Transmission repair is a big job that is priced to reflect the hours and professional expertise invested by your automotive expert. As a vehicle owner, you need to be aware of some of the scams intended to exchange your hard-earned money for shoddy, unnecessary, or nonexistent work. Keep reading to learn about these various transmission repair scams, and if you have any questions, please contact the trusted professionals at Hansma Automotive - Let Our 30 Years Of Experience Work For You!
How To Avoid Transmission Repair Scams
The job of a car’s transmission is to make sure that the right amount of power gets to your wheels so that you can drive at a given speed. With regular fluid checks and changes, as well as proper use, your transmission should not require extensive repair. For more on that, read our article on the “Top 5 Easy To Use Car Maintenance Checklists.” Having said that, there are times when it’s clear your transmission needs repair, like if there’s a fluid leak or your vehicle regularly falls out of gear.
Before discussing how to avoid various transmission repair scams, here’s a brief look at what you as a vehicle owner should be wary of when dealing with potential automotive technicians.
Your transmission makes sure that the right amount of power gets to your wheels so that you can drive at a given speed.
Transmission Repair Scams
“Smile and Lie”
This transmission repair scam is quite simple, really. Some auto service providers have learned the fine art of misleading the customer, meaning after you drop off your vehicle and get it checked out, they can lie about the amount of work that needs to be done and the cost thereof. What you think will be a standard, inexpensive fix turns into a massive bill that you’re now stuck with.
“Need to Disassemble to Quote”
You’re in need of transmission repair and you’re looking for the best quote, which is well within your rights. During this process, think twice before agreeing to have your vehicle disassembled in order to diagnose the issue because if you end up finding a shop with lower prices, you’ll find yourself on the hook to pay to get your vehicle reassembled. Additionally, if you choose to have your vehicle towed to another facility, you have no assurance about the integrity of the garage that has your car in pieces.
If the mechanic needs to take your car apart to come up with a quote, that’s a red flag.
“Bait ’n’ Switch”
This is the biggest transmission repair scam going, via Mississauga.com:
When you call a garage for an estimate to repair or rebuild your transmission, you’re given a surprisingly low “competitive” price that sounds almost too good to be true. You fear losing the opportunity, and so you agree. What happens next is the transmission is removed and taken apart. Any parts that are required for the rebuild or repair are priced at inflated rates. The final price is way more than what was originally estimated or quoted, and you’re on the hook.
What then are the solutions? Keep reading, and know you can always trust Hansma Automotive to give you high-quality work at a reasonable cost.
Beware of the ‘bait and switch’ scam so you don’t fall prey to inflated prices.
Help in Avoiding Transmission Repair Scams
Here’s a few tips you can implement to avoid falling prey to transmission repair scams.
Ask for the best-case scenario and worst-case scenario quotes in writing. That way, you’re aware of the highest possible price you may have to pay.
Do online research and look for Google or Facebook reviews on the automotive technician you’re considering.
Avoid phone estimates. Transmission repairs are virtually impossible to quote over the phone. If a garage offers a quote without seeing the vehicle, that’s a major red flag.
Evaluate the shop. Everything you observe about the repair facility, such as tidiness, courtesy, and professionalism are attributes that extend into that establishment’s business practices - and this includes pricing and quality of work!
Get recommendations. Ask anyone you trust who has had good experiences with transmission repairs, and then look into that facility.
Putting into practice these simple methods will definitely help you avoid transmission repair scams. Also be sure to read our article “How Can An Automotive Service Technician Help You?” to discover the benefits of finding a trusted service provider.
It’s up to you to avoid transmission repair scams.
Trust the Hansma Difference
"Hansma Automotive is a top notch service and repair centre. You can count on the job being done right at an honest and fair cost. It is good to see the integrity and dependability they display.” - John
Read more testimonials here.
At Hansma, we offer service with a difference. We have worked hard to gain a reputation for honesty and quality work.
Trust the professionals at Hansma to only recommend and carry out the repairs that you actually need. We will let you know what you need done and when it should be done.
Our customers have come to consider us as their mechanic friend. And as your mechanic friend, we promise to give you top-notch service at reasonable and competitive rates.
Click here to meet our friendly team, read our testimonials, or contact us today and find out about the Hansma service difference for yourself.
We are open every weekday from 8 AM to 6 PM. Come see us at 88 Shoemaker St. in Kitchener, Ontario.