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8.0 AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SCAMS; AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS

Studies have shown that car owners feel they pay too much at repair shops. Additional investigations revealed that many repair shops, including a national chain, were using devious tactics to fleece the public. Typically they overcharged and did unnecessary repairs.

However, there is another side. Mechanics rightly feel that auto owners know almost nothing about the cars they drive. In fact, other studies showed that most people can't do simple jobs, such as checking the oil or changing a spark plug.

So what is a non-mechanical driver on a tight budget supposed to do? I believe there is a way to achieve mechanical happiness, even if you can't replace a dipstick.

First: I am convinced that most mechanics are honest. To get a good job you will need to give a mechanic the respect any professional deserves. You also will need to give him accurate information about your car's condition and repair history.

Second: A few mechanical problems can be very difficult to diagnose. It may take several tries to pinpoint the actual cause. After several unsuccessful attempts, however, you should go somewhere else.

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