Most mechanics are decent, hardworking folks. That said, more than a few mechanics are known for taking liberties when it comes to diagnosing problems with a vehicle. What most mechanics count on is the fact that their customers don’t know anything about the car they drive. This allows them to tell their clients whatever they want—even if it means inflating a bill with a bunch of unnecessary costs. And many of the unnecessary costs are the same from mechanic to mechanic. So, if your mechanic mentions any of the following items to you, be sure to get a second opinion. Otherwise, you could end up getting ripped off.
10. The Brake Rotors Need to be Replaced
This is a classic. Remember, just because your brake pads need to be replaced, it doesn’t mean the brake rotors need replacing too. If it is the first time your car’s brakes have been serviced, chances are the rotors don’t need to be replaced. The good news is that you can check the rotors yourself. Take a finger and rub it along the rotor. If the rotor doesn’t have any deep ridges that you can feel with your finger (on most cars you can see and feel your rotors through the hubcap), the mechanic should be able to use a lathe to scrape off a layer of metal and enable you to keep using the rotors. This process is called “turning the rotors” and it costs a fraction of what it would cost to replace the rotor outright.
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