Auto Repair Service and What Women Need to Know
Every industry has its bad apples. Unfortunately, some auto service providers may be less than honest with consumers. This can be a particular problem for female customers.
Some mechanics rely on outdated beliefs that women aren't as familiar with automotive needs and engine functions and may seek to take advantage of this. If you're a woman, here are problems and solutions you should keep in mind when taking your vehicle in for repairs to avoid bias and unsatisfactory care:
The Sad Truth About Auto Repair Bias
There are many great mechanics out there performing excellent repair jobs for a wide variety of customers. There are also, however, vehicle repair shops that don't recognize women as savvy auto owners. This problem can be a little more widespread than in other industries due to the fact the automotive repair businesses are mostly staffed by men.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports fewer than 2 percent of auto mechanics in the U.S. are women. The numbers are similar across the entire consumer automotive industry, with women representing just 13 percent of car sales staff members. The low representation of females in the workplace can create an experience bias where mechanics assume only men really care about auto maintenance.
This can lead to automotive centers trying to overcharge female customers. A recent Repair Pal consumer survey found women are more often the victims of dishonest vehicle repair pricing than men. Many vehicle owners don't understand the inner workings of their car, but mechanics are more likely to target women as easy marks for unneeded services.
Even though women take their car in for care just as often as men, and sometimes more often, they must still be vigilant against being overcharged.
The Most Common Repair Scams
Everybody should be on the lookout for any service that offers specialized knowledge taking advantage of uninformed consumers, but if you're a woman visiting an auto repair center, you have to be extra guarded. Here are the most common scams mechanics try to pull on consumers they think don't know any better:
Air Filter Scams - If you take your car in for an oil change, mechanics will probably offer extra services. There's nothing wrong with aggressive salesmanship. The problem occurs when they present misleading evidence that you desperately need additional vehicle care.
One of the most popular tricks underhanded mechanics pull is when they show you a filthy air filter that isn't yours. Some dishonest maintenance centers keep old air filters on premise and present them to customers to indicate they need a new one.
Auto repair shops may present misleading evidence that you need additional vehicle care.
Premature Cleanings and Flushings - Just like with air filters, mechanics could try to convince you something needs care before its lifetime is up. A maintenance expert speaking to ABC News says repair shops may try to perform fuel-injector cleanings, engine flushes or other upkeep tasks well before they are needed.
The mechanics try to sell consumers on the care services by saying a cleaning or wash will prevent future damage or provide your engine with more power.
Needless Upgrades - When your vehicle does need care, dishonest maintenance facilities will do everything in their power to guide you toward the most expensive options. Regardless of what oil you ask for, the service advisor could recommend you change to the priciest option in stock. Facilities could also push complete replacements when easy repairs will do, like advising you to buy a brand new tire instead paying for a simple patch. One thing to keep in mind is the service advisor at most auto repair centers is more salesman than mechanic.
Too Good to Be True - Many auto repair shops offer warranties on their services, but be wary; there is no such thing as a lifetime guarantee when it comes to car maintenance. You can shop around and find the auto center that provides money-back promises on services, but if mechanics offer a lifetime transmission fluid or lube service, it's a red flag.
Not Getting the Parts You Pay For - One of the riskiest scams mechanics try to pull on consumers is charging for a part they don't actually change. For example, they show you the dirty air filter and then just leave your clean one in the car, or charge for a brand new part and give you a used one instead.
Inaccurate Schedules - There are ways to check if mechanics physically replaced parts or performed other tasks, but it can be hard for consumers to get accurate projections of how much time a repair took. If a vehicle care center assumes the consumer has no idea how long a job should last, it could add a couple of extra hours for simple services.
The Best Defense Against Biased Mechanics
Mechanics may overcharge to boost their bottom lines, so dishonest employees are on the lookout for an easy target. Women may find themselves constantly selected for inflated bills due to industry bias. Sadly, it's up to you to demonstrate your knowledge and protect yourself from biased business practices.
Do Some Research - You can start your consumer research with official sites like Automotive Service Excellence. See if a car repair center is ASE-certified or how they're listed in the Better Business Bureau. You should also check out consumer review sites to see what previous customers have to say.
Be aware of the history of your vehicle. You should keep a complete record of the condition it was bought in and maintenance performed. Take some time to look over the manual and online educational materials.
If you have a problem you recognize, go online and check reviews and stats about consumers who received satisfactory care for that particular issue. You should walk into an auto repair center knowing average cost and time needed for the repair.
Demonstrate how much you know about your own vehicle.
Show You're Informed - A Northwestern University study found women who communicated uncertainty about car repair were charged more than men who expressed similar confusion, according to U.S. News and World Report. When either men or women quoted a price they expected to receive, the mechanics provided fairer rates.
You should start service interactions by saying what you expect from the bill and when you need the vehicle ready. It's a good idea to also demonstrate how much you know about your own car.
When the mechanics start taking you through maintenance tasks they plan to perform, look out for red flags based on your research and ask questions. Demonstrating inquisitiveness lets the auto center employee know you won't miss a trick.
Request Involvement - Make sure you communicate that you don't want any care services performed if the mechanic doesn't check with you first. You should also ask to see parts before they are put in your vehicle and request the old part when they're done. This way you can make sure the change actually took place.
Refuse to Work With Bias - Never forget, as the consumer you have the power. If at any point the auto repair center quotes an outrageous price or starts communicating disrespect, you can walk away and find another mechanic.
You can check out a business with a simple task like an oil change. If the mechanics are honest and listen to your needs, you can keep their contact information. You should also write an online review so future consumers know which auto repair centers treat women fairly.