Five common scams used by mechanics and service centres to charge you more money

While having a car has become a necessity for most of us in this modern age, not all of us can be expected to have in depth technical knowledge about our vehicle’s mechanical and technological aspects. We rely upon trained mechanics and service centres to keep our precious investments in tip top shape, in exchange for money. Unfortunately, the common lack of knowledge about our vehicles and technicalities is more often than not exploited by the same professionals who we entrust our cars with. Here are five common car maintenance related scams that are regularly reported by ripped off customers.

1. Engine decarbonising and dressing:
Betting on a responsible customer’s need to maintain their vehicle’s engine, mechanics and service centres often push for unnecessary operations such as ‘engine decarbonising’ to customers every 15,000 to 20,000 km. In reality, modern engines are built to be highly efficient and do not require decarbonisation for at least 50,000 km. This particular procedure can add up to Rs 1,800 cost to your final bill. Another unnecessary but aggressively recommended process is engine dressing, where a technician would spray a mixture on your engine cover to make it look clean and fresh. While it barely takes any effort or special material, you can see additional charges of up to Rs 800 for this particular job item.
2. Engine flushing/additives or spare parts that have not been replaced:
While engine flushing and other additives may be required periodically over long intervals, one does not need to invest with them at every scheduled service. Moreover, avoid the trap of ‘manufacturer authorised’ formulas as they come at an unnecessary premium. These solution are usually pushed on customers to make a quick buck off them. Additionally, keep a close eye on the spares and perishable items that are listed as replaced in your vehicle. These can be air-filters, oil-filters, brake pads and more, ask to see the discarded items to ensure that they have been replaced.

3. Fuel injector cleaning:
No modern vehicle requires you to get the fuel injectors cleaned at every service, unless the vehicle starts showing an error. The vehicle’s computer will alert you and the technician if it is required via the OBD check. The procedure is often used to scam unsuspecting customers willing to pay extra to keep their vehicles in excellent shape.
4. Dry cleaning:
While dry-cleaning might be useful for cars in bad shape, workshops often try to sell it to owners of well-maintained cars as well. These services cost around Rs 1,500 on average and are not required if you are a mindful owner.
5. Labour charges:
Labour charges may be the most serious and commonly employed tactic used by mechanics and service centres to dupe customers for that extra bit of cash. Make sure you are not getting charged for labour for things you did not raise a complain on. These can be listed brake check up or steering check up and are used to inflate the final bill. Many times a service may not even have been performed but charged for anyways.

To avoid getting ripped off, closely examine the owner’s manual of your vehicle and its prescribed service schedules and recommendations. It would be best if you could be present during your vehicle’s servicing and keep a close eye on the work taking place. This ensures proper car of your vehicle and also protects you from dishonest claims related to the bill.