Modern vehicles are sometimes difficult to repair when they break down. There are hundreds of engine components, all crammed into a small space, making accessibility to various parts difficult.

Many a bush mechanic will find it nearly impossible to perform DIY on these types of engines. Hence it is imperative that car owners develop a good relationship with their service dealers, and even the mechanics who work on their cars.

While there are many reliable mechanics, who only do the work which is both necessary and agreed upon, there are plenty who take advantage of any situation, by doing questionable work, adding fictitious charges or who do unnecessary work.

After hanging out at many different service departments and chatting to car owners and mechanics in the past few months, I have found that you can safeguard yourself against common scams.

As with most things in life, knowledge is power and simply knowing a bit about the mechanics of a car could spare you time, money and trauma.

Inflated repair costs

Fear is by far the number one tool used by questionable mechanics, who will not think twice about making you anxious about the state of your vehicle. It is not uncommon to be told that if you had not brought the car in when you did, you would most probably have been involved a life threatening situation.

Think about your state of mind when confronted with such news. You may be so relieved that you might not notice how much you have been quoted for the work.

Before authorising any repair work, take a moment to clear your head, or make a quick call to another garage to get another quote.

Many mechanics have been known to switch new parts for used parts. Some even repair cars with used parts and charge clients for new parts.

To avoid this, keep written documentation about your car's major parts and ask for the damaged part back.

Counterfeit car parts

There is nothing wrong with having used parts fitted to your vehicle. However, bear in mind that a high number of car hijackings in our country are carried out on behalf of repair shops and mechanics who do not want to pay the full price of new parts.

Some service departments make additional money by using counterfeit car parts for which they charge their customers full price.

Counterfeit parts can jeopardise safety because they are made of inferior materials and their durability is not the same.

How to protect yourself

1. Get multiple assessments: Get other quotations and insist on a written and detailed estimate, which will allow you to check cost of items against one another.

2. Visit the establishment: Before booking your car in for any work, satisfy yourself that it is a place you would like to be associated with.

Look out for certificates, awards, medals or any signs of recognition for their work. Check the date of those certificates as well. Being recognised as the best in 1903 won't help you in 2011.

3. Do an online search: It's funny how people spend time researching the qualities of a television screen yet do not spend the same effort on a repair shop.

Take the time to google the establishment and find out what media coverage they have received as well as the industry authority they are affiliated to.

4. Get multiple assessments: It is recommended that you get two or three assessments before authorising work.

5. Word of mouth: No amount of advertising can beat what those you most trust say about their experiences with repair shops.

Finding a trustworthy mechanic can be difficult and from what I can tell, not many motorists trust their service department.

The best way to guard against becoming a victim of a service scam is to keep a repair log, with dates, mileage, maintenance, and repairs conducted, as well as names of firms, mechanics, service manager etc.

Car maintenance is an expensive deal - why else do we have service plans and warranties?

If a repair shop offers you a lower than usual price for work, be aware of all the variables before giving the go-ahead.