I’ve dealt with loads of rip-off mechanics – my easy phrase ensures they don’t overcharge me, it will save you hundreds
A SINGER who has been on the road for almost three years has offered some practical advice on how to deal with mechanics.
It’s no laughing matter when your car breaks down, but it can be even worse when you break down when you’re far from home or your trusted garage.
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After years of touring the country, musician Maddison McKinley (@maddisonmckinleymusic) has learned the importance of staying on top of vehicle maintenance with reliable mechanics.
“I’ve dealt with so many mechanics across the country — some great, some horrible — and I’m going to share with you two of my tips that have completely changed my life,” Maddison said on TikTok.
Your first tip is to insist that you will not be charged for services you have not requested in advance without your express consent.
“I would always tell them this: if you have something else to work on or find something else that needs work on, please give me a call before charging me for this service,” she said.
“It’s technically against the law in many states. They shouldn’t be able to charge you for anything that they haven’t obtained prior consent for,” she said.
“But I’ve been charged for things like that — namely, which is annoying, I refilled my $15 windshield wiper fluid. That was rather a small amount.”
“Tell them, ‘Don’t burden me for something I didn’t agree to,'” she said.
Second, Maddison advised drivers to hold mechanics accountable for their jobs by asking them to show you why they need to do it in the first place.
“If you come in for a part to be serviced, or they call and tell you something needs fixing – I don’t care if it’s actually the cabin filter – tell them not to throw it out that you don’t want it want to see,” she said.
“That’s really important because not only does it hold the mechanic accountable, but it also gives you peace of mind that this thing really did need to be replaced.”
She added, “And it makes them think twice about ripping you off when it didn’t really need to be replaced.”
Maddison explained that she knows what she’s talking about because she really cares about her car.
“I do a lot of research before I drive my car anywhere because it really is my best friend,” she said.
“We celebrated 100,000 miles together by driving to the Grand Canyon. I cried, I sang her Happy Birthday – I love her so much but not every mechanic is like that so these two tips will save you so much stress.”
“I’m speaking specifically to women here because I feel like we’re being scammed a little more than other people, but anyone can take advantage of these,” she added.