, excluding electrical, are somewhat routine. Repair shops work on cars all day, every day. There are very few cases where a strange problem would require an unknown amount of time to correct. When you agree to have work done at a repair shop, be sure that you get an accurate quote and that all charges are quoted up front including tax, chemical disposal, etc. If you shop for the lowest price, which is a poor way to choose a mechanic, and award your business based on price, you may find that the shop used what is called the "low ball figure". This quote was given to you to ensure that they get your business. Once the car is in the shop and taken apart, you are at their mercy. You will perhaps end up paying more than you would have paid at an honest shop that gave a complete quote. To be sure and to be fair, if you want to price shop, don't do it over the phone. Bring your car to the shop, assess the mechanic's behavior and be sure that they know exactly what your car needs. Although sometimes necessary, be suspect of any shop that calls you after your car is apart and tries you to sell extra work.

You may find ads from repair shops for a "Tune Up" or some other "special".  These specials are ridiculous. Before wasting your money on any special, check your owner's manual to find out what service actually needs to be done.  Modern vehicles have much longer service intervals than did their predecessors. Most likely, your vehicle does not have a carburetor, so a “tune up” does not involve any tuning at all. Your car's computer makes all of the necessary adjustments to keep its engine running smoothly. A modern tune up consists of replacing ignition components that tend to lose performance, changing filters and possibly a valve adjustment. Don't be misled by ads that list 8 or 10 items to be “checked”. Checklists only give the illusion that you are getting more for your money when in fact these items should be checked during every oil change by somebody who knows your type of vehicle. Your best bet is to work with a specialist for your type of vehicle because cars are becoming too complex to be examined or serviced by general repair shops.

The Factory Trained Technician

Many shops advertise "Factory Trained Technicians". It's important to know that car manufacturers do not train mechanics ("technicians") that are not employees. Independent shops that claim factory trained workers may have employees that "were" factory trained while working for a dealer but this does not guarantee that their training is up to date or relevant. Furthermore, training or even "certification" does not make a mechanic any more qualified than anyone else. I have received some of this factory training in the past and ascribe very little value to it. For the most part I am self-taught. A conscientious attitude and years of experience are the only way to ensure that problems are diagnosed quickly and accurately and that work is done correctly.

We present these truths about the automotive repair industry not simply to criticize other shops but rather to expose those whose practices make the profession look bad. We realize that, due to geography, it is not possible for everyone viewing this site to use our services, however, please use, and recommend the use of, our website as a guideline to help find a good honest mechanic. Although they are hard to come by, if you seek you will find.