I’m a mechanic and here’s how to avoid getting ripped off when your car breaks down

DRIVING home for Christmas this year has been stressful enough but what if your car hadn’t been scratched – literally?

A faulty battery or blown tire will stop you on your way. Before you drive yourself around the bend in search of a reputable auto mechanic, we speak to a man we know.

first

Jason McManus, who runs his own business https://mouths-motor-company-ltd.business.site/ Has more than 20 years of experience in the auto repair industry.

As one of the top rated members of ClickMechanic – the UK’s market leading platform connecting car owners in need of repair, with the UK’s best mechanics – he has some tips when it comes to Find a reputable mechanic.

Review the reviews

Jason’s first tip before you employ any mechanic is to see what other people are saying about them.

You can glean a lot from looking at the reviews – although some need to put a little salt on it.

“First, I recommend looking at the reviews people have left for a mechanic or garage – reviews that make sense to me,” he says.

But don’t just consider all comments at face value.

“Personally, when I’ve read a few, I try to randomly look at other reviews, not necessarily to get a good mix,” says Jason.

Get a quote

As with so many things in life, it’s unlikely you’ll get the best deal if you accept the first offer.

Get a few quotes from different places and check online at sites like ClickMechanic for a fair price.

“Make sure you’re also getting fully-inclusive prices – some may seem cheaper because they don’t include VAT – and make sure you’re doing the same comparison,” says Jason.

“We’ve all been there – you get a quote and then there are extras.”

If your mechanic has put new parts in, ask to see replacements and old parts – Jason says if you’re charged for something, you’ll be able to see it.

Stay tuned for yours

They say that time is money, and when it comes to buying your car, it can really cost you.

Jason’s top tip is to not let the garage know you’re in a hurry.

“Don’t let them take advantage of your limited time.

“‘If the mechanic knows you’re in a hurry to ask for a price, they might think it won’t matter for an extra £10, £20 or even £50 when you need it,’ he said.

Honesty is the best policy

Jason says you should be wary of any mechanic who isn’t completely transparent.

Any automotive expert should be happy to explain what work has been done on your car and show you just that.

“I even usually take a photo or video of the work or whatever needs to be done so the client can see it,” he says.

And if you have new parts – you have the right to keep the old ones, so ask and the mechanic shouldn’t refuse.

If in doubt, Jason says it’s best to trust your instincts.

Not sold by transaction

Most people like the feeling get a bargain, but you shouldn’t feel pressured into making a purchase.

If you’re time-limited on a deal or offered something that seems too good to be true – stop and think.

Similar to when you’re hunting for Holiday Gifting or Black Friday deals, it’s only a bargain anyway if you need it and if the sale is real.

Research by which? recently discovered that up to nine out of 10 Black Friday bargains are actually the same or more expensive than in previous weeks.

“Transactions can be complicated,” says Jason. “But if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

“The percentage discount sticker usually just shows that the price was inflated in the first place.”

Of course, the best thing for any driver is not to break down in the first place.

There are a few simple winter test that every driver should do, and these will cut your chances of failure.

But, if the worst happens – you might want to know if you have It is mandatory to have an incident cover.