Seven warning signs your garage is overcharging you
Getting your car serviced shouldn’t feel like stepping into a minefield, but for many drivers, a trip to the garage brings anxiety about being taken advantage of. In fact, one survey of UK drivers found that 23% of them felt ripped by the prices given by their mechanic, while another 23% felt stressed out by the whole experience and 25% felt anxious just entering a garage.
With repair costs soaring and some mechanics exploiting customers’ lack of technical knowledge, knowing how to spot the warning signs has become more important than ever.
Fortunately, Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, one of Europe’s largest online marketplaces for used car parts, has seen firsthand how the automotive industry operates. His role in ensuring quality and consistency across thousands of suppliers gives him unique insight into both honest and questionable practices within the sector.
Unfortunately, not all mechanics operate with integrity. There are clear warning signs that every car owner should know about to protect themselves from unnecessary costs and potentially dangerous work.
Seven red flags that scream ‘dodgy mechanic’
To help protect you from cowboys, here are seven key red flags that suggest your mechanic might be trying to pull a fast one.
1. They Can’t Explain What’s Wrong In Simple Terms
A trustworthy mechanic should be able to explain your car’s problems in language you understand. If your mechanic uses overly technical jargon without breaking it down or seems evasive when you ask for clarification, that’s a red flag.
Honest mechanics want you to understand what’s happening with your vehicle. They’ll take time to show you the problem area and explain it clearly. If someone is being deliberately vague or dismissive of your questions, they might be hiding something.
Watch out for responses like it’s complicated or you wouldn’t understand when you ask for details about the repair.
2. They Push For Immediate, Expensive Repairs
Legitimate urgent repairs do exist, but be wary of high-pressure tactics that don’t allow you time to think or get a second opinion. Dishonest mechanics often create false urgency to prevent you from shopping around.
Unless your brakes have completely failed or there’s an immediate safety issue, most repairs can wait a day or two. Any mechanic who won’t let you take time to consider a major expense should raise suspicions.
Be especially cautious if they claim your car is dangerous to drive but still let you drive it off the lot after paying for their expensive fix.
3. They Won’t Show You The Old Parts
When you’re paying for replacement parts, you have every right to see what’s being removed from your car. Mechanics who refuse this request or claim they’ve already disposed of the parts might not have replaced anything at all.
Reputable shops will either show you the worn parts immediately or keep them for you to inspect. Some even take photos to document the problem. Refusing to show old parts is a major warning sign.
This practice is particularly important for expensive components like transmissions, engines, or major suspension parts.
4. Estimates Vary Wildly Between Visits
If you return to the same garage for a similar issue and receive a drastically different quote, question why. While parts prices can fluctuate, dramatic variations in labour costs or repair approaches suggest inconsistent pricing practices.
Professional shops maintain consistent pricing structures. If they’re quoting you £200 for a service one month and £500 for the same work the next, something isn’t right.
Keep records of previous repairs and quotes to help identify these discrepancies.
5. They Find Multiple Urgent Problems During Routine Service
You came in for an oil change, but suddenly your car needs £700 worth of additional work that’s supposedly dangerous to ignore. While problems can genuinely be discovered during routine maintenance, be suspicious of extensive additional work lists.
A good practice is to ask them to show you each problem they’ve found. Take photos if possible, and don’t feel pressured to authorise everything immediately.
Consider getting a second opinion, especially if the additional work costs more than your car’s value.
6. Parts Prices Seem Inflated Beyond Reason
While mechanics deserve fair profit margins on parts, some inflate prices to unreasonable levels. Research common part costs online to get a baseline understanding of fair pricing.
With platforms like ours, customers can easily check what parts actually cost. If a mechanic is charging three times the market rate for a common component, that’s excessive.
Ask for itemised estimates that separate parts costs from labour, and don’t hesitate to question prices that seem excessive.
7. They Refuse To Provide Written Estimates
Any reputable mechanic should provide written estimates for work costing more than a basic service. Verbal quotes leave room for misunderstandings that always seem to favour the garage.
Written estimates protect both parties. They should include parts costs, labour hours, and total expected charges. Mechanics who won’t put estimates in writing are often planning to add surprise charges later.
Ensure that written estimates include authorisation requirements for any additional work discovered during repairs.
Protect yourself by being an informed customer
The best defence against mechanic scams is being an informed customer. Always get second opinions for major repairs, especially if the cost exceeds £300. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as legitimate mechanics welcome curious customers because it shows you care about your vehicle.
Research part prices beforehand using online marketplaces, and always request written estimates. If a mechanic pressures you or makes you feel stupid for asking questions, walk away. Your car’s safety is important, but so is protecting yourself from unnecessary expenses. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
Ovoko is one of Europe’s largest online marketplaces for used car parts, connecting over 4,000 auto dismantlers, recyclers, and sellers with car dealers, mechanics, and enthusiasts. With more than 23 million parts available, Ovoko offers fast delivery across Europe, a 14-day money-back guarantee, and tools that help scrapyards go digital.
