It’s a moment that many of us have likely experienced. You’re at the auto shop for an oil change or another minor service. But then the mechanic tells you that your car needs hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dollars of additional work. It’s natural to wonder: are they lying to you? Or is this a misunderstanding? The answer is both. On one hand, most mechanics are not lying to you. But there are incentives baked into the system that can lead to stretching the truth, high-pressure tactics, and unnecessary repairs.
Unnecessary Repairs
On-the-record investigations have confirmed that this sort of thing is indeed happening. In a widely reported case, reporters bought a problem-free car that they had previously vetted and inspected by licensed professionals, then took it to several repair shops around New York and New Jersey. The car got a clean bill of health from each. But almost all the shops either tried to fabricate problems or tack on fees. One of the certified mechanics who inspected the car ahead of time told the New York Times that if someone identified an issue.
However, this is also only a small portion of the industry. Trade groups point out that most mechanics only charge for work that is needed. The problem is not a lack of integrity across the board; it’s a lack of integrity in certain places, motivated by a desire to stay in business.
What to Look Out For
Some of the most common “fibs” you’ll hear at auto shops take the form of antiquated advice being sold as emergency.
Owners “absolutely must” change their oil every 3,000 miles. This was a valid recommendation many years ago, but is a seriously outdated statement today. Modern engines and lubricants are built to last much longer. Automakers now recommend oil changes every 7,500 miles for many vehicles, and drivers who use full synthetic oil may not need to change it for up to 15,000 miles. Low-mileage drivers may only need to change oil annually. Even major chains which have profited greatly from convincing consumers that 3,000 miles was a hard rule have quietly retracted it.
Nitrogen-filled tires are another common upsell. Shops will often sell drivers on the idea that nitrogen is more resistant to temperature changes and will keep your tires inflated better in hotter and colder weather. While this may be true for some older or specialty tires, most modern ones do not see the benefit, and drivers can simply inflate their tires themselves with regular air for free, rather than paying a premium per tire.
Finally, many dealerships and shops will sell consumers on the need for regular, rigid service schedules. While scheduled maintenance is recommended and can be mandatory for leased or financed vehicles, many newer cars have internal systems that keep track of driving conditions and wear on the vehicle, alerting the driver when maintenance is needed. These warnings are often more reliable than a generic mileage schedule, and drivers who drive less than 10,000 miles per year may only need an annual service.
