Women and the mechanics who abuse them

Face it, ladies. When we walk into the repair shop, we are at the mercy of the mechanic who can smell our vulnerability in the air. We're doomed. Or are we?

 

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Although there is a wide perception that women are more susceptible to mechanic fraud, the odds are stacked against receiving the correct diagnosis -- for men and women.

"Cars are increasingly complex. Men and women seek high-quality, customer-oriented, professional automotive repair and service. Fortunately, today's consumers have many businesses from which to choose, and by following a few tips, they can find the shop that's the best match for them," says Angie Wilson, vice president of marketing and communications for the Bedford, Texas-based Automotive Service Association.

She adds that "today's automotive repair professionals are more educated than ever - they have to be to fix today's high-tech, extremely complex vehicles."

Experts agree that you don't need to walk into the repair shop and admit that you're not a genius under the hood. If you were, would you be there? Instead, arm yourself with a little information. You can be in charge when you approach the auto bay and get good results by following these established guidelines.

• Ask lots of questions. It's your car. You should know everything that's going on. If you don't understand the answer, ask them to explain it again. It's really easy to hide behind catalytic converters and alternators to cloud the fact that you need a tune up. Write down their answers, so when they call you at work spouting a list of other repairs you can refer to their own words to question their validity.
• Get the estimate in writing. "The mechanic has to supply you with a written estimate for the work before it's performed," says Sandra Kinsler, editor of womanmotorist.com. "Look over the charges, and if you agree to their estimate, sign the form. If the charges have increased by 10 percent or more, the mechanic or service writer has to contact you for your approval."
• Get a second opinion. Nobody said you have to stick to the first driveway you hit. Take your car to another shop or call for an estimate based on the charges listed and see what another shop has to say.
• Don't be in a hurry. If your car dropped dead after six months of listening to a clanking sound, you set yourself up for trouble, and you don't have time to shop around. Kinsler suggests that you keep a pad of paper in your car, and document every detail about your complaint. Does it happen when the car is cold or you've been driving for a while? What speed do you have to be for it to start? What exactly does the noise sound like? "Tape it if you have to," she suggests. And get it to the shop immediately.
• Look around. The shop and waiting areas should be neat, clean and well organized. Employees should be courteous and helpful.
• Use a certified mechanic. Kinsler and Wilson both insist that you use an Automotive Service Excellence-certified mechanic. Don't be fooled if the ASE sticker is in the window -- you need to check that your individual mechanic is certified. This certification is specific to particular fields, and it requires annual refresher courses to maintain the certification. Make sure the guy working on your brakes is ASE certified in brakes, too. If he's an air conditioner specialist, he's more likely to miss something. Don't be afraid to ask to see the mechanic's certificate. It should be displayed in the waiting room or office. Wilson suggests that for additional assurance, you go to the ASA Web page http://www.ASAshop.org to confirm the mechanic is a member. Use the "Find Nearest ASA Shop" feature.
• Check for warranties on the parts and services performed. Most shops will post a satisfaction guarantee.
• Tell your friends when you've been taken or treated well. If you have a mechanic you trust, send your friends. Fair businesses deserve the referral. If you're unhappy with your service, warn your friends and report the shop to your local Better Business Bureau.
• And finally, remember that you are in charge. Your car may look more complex than the human body, but it's still your car. "If you don't feel right, split!" Kinsler offers. And, when it comes to facing unfair service she prompts: "There are so many mechanics out there, why bother?"

Remember, there are fair mechanics out there waiting for your business. Not everyone is going to take advantage of you, but by doing your research and taking an active role in the repairs, you'll find the fair shops. Give them your business and spread the word. Eventually, the cheats will go out of business.

Myra Cristobal and Natalie Graveney contributed to this story.