Avoid Costly Mechanic Repairs With These Tips From Delta Auto Protect

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, September 30, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Unless you're an expert in the field of automotive repairs, dealing with a mechanic you don't know may require a leap of faith. If you are attentive to details and pay close attention to what your mechanic says, you can find clues that may tell you whether you are being hoodwinked. We have heard our fair share of rip-off stories at Delta Auto Protect, which is why we have a few tips to help you avoid these types of shady mechanics.

Unnecessary Additions To Routine Maintenance

Keep an eye on what your mechanic's idea of "scheduled maintenance" is. Some shops like to add unnecessary procedures to pad the bill (sometimes referred to as "building the ticket") such as engine and transmission flushes or scheduling other tasks prematurely. Look over your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended routine maintenance to familiarize yourself with what is necessary and what is not. If a shop makes every recommendation sound like an emergency, they may be trying to take you for a ride you don't need to be on.

Replaces One Part Only To Find Out They Haven't Fixed Anything

If you sign off for your mechanic to replace the fuel injector only to learn that they now think you need a fuel pump you, you should take a step back and think about what's happening. With situations like these, you may be dealing with a mechanic who's rebuilding your vehicle because they can't diagnose the actual problem at hand. If this happens to you, kindly ask the mechanic to justify their initial repair. Honest misdiagnosis happen, but when they happen the shop should refund the amount for the first repair or discount the next one. If the mechanic gets the diagnosis wrong again, take your car to a new repair shop.

Having To Replace Parts On A Yearly Basis

If you hear your mechanic say something along the lines of "It's not unusual to go through a starter every year" they might be a tip-off that something's up. Whether they are doing a poor job on the repair or they are using poor quality/makeshift parts instead of proper new ones, this may be a clear sign that you need a second opinion on the matter. Consult a friend who knows their way around cars, check online forums dedicated to your cars make and model and don't be afraid to go to another repair shop for a second opinion if this is something you are facing. If the original job was lacking, ask the shop to repeat the repair without charge or at least a substantial discount.

Grossly Overcharging For Parts

If you happen to know that the alternator repair for a similar vehicle cost a friend $400 but a shop just gave you a quote of $800, you should contact another mechanic for a second opinion. If you are unsure of the specific repair cost you can use the Consumer Reports Car Repair Estimator tool to see the average price. That being said, a great repair shop may charge higher prices to cover the costs of their top-notch technicians and equipment, but bills that are consistently 25 percent more than the going rate should put you on guard.

Keeping these tips in your back pocket can save you time, money and frustration when working with a repair shop you are unfamiliar with.

Since inception, Delta Auto Protect has been servicing Vehicle Owners with dedicated quality care and providing comprehensive coverage to all drivers nationwide. Since the beginning, our goal has been to provide exceptional service, eliminating delays, and developing the industry standard for Extended Vehicle Service Programs. How do we do it? Delta Auto Protect is staffed with ASE certified technicians who work for you. Our staff speaks directly with your repair center and provides coverage authorization in a timely manner directly over the phone.

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