Tulsa, Oklahoma — Complaints about used cars rank high among the phone calls of problem solvers.

They can save you money, of course, they can also cause expensive headaches because we will continue to investigate common car repair scams for a month.

In recent months, Shawna Carter bought used cars in and out of the store, the only way she could tour the town with the help of her daughter.

"I think I have been played with, and I don't know what to do now."

This is the same story that YAA's automotive experts (Your Advocate Alliance) have always heard.

Especially now that the COVID-19 pandemic makes it more difficult and expensive to find a decent used or new car, even the parts needed for repair.

"One of the things we are seeing now is the so-called'bad condition' vehicles being sold," said Zach Shefska, one of the YAA experts, which broadcasts car information every week. programme.

He strongly recommends that you have a trusted mechanic inspect the used car before buying. But it is never too late.

"If you don't have the opportunity to do this, then after buying a vehicle, especially a used car, being proactive or even checking it is something we really recommend now."

This can solve the problem that the repair cost may be lower now, but if the problem becomes worse, the repair cost will be much higher in the future.

But be careful with things that some shops recommend many times. Service and maintenance are not always necessary and will only increase your cost.

Examples include replacing the cabin filter. Ask to see. If it's dirty, this is a quick and cheap way to fix it yourself.

New tires. Not all flat tires need to be replaced, many can be repaired. Ask the mechanic to show you the tire damage and explain why you need to replace the new tire instead of repairing the old tire.

If new parts are recommended, make sure they have actually been replaced with high-quality parts. Ask for the old one.

In addition, experts say, be wary of transmission services. If you have not noticed a specific problem, please wait for the manufacturer's recommendation.

"Look at your maintenance and regular maintenance manuals, when things really need to happen," Sevska said.

As for Xiao Na, her car has finally been repaired, and she will be more careful next time she buys a used car.

"I will definitely take it to the mechanic to have a look first."

Here is more detailed information on how to avoid overspending on car repairs compiled by the Consumer Division of Reader’s Digest:

Believe it or not, not all flat tires need to be replaced.

"As long as the sidewall is not punctured, the tire should be repairable," explains Lauren Fix, also known as a car trainer.

She suggested that before blindly agreeing to expensive new tires (or two), “Have your service consultant show you the damage to the tires and have them fully explain why new tires are recommended rather than repaired.”

If you do need a replacement, check out the tires these 12 car experts bought for your car.

Chaya M. Milchtein, car educator and founder of Mechanic Shop Femme, points out that, of course, cabin filters are necessary, but they are usually not one of the most urgent repairs your car needs.

Translation: Don't let the mechanic try to convince you to make a "critical" change, because the slightly dusty cabin filter has been removed from your vehicle.

"Although regular replacement is important, it will not immediately impair the normal operation of your vehicle," Milchtein said. "Simply put, if you have to decide between safety items and cabin filters, or even between oil changes and cabin filters, please take care of cabin filters last."

The following are other car repairs that you might waste money at some point.

Suppose you go ahead and agree to let the mechanic buy and replace parts.

You may be even more surprised: “You may find that these parts were not even replaced at first, because in fact, they do not need to be replaced,” Lowe said.

Or, the mechanic may replace the newly purchased parts with old parts or parts with damaged after-sales parts, which are expensive at the time of purchase. As a result, you may return to the store again in a week and experience the same problems-and more repair costs.

Avoid this by servicing your vehicle at a certified mechanic with a good reputation. Look at these 30 things your car mechanic won't tell you.

Of course, we all want to keep our transmission buzzing. The good news is that unless there is an obvious problem, your problem may be okay.

"Most modern vehicles are already equipped with transmission fluids that can easily travel 100,000 miles or more," said Steven Greenspan, an ASE-certified lead technician who is a lecturer and education manager at the Lyle Global Institute of Technology in Illinois. "Because modern gearboxes are not designed to be repairable, the manufacturer has also eliminated the dipstick and drain plug."

What does this mean to you?

"The only time you need to check the gearbox is for leaks or abnormal gearbox operation."

Next, find out 15 things you are doing on the car that a mechanic would not do.

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