Common Oil Change Scams
Author: Tom Tessin
When our vehicle needs maintenance we all dread going to the auto mechanic. When we go to check our cars oil and it needs to be changed, we often call around and ask where our friends and family go to avoid loosing money. We all want to save our money and have a good mechanic. There are many good mechanics out there that are very helpful and honest but some just want to make money. If a mechanic doesn't have very many customers and the business is doing bad, it only makes sense for them to raise their prices and costs for their work. To avoid loosing money when taking your vehicle to the shop consider some of these tips to save money:
How much are they charging? - Often when you go to get your oil changed at a place you've never been they will try and rip you off and charge you around $35-$40, especially when they see women. When getting your oil changed they may say they are using the best products, but avoid these because they will be very costly. Say that you just want a basic oil change. Getting an oil change should not cost more than $20.00. Often if you look in the sales ads you can find coupons for a $10.00 oil change sometimes. Mechanics are known for charging over $25 so don't let yourself become that customer. Ask ahead of time how much they charge, and if it's too much just say, "okay I'll keep looking around."
How many miles until your next oil change? - Getting an oil change is very important. If you want your vehicle to run well and run for years you need to take very good care of it. Often auto mechanics say you need an oil change every 3,000. Although it is important to get them, you don't need them every 3,000. Unless your oil is very dirty and it's darker than a light brown color you don't need one. Keep up with your maintenance but don't let them fool you.
You need this type of oil - When you go to take your car in for an oil change, it is very typical that a mechanic will say, "You need this kind of oil or air filter". Just let them know that you want the most basic there is. If you don't want to spend a fortune, basic will do just fine on your car. An oil change should not cost more than $20.00-25.00, so if the price is way over that ask them why. Right when you pull in, be firm and let them know that you want everything basic and nothing more, unless you really do.
We all dread going to the auto mechanic. With the prices on things today it's important that we get charged what we deserve and nothing more. Check for coupons in the sales ad and watch yourself start saving money. Going to get your car's oil changed shouldn't be an expensive hassle and all!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/common-oil-change-scams-573171.html
About the Author:
Find a gas credit card and more of Tom's work at FINDgascards.
