Here are some common auto repair scams and expert revelations:
Passing off inferior parts as good, replacing old parts with new ones: Repair shops replace the original good parts on the owner's vehicle with low-quality parts or old parts, or use old parts when new parts should be replaced. The new car lights replaced by Mr. Liu, the car owner, are actually second-hand car lights, and the tires that Ms. Zhao paid to replace are also her own old tires. This approach not only costs consumers more money, but may also pose safety hazards to vehicles.
False reporting of maintenance projects: Maintenance personnel intentionally exaggerate vehicle malfunctions, turning minor issues into major problems, or fabricating non-existent faults to induce consumers to perform unnecessary repairs. For example, when a problem can be solved by simply replacing the fuse, the car owner is informed that a more expensive component needs to be replaced.
Less replacement, more charge: When replacing parts, maintenance personnel only replace some parts, but charge for the cost of replacing all parts. Like the situation Mr. Hu encountered, the mechanic said to replace 6 spark plugs, but only 3 were actually replaced.
Intentionally causing malfunctions: Some maintenance personnel may intentionally damage vehicles in order to increase maintenance business and income, creating a false sense of malfunction. If the original intact car water tank frame is smashed before the damage assessment, and then more damage assessment amount is demanded from the insurance company.
Random charging: Some auto repair companies have the problem of quoting spare parts arbitrarily, taking advantage of the opportunity to charge arbitrarily or overcharge. Not charging according to reasonable price standards, or adding unreasonable charging items under various pretexts during the repair process. In addition, there may be situations where maintenance fees are not transparent, such as not actively displaying or returning old parts, not explaining the project and service composition to consumers, and being unable to calculate material and labor costs separately.
False testing: Some auto repair shops, when conducting vehicle inspections, switch concepts and use scanning and testing of all vehicle instruments and equipment to impersonate "OBD" testing related to exhaust emissions, intentionally misleading car owners, creating car inspection anxiety, and encouraging car owners to seek help from "scalpers" for online vehicle inspections, thereby profiting from it.
Contract trap: Operators take advantage of consumers' limited professional knowledge in car maintenance to infringe on consumer rights through non-standard contracts. For example, using standardized contracts or replacing contracts with "verbal" agreements or maintenance receipts, replacing parts or adding or removing items without authorization during maintenance, resulting in a significant increase in costs, while consumers find it difficult to protect their rights due to non-standard contracts.
To avoid encountering auto repair scams, experts suggest that consumers should master some basic knowledge of cars and maintain them rationally; When repairing, try to choose a repair shop or 4S shop with good qualifications, high reputation, and large scale, and actively request to sign a written contract to clarify the repair project, schedule, price, and other contents; After repair, carefully check the cost list, request formal invoices and settlement lists, and keep relevant contracts and documents for effective protection in case of consumer disputes.