Why No One Trusts Automotive Mechanics

Sometimes a Bad Rep is Deserved

I’m not 100% sure when the first bad car repair was deliberately done; however, if memory serves correctly, I do remember hearing stories about unscrupulous mechanics pouring sawdust into early (1920s-era) transmissions or differentials to hide worn gear problems. It’s plausible, but I won’t swear to its veracity.

However, from earlier articles about scams and bad repairs we’ve covered over the past 2 years we do know of many examples where some---but not all---mechanics have deliberately tried to fool his or her customers into believing a repair was done and done correctly…when it was not.

Related article: A Dealership Horror Story That Could Happen to You

The unfortunate thing about this problem is that it gives all mechanics a bad name and there is no reasonable solution other than to raise awareness of the problem and alert readers to scams and horror stories related to automotive repair.

Related article: Blown Head Gasket Scam Tutorial for Non-Mechanics Part 2

In a reluctant defense---and it’s a weak one at best---of some questionable mechanic practices, it is not always due to a bad person doing bad things, but sometimes further upstream, i.e., pressure from work to cut costs, speed through service, or being tasked with a repair one is not qualified for but needs to do in order to stay employed and feed their family.

And there is always Murphy’s Law and garage gremlins, counterfeit or bad parts and bad customers to murk the waters.

Related article: Car Repair Horrors Mechanics Face Every Day

That said and done, here is a recent horrifying example from the FordTechMakuloco YouTube channel of not just one but multiple botched repairs on a single vehicle that should put any mechanic to shame:

This is Exactly Why No One Trusts Automotive Mechanics!

And finally…

For informative articles about scams, bad repairs, and other alerts, here are a few helpful pieces for your consideration:

• Fast Lube Type Service Center Warning for New and Used Cars

• Sad Day for Ford Owners Says Mechanic When Dealership Won’t Diagnose Your Car Problem

• How Service Centers Damage Your Brakes with a Simple Tire Change

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

COMING UP NEXT: Toyota and Lexus Transmission Fluid Warning to Owners

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