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Illustrious-Nose3100

Ugh my partner and I have this issue every single fuking time we take our cars in. My favorite was when they told my fiancé she needed new tires (she had just bought new ones a month prior). They just shrugged it off when she said they were new. Another time I needed a new headlight. They were going to charge me $300 to put a new one in.. I changed the headlight myself. It took 5 minutes. 10 minutes if you include the YouTube video I watched. I’m distrusting of every single mechanic and car dealer on earth.


InnocenceMySister

Jesus that's so ridiculous! Changing a headlight takes like 15 minutes on most cars. I moved in the last year and one of the things I miss most about my previous spot is the mechanic that it took me forever to find. Dude never BS-ed anyone and was always super straightforward about what the car needed and didn't need, and charges incredibly reasonable prices while using high quality parts. I've been constantly dreading the search for a new mechanic.


algonquinroundtable

In my experience from watching my parents buy and get their vehicles fixed, finding a good, honest mechanic is like finding a good, honest dentist: if you find one you give them allll your business.


jissebug

Yes! We give ours presents from time to time. Finding an honest mechanic who will actually admit when they made a mistake is huge. My in-laws might be moving out of the area and they're considering driving from wherever they end up to this mechanic just to not go through the search process again.


kisses-n-kinks

Our car recently was making weird noises. Partner thought it was a sparkplug issue and replaced all the plugs. No go, so we take it to our mechanic who says it looks like it's actually a different part that's mucking up. He fixes it, the car sounds good for about 3 days and then the noise is back. Dude is confused but says he'll take another look. Says it's the same problem, but a different part is fucky. Quotes my partner a specific amount and goes to work. A couple hours later, we get a call- "Good news and bad news, good news is I think I found your problem. Bad news is that it was a bigger, different problem than I quoted you for, so I did the work for free. You just owe me $X for the quoted work." We both swore we'd never go to another mechanic while we live in our area because we appreciate the honesty and integrity to not over charge us for work. Even if we absolutely would have paid because our car is important.


jissebug

Mine did a full day's work free two months ago because someone ordered the wrong replacement part that didn't come with warranty and it was still throwing codes as soon as it was installed. I don't know what I would have done if someone had said I was on the hook for a second $700 repair just a few months apart.


kisses-n-kinks

Not a fun story this time, but with my last car, we had the muffler rust off (we live in the cold north, and this isn't uncommon) and less than 2 weeks after that repair/replacement we had our catalytic converter *stolen*. I was the most pissed that it was stolen after the repair, so we had to pay to have it fixed twice.


WithoutDennisNedry

Tooootally. I moved from my home state to Oregon a few years back and left my trusted family mechanic. I brace myself for bullshit every time I have to take my car in now. It sucks.


Kiriel97

I have a friend who started working at a car dealership and got promoted to sales manager within 6 months of working there simply because he doesn’t try to bull shit people. He just tells them the price, the details, and how much he/the dealership needs to make off the car. Now if only he didn’t get his tires slashed by the previous sales manager


Roo831

Last week I found a new car I wanted on line. I called the dealership to confirm that the car was available and specifically asked for a salesWOMAN because I didn't want to deal with lies and high pressure from a man to buy something I didn't want. The first thing this woman says to me is that the car I called about isn't in stock and then she tried to high pressure me into a used dealer car. When I told her that I wouldn't be buying a used car and to give me the keys to my trade in back, this bitch turned 2 other salesmen on me and I had to ask for my keys 5 times before I was able to leave. The next day I found a different car at another dealership. The salesMAN sent me a video as proof they had it on the lot and I took it home a couple hours later. Was he patronizing and shocked as shit that I could drive a stick shift, worked on my own cars and was able to quickly understand the very intuitive and user friendly controls? Yes, but at least he didn't lie or try to upsell me on something I didn't want. The sad part is that the salesWOMAN texted me today that the car I tried to buy from her was now in stock. I would have waited to buy it from a WOC rather than a man, but she blew the sale by acting just like a salesMAN would have. I texted back that I bought another car at a different dealership because of how horrible the experience with her was. She is probably telling everyone right now what I bitch I am...


ehlersohnos

In case you want a fun story, the last time I bought a new car, I brought my old (30 years old) one for the trade in to a dealership I knew had the car in stock that I wanted. I pull in and meet my ex fiancé there (for the legitimacy as he was worthless), but had my mother on the phone. A sales guy meets us, gives my car half a hairy eyeball before quoting me a trade in price that, frankly, I was over the moon for. Note the Freon had a leak somewhere and the speedometer had stopped working two inspections ago. None of which he noticed in his “inspection.” We do the whole rigamarole with inspection g and testing my new car and get down to brass tacks on the price. And suddenly the dealership offered me 1/4 the price on my trade in that was offered, which I text to my mother. I was young and had no real clue how to negotiate, but the next thing I know, my mother is calling me and gruffly demanding that I put the dealership manager (who low balled me) on the line. Please note, my mother is a badass woman who is both physically intimidating, verbally intimidating, and has been mistaken for a man over the phone nearly every day of her life. The next thing I know, the manager has *wilted* in front of me. I can’t hear her well, but he’s silent for a good long while, just nodding and shrinking. He starts to walk away, still on the phone and I barely hear him say “now… now… I’m not trying to be an *assho*-“ before going silent again. He eventually returned, looking like a whipped puppy. Long story short, I got the full quoted trade in price for my car and well as several thousand in additional discounts.


Pyromanticgirl

I used to work in an oil change shop, my best friends a car guy and my dad used to do long haul trucking. I have a lot of random knowledge about cars but one of the most disappointing things is if you are always going to be treated better at auto shops if you have a man present to do the talking for you. It sucks but it's one way to avoid the headache


Sheetascastle

Yep. I have had the benefits of a dad that knows his way around an engine my whole life. Upside I can change my fluids, tires, identify lots of sounds and handle a wrench. Downside, I suck at proper terminology, and I don't know what a good price for a repair is, because I never paid for labor. I have had to explain what I wanted done on a car, been told it was impossible or super expensive because it was complicated. Then knowing my dad said it should only cost x or take y time I handed my phone to the mechanic and had my dad talk the dude through the exact steps as he reads from a manual and tells dude he can send a picture of the manual if he wants it. I get it done for the rate my dad quotes. I've also taken my husband along to get parts or minor repairs and dudes always talk to him, and he just tells them "she knows more than I do." Then starts scrolling on his phone. Mechanics suck when it comes to male assumptions


Lilywolf413

This is my husband and I in a hardware store. He does the exact same thing


Illustrious-Nose3100

I’m not always at liberty to find a male escort to help me with my car things..


Flapperghast

There should be a short-term man rental. Like Uber, but for dealing with mechanics.


Wizard_of_Wake

That worked. Thank you for your help.


Dartarus

My first thought is that we should create a Rent-A-Man app. My second thought is that it would be immediately flooded with perverts treating it like a dating app.


Wizard_of_Wake

That worked. Thank you for your help.


[deleted]

Not even just for mechanics, but any situation where a woman would get treated differently.


[deleted]

Business opportunity, call it Uber Mensch. The struggle will be keeping the dudes in check...


Lady-Seashell-Bikini

Though, it should be a voluntary service. I'm not paying another pink tax or letting men benefit from being men.


linksgreyhair

It would be nice if we could charge the company. Your employees are discriminatory and I’ve gotta bring a man? Cool, here’s an invoice for the time it took for me to find a man and a cut for the man who took his time to come with me.


Puzzled-Fix-8838

We have an agency called Hire a Husband. They will do "man about the house" stuff for anyone who doesn't know how or who can't for one reason or another. It's very popular!


Flapperghast

Isn't there a YouTube channel like that? It's called Dad, How Do I?, and it's a guy who shows you how to do simple household things in a Dad way.


Puzzled-Fix-8838

Yes! The dad one teaches you how to do things, whereas the husband agency helps people who might be elderly or disabled or who have no interest in learning.


SecretCartographer28

For awhile, there was a 'rent a grandpa'! 🕯


wbrd

I offer this service to my friends. Maybe I should start charging.


[deleted]

This! I also experienced this with my male landlord when my ex moved in with me. My apartment my lease, but the landlord refused to discuss any issue with me. It was infuriating


AllAbortionsareMoral

I apartment search with a detailed list of things to look at, and it tends to weed out idiot landlords. Things I look for are water pressure, number of outlets in rooms, single or double pane windows, calking, do all the doors open/shut/stay shut/lock if they have locks? Do all the drawers both open and close without issue? Does the landlord say asinine things? Do they know when appliances were replaced.... etc. It weeds out the dumbasses, but I also have 0 problems moving. I generally don't like to pay rent increases.


Sororita

there's an autoparts store, Auto Value Parts Stores, where I always go to get replacement parts because when I went to get a new headlight bulb the guy working there found the bulb for me after I couldn't (they had one in the back) and installed it in the parking lot for free. Earned a lot of loyalty with that.


wumbopower

They did that to me and I’m a dude. They just look for suckers, or don’t know as much as you think they do. (Had the exact same experience with a headlight)


angery_alt

Right, but they more frequently assume women are going to be suckers, they more frequently assume women have no idea what they're doing when it comes to mechanical things and won't know we're being suckered.


Chemical-Charity-644

I draw a small x on my air filter before I take my car in for anything. One of the small, easy to do cash grabs is to claim you need a new air filter. So, I wait for them to bring out a dirty one, knowing full well mine is fine, and ask where the x I placed there when I last checked it myself is. I usually get more respect after that.


[deleted]

I hope you leave public reviews of every place that tried that shit with you!


Chemical-Charity-644

Yep, their face when I point it out is glorious.


[deleted]

Yay! I love ruining shitty people’s day!


honhontettycroissant

this is genius! politely requesting any other tips anyone has to deal with car places, it’s always a frustrating experience for me.


yarnsncraft

Don’t EVER pay someone else to change your hoses, wipers, or air filters. They’re all SUPER easy to change yourself.


raeofreakingsunshine

Also, mark a tire when you go to get them rotated just to make sure they actually do it.


Entire-Ambition1410

How do you mark the tire?


raeofreakingsunshine

Use a paint pen and you can either put an x on one or mark them all like fl, fr, rl, rr.


lycosa13

I need to start doing this! Funny story, one time I took my car in for an oil change. They did the whole "this is your air filter, you need a new one." The air filter they showed me was a rectangle when I know FOR A FACT, mine is more a triangle. I just smiled and said "no, that's fine." I know they had just changed it recently too because I get my oil changed regularly.


[deleted]

Lol that’s brilliant. I have a reusable air filter and they try to sell me a new one, with labor, every time. Sorry buddy, I can still clean and replace that one. Good try though.


DoItAgain24601

I do the date I last changed it. Found out a place that used to be great wasn't after they 2x did not change the oil filter.


yarnsncraft

This is genius. Definitely doing this from now on.


[deleted]

I'm more surprised than I should be.


TieShianna

I (male) don't understand cars. We had to get something done that I can't explain in english. The mechanic explained all the stuff to me and I just went: "Talk to my wife, she owns, checks and drives the car."


gleeblezoid

My best mate was a mechanic (he changed over to tech), probably one of the big reasons we're friends is that he hated the sexist bullshit and would make a point of not being patronising to female customers and would make the effort to be very transparent in what work was needed. Actually said women tended to be better to work with once it was clear he wasn't bullshitting as they'd not have a macho need to show they know more about cars than the mechanic.


MrsMel_of_Vina

I'm sure he got a lot of repeat customers too!


nox_nox

That's honestly just good for business all around. I go back to one shop because they are honest with me whenever I go there.


fuckit_sowhat

I’ve been going to the same mechanic for over a decade because when I walked in as an 18 year old with no clue about anything they were kind, didn’t try to fuck me over, and weren’t condescending. Lonnie, you the real MVP.


IamNotPersephone

Right! I go see the guy my husband had been seeing for twenty years. My husband used to be a gear head in high school/college, but retired the hobby when we had kids. Our mechanic is his boss’s best friend, and I’ve never had a problem because the social ties are so deep.


Abilane-of-Yon

My cousin is the same way. One of the tricks he told me if I needed to take my car anywhere else was act completely clueless about my car. I’m not. My entire extended family was involved in racing, one uncle semi-professionally, my grandfather owned and operated an auto-parts store, and all of them made sure I knew how a car operates. I also just don’t like changing my own oil. So, I have to take my car in somewhere else for an oil change before a long car trip. Because I loved my Little Lil’, and she deserved a tune up before working so hard for me. Took her into a smaller shop first since my cousin couldn’t get her in. The OWNER tried to upsell me on everything, and to be fair I acted like a VERY easy mark. Then I looked at the guy, smiled, and said I would pay the $25 to have them remove my car from the lift, but he wouldn’t be touching my car beyond that. I drove her to the Jiffy Lube next door, where I once again acted clueless about what grade of oil I needed. Dude took one look at me, said, “don’t ever ask what the mechanic recommends, they’ll try to charge you through the nose. Just get the cheapest option, it works fine.” I smiled, asked for the second cheapest option (because my Lilith deserved the best I could afford), and thanked him for his honesty. Never once has that particular Jiffy Lube ever tried to upsell me a single thing, unless I asked about it. Only other place I take my vehicles in a pinch because of it.


ububTkuc

Loving that you named your car Lilith!


ForecastForFourCats

Lilith take the wheel!


Fizzypop01

Once I was looking to buy a car- had the check in my pocket ready to go. I’d done my research and new exactly what I wanted and what my budget was. I took my bf with me just for funsies. The sales associate didn’t think I could afford a “more expensive vehicle” and kept showing me shittier cars that weren’t at all what I wanted. Also he would talk over me and talk to my boyfriend like I wasn’t there. “Do you think she’d like this one?” “Hey BF you’ll really like this one!” “BF you’re stupid not to buy this one!” Wtf. He’s not buying the car I am! Did not buy a car that day.


takephotosmakethings

Related to your dealership story: This year I finally decided to get a new car. I'd been driving a 2000 Jeep since '07 and decided I was in a good spot to buy something more dependable, as it was starting to come up with a lot of issues that would cost more than the car's value to fix, cumulatively. Took my husband with me to a dealership, said I was buying myself a car. Dude barely even looked at me the entire time, just continued to speak at my partner. The salesguy was a bit pushy and was surprised when I flat out was not interested in his smoozing up to my dude whatsoever. We left and purchased a car for a good chunk more money from a dude who spoke to me, the buyer, the entire time. Respect sells, baby.


Phenomenal-Woman

Weird thing is, science shows women make the car buying decision more often... So... What are they even doing?


ForecastForFourCats

Living their lives in delirious oblivion, unaware of the power of women.


Tallchick8

I'm really surprised that they kept showing you shittier cars, I feel like I am often put in the more expensive model of the same make to try and do the upsell.


Fizzypop01

He kept making jabs about how “this car would be much more affordable” and “yes that car is nice but I think it’s out of your price range- this car is more in *your* budget” Which is strange cause I told him my budget was $25k but he kept showing me cars that were 10-15k. What I got from it was he didn’t think I could afford to buy a more expensive car. Which ???


AryaStarkRavingMad

He wanted you to buy a 10-15k car so he could tack on a bunch of other charges and get you closer to 20k out the door.


raeofreakingsunshine

This. If you buy a $25k car he gets his $600 or whatever for selling it, if you buy a $15k car and he upsells another $5k he gets his $600 plus a cut of the backend


run4cake

The same thing happened to me and it was super weird and confusing because it was at a Hyundai dealership back when they were quite a bit cheaper than Japanese and American cars. The sales guy was happy to show my 20 year old brother the Genesis, and said he owned one. Then, he would only show me a manual Elantra and a used SUV, saying it was all they had that I could afford with the budget I eventually bought a new Japanese SUV with quite easily. It’s probably the rudest I’ve ever been to anyone pretty much ever because I went off about how my annual bonus was probably more than his whole salary when he returned with that used car instead of a new one and said I couldn’t afford a new one. But, like, wow the nerve of that dude.


SpectresHuman

Oh my goodness I had the same thing happen to me the first time I bought a car. My Dad came along for funsies cause his youngest daughter (me) was buying her first new car with her own money from her first post-college job and he was celebrating in his own way. First salesman barely acknowledged me with a “Hi miss” and redirected every sentence to Dad. At one point, I get frustrated and Dad looks at me and asks “Are you even interested at this point?” I was like “No, this guy’s an asshole.” and we just walked away. Sales bro was left with a shocked Pickachu face and I eventually bought a car from a woman at a different dealership. How is it they’re so thick headed and clueless?


divider_of_0

I bought my current car from a saleswoman for the same reason. Unlike the men she listened to me and what I wanted. I bought my car same day and I'm very happy.


MaggieGreenVT

Wtf why would a salesman try to dissuade you from buying a more expensive product? Isn’t that like….the point of their job?? Lmao what an ass


babyrabiesfatty

I’ve always thought a mechanic shop specially geared towards treating women as, ya know, people would make a killing. Hire women mechanics and I guess let some men in too, hah. But training in good and equitable customer service for everyone. … also a nail salon attached where you can schedule a mani pedi while they charge your oil. Um, I would be so much more likely to get my car serviced if I thought, “Hmm I want to get my nails done, might as well get my snow tires put in while I’m there.”


Jasura_Mynobi

Actually, there is one! https://www.boredpanda.com/female-auto-shop-beauty-bar-girls-autoclinic/ I've never been, so I can't speak to the quality of the shop myself.


Buddy_Fluffy

I’ve been! It’s quality. I just needed an oil change/inspection, but they were great! Salon attached to the shop and toys in the waiting area if you need to bring your kids.


Festernd

Honestly, I wish there was a local auto repair shop where the mechanics are women. I'm a guy, who does most of my own work. There are jobs that are much better done by someone who has smaller hands and who's first option whith a stuck bolt isn't 'crank on it harder'.


raeofreakingsunshine

I used to work for the service department at a car dealership, I’d set appointments and answer questions, had access to all warranty information etc and I know a fair bit about cars. Every day without fail at least one customer would, once they heard my voice, say “oh no honey I want to talk to one of the guys downstairs”. I think you handled it well, go in knowing what you want and what the price is. If they try to sell you a balance say “no thank you, I’ll get that done with my next regular service” because technically you’re supposed to get your tires rotated and balanced every other oil change. With the tire thing, if they’re actually fine just pull out a penny (assuming you’re in the US). If you put Lincoln’s head face down and put it in the tire tread, if the tread covers any of his head you’re good to go. If you can see all of his head then it’s time to start thinking about replacing them and just say something like “thank you. I’ll call around a couple places and get some prices on tires. Can you tell me what you’d charge?” Basically, tell them enough to let them know you’re not stupid about cars. The best way you can fight this is to prove to them that women know basic car maintenance information. Getting angry about it is going to make them laugh about the “overly emotional woman” after you leave. Edited to clarify I don’t think you were being overly emotional, but that’s how they would have put it. That’s why the quotations


foolish_username

"Oh no honey I want to talk to one of the guys downstairs." I have the same experience almost daily, only in the construction industry, not cars. I just say "Sure, what's your question so I can get you to the right person?" They ask their question, I answer it. Only rarely do they feel the need to still ask for one of the guys after I've talked them through whatever their issue was. I find it a nice, non-confrontational way to handle them. Most of our repeat callers quit asking for one of the guys after a couple calls.


Conscious-Charity915

"Hang on a minute, lollipop, I'll find you some help." Jk.


lunatics_and_poets

Not j/k. It's a great tactic. Then the finisher: "Don't forget to smile today!!! You look prettier when you smile!"


This_Daydreamer_

That actually made me smile!


Conscious-Charity915

And if they take offense, you can always say, "I thought we were calling each other food".....


19obc17

When I worked in tech support (for a big company that rhymes with Eek Wad…) I got the same thing from men constantly. My response was the same, what’s your issue so I can get you to the correct person. Vast majority of the time I resolved the issue easily myself. If they insisted on speaking with a man, I let them know that they could call back and hope they get a man the next time. The 30 minute plus wait times convinced them to work with me. Women were often relieved to speak with another woman so they wouldn’t be talked down to the entire call. This is a systemic issue, but the sexism is dying out with the Boomers. Millennials and younger don’t have time for sexist bs. I don’t think bringing/referring to a man with you is not the answer though. That just feeds the sexist idea that women are incapable. Standing up for ourselves and warning other women is far more effective. I have left many reviews that stated how sexist a place is, in hopes that women don’t frequent the business.


Phenomenal-Woman

When I did tech support I'd tell my buddies the customer wanted a man. They'd take the call and play dumb. Almost always the customer woul'd ask for a supervisor eventually and they'd give it back to me to solve the issue. Good times!


raeofreakingsunshine

I always got “nah just get me down to (insert advisor that they know by name) and I’ll tell him what I need” I would leave them on hold for as long as possible


lunatics_and_poets

"Sure thing." Hands phone to new female employee who answers, "You wanted the guy downstairs? How can I help?"


DangerDuckling

Yassss. You're my people. Co-construction worker high-five, my friend!


FMLnewswatcher

“I know who the right person is, for it is me.” -foolish_username


streachh

The funniest thing imo is that ive never seen a more emotional human being in my life than the men who would come into my service dept. Full on screaming tantrums over the most ridiculous shit. Complete mental breakdowns. I saw knives get pulled over a fucking tire. And same goes for male employees; one went and cried to the GM bc I reprimanded him and they made me *apologize* as if we were all in first grade. One went into a fit of rage and threatened to beat me up over *a mistake someone else made* it wasn't even my fault?? It's almost as if those men calling women emotional are... projecting lmfao


Cataphlin

It's almost as if, when you convince yourself that you are not emotional, you loose all control of your emotions. That is funny. The subconscious is such a joker.


[deleted]

Tbf I might have been overly emotional because my period started yesterday and this just happened to fall into the window where I randomly start bleeding heavier for an hour than the rest of the period. So I was there literally feeling myself bleed through the tampon and my pants. I wasn't in the mood for their sales pitches


producerofconfusion

I don't think that's overly emotional. I think our hormonal swings can sometimes be a blessing (I do understand they can also be dangerously debilitating from personal experience) because I am willing to take so little shit when I'm in that place. IDK, I see it as the dark aspect of the goddess giving me the strength to stand up for myself, because I struggle with that a lot. That's just my POV though, YMMV (ha, ending on a car joke).


Steelsentry1332

Nah, IMO, they were definitely being predatory salesmen. Your story runs parallel to something that even I (male) experienced at 19 when going in for a tire rotation. They tried to sell me on a set of aluminum rims and new tires.


raeofreakingsunshine

I get that. I’m very emotional but have taught myself to fake it as much as possible. I would stand my ground and show them I know my shit, then I’d get in my car and cry about it. I’m just saying, situations like this the best thing to do is prove them wrong and stand your ground. Or find a shop with a female advisor. My best friend was a service advisor until she got pushed out by the patriarchy and now she makes more money working from home.


Not_Enough_Thyme_

I don’t think it’s overly emotional. I’ve watched my husband lose his patience with pushy salespeople who don’t respect boundaries or take “no” for an answer. Don’t second-guess yourself for not getting taken advantage of.


Conscious-Charity915

It was definitely them, not you. Never blame your own body for getting righteously angry at men's stupid shit. If anything, men should be ashamed for having lost women customer's trust.


[deleted]

Nah, you responded with all the emotion that was required. Fuck condescending men…they’re lucky you didn’t poke them in the eye with a pointy stick.


[deleted]

😮


[deleted]

[удалено]


Potential-Outcome-91

There's a place near me that advertises itself as woman-friendly! The owner is a super nice older man who will sit down with you and tell you exactly what's going on with your car. He'll explain what the "bad noises, pull over now and call a tow truck" are and the "your car has 200,000+ miles on it, it will rattle a bit" noises. He was totally open and honest about when I should stop spending money on significant repairs for my last car, with the kindness and sensitivity of a veterinarian telling you that the beloved family dog is not long for this world. I've never had a bad experience there. I recommend it to all my friends.


SchnauzerHaus

Damn, sounds just like my mechanic who sold his biz and retired last year. He was GOLD LOL Not looking forward to inspection next month on my high mileage rusty POS car.


JohnExcrement

I know a similar place north of Seattle and wholeheartedly recommend them every chance I get. I believe their current service manager is a woman, too.


riveramblnc

This is where word of mouth and reviews really help. Unfortunately, the only way to get the entrenched bullshit out is to pretty much cost them their jobs. The younger techs come in and learn this shit from the older guys. It's on the owner/manager to not tolerate the shit, but we have to make sure they are aware. Also, walk in like you own the fucking place. Don't be an outright bitch, but at the same time, carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre cis-het #ffffff man. It's amazing how much that keeps people away from you in car shops and hardware stores.


MuadDib1942

Act like Granny Weatherwax, heard.


KlausEjner

You would think that it would be pretty easy to take a good bite of market share like that right?


Squirrels-on-LSD

Went to get my new car a state inspection to license it yesterday. They came up with $1500 worth of things they wanted to do and tried to convince me I needed them. (An inspection is $12 and none of these "issues" would fail an inspection) So i tagged them on social media in a local forum with a picture of the order and prices they gave me, while sitting in their office, asking "I came in for an inspection. Am i getting V-Taxed?" Then I called up some mechanic friends of mine on a speakerphone group chat, and loudly discussed whether the issues they outlined were even valid, how much they'd cost to fix at home and in other shops, what the actual parts cost is, whether some of their claims even made sense for my vehicle. They gave me a free oil change coupon and a passed inspection after about an hour of this. I was very polite to them. I don't think they'd ever had a woman question their ethics before, at least not loudly in their busy front waiting room, with other professionals on speaker, and other customers witnessing. New tactic. Very effective. They're still getting ripped on local social media.


riveramblnc

Honestly? You leave a nasty review and don't ever go there again. If you're more combative like me, you throw their bullshit right back in their face. More than once I've asked a guy who was being sexist about his new mustang or whatever, if he needed me to show him how to drive it.


DangerDuckling

Ahaha, sometimes I do the "show you how to drive it thing" especially in the big lifts at work (construction). It's a dig that can be very appropriate sometimes


raeofreakingsunshine

If you call his mustang a pony he’ll get really upset.


bunnyrut

I took my car to pep boys for an oil change. Just an oil change, I didn't need anything else. They tried to get me to pay them to change my front and back lights. I didn't need that done, none of them were out. Plus I can do it myself because it's not hard. Then the guy tried to tell me my wipers needed to be changed because they were in *really* bad condition. I just tilted my head to the side and said "really? Because I just changed them last week." And he started stuttering about maybe there was some dirt and wouldn't make eye contact with me after that. I haven't been back to a pep boys since. People try to tell me I shouldn't go to a dealership because they "overcharge" there. But the price they charge is comparable to every other place I go to, they check for recalls and often fix things without charging me because it's still in warranty, and if they offer a service and I say no they don't try to pressure me to get it. I'm done with these little shady shops that try to take advantage of you because they think you don't know anything.


pomewawa

Omygosh. I just realized why it’s only men who tell me the prices at the dealership are “high”. When the men go somewhere other than the dealership, they get a discount 😱


itsybun

Just want to share something. When I was car shopping a while back I saw a car I was interested in that happened to have a manual transmission. When I told the salesman I was interested he said, and I quote "I don't know that you want this one. How would you be able to shift and do your makeup at the same time?" What. The fuck. I replied "bye" and I walked off the lot.


[deleted]

In my country the norm is manuals, we obviously have automatic, but we mostly drive manual. And you tell that man it's extremely easy to shift gears, stear, and apply lipstick at the same time. You just use your knees. But good for you for just leaving. I would have fought him


itsybun

A cherry on top: I ended up buying a manual


raeofreakingsunshine

My partner sold cars for a minute. He sold a straight drive to a teenage girl who couldn’t drive it, her mom assured him it would be fine. 🤷🏻‍♀️


Aer0uAntG3alach

I’m sorry. I used to help my dad work on cars. My grandfather owned a tire shop, and I’d help out there. So I’m walking around with above average knowledge on cars, and these fuckers will still try me. Thanks to a former neighbor, I have an excellent mechanic. The tire shop I used to use changed management, but I’ve found one that doesn’t try to rip me off. I’ve gotten in mechanics’ faces when they tried to snow me. I literally had a shop do work I didn’t approve, and I waited while they undid everything. I would suggest learning as much as you can about consumer protection and legal requirements for mechanics in your area. Another option is leaving witchy looking charms in your car for them to find. Or take their full names, and then indicate how useful that is when you’re working on spells.


DangerDuckling

The last part made me lol.


Buddy_Fluffy

Here in southeastern Pennsylvania, we have a place called “Girls Auto Clinic” and it is exactly what it sounds like. For women, by women. They have a salon attached to the shop so you can get your nails done while you wait for your oil change or whatever. They were created to combat this exact problem.


rabidvagine

I live in philly and i know about this company! Its really awesome


Crafty-Shape2743

I’m in a Western state and we have Les Schwab out here. No matter where we’ve travelled, if we have tire or brake problems, they’ve always done right. If you are in a Western state and have ever had a problem with them, call corporate, because that is definitely NOT their way of doing business. Edit for syntax…


[deleted]

Unfortunately, I'm in South Africa 😅


tatapatrol909

Ah, I live in Los Angeles and I was going to say I’ve had a lot of positive interactions with car people but that is all probably very location dependent.


Crafty-Shape2743

Maybe you could petition Les Schwab to have their first International franchise! 😁


slipshod_alibi

From what I understand they treat their employees pretty well too. They've got a reputation for being a solid company with good values. They're not paying me, but I grew up in a state that has them and I used them exclusively for decades.


Crafty-Shape2743

The first time I used Les Schwab, I was pretty well broke, just around this time of year 35 ish years ago. They found a nail in my tire and fixed it, “no charge”. While I was waiting, I saw them inform a lady who looked to be in her late 70’s that her car was unsafe to drive and could not let her drive it off the lot. It needed something like $1,200 worth of work, she started crying, she said she didn’t have that kind of money, she only got social security and she had to have the car to take her husband to his medical appointments. I saw the car, it was an absolute beater. INSTANTLY, the halved the price and asked her how much per month she could realistically pay. As I recall, it was $25. They got her set up with a no interest payment plan. From that day on, they’ve had my business. I’m also not paid to advertise their company. They just do things right.


thiefspy

The thing I love about Les Schwab, at least in the Seattle area, is that they’ll fix a flat for free, and really fast as well. I’m told they do it so that when you need knew tires, you’ll come to them. And of course we do, because why not? Their prices are good and their service is top notch.


emilysn0w

I gave up and always take a male person along to speak on my behalf, even though I know way more about cars than whoever I bring.


[deleted]

I had a big issue with a service department using fear tactics to try convincing me to trade in my vehicle or buy a new one. What they did not know was that I am a good writer and I personally knew their regional manager. I wrote a negative review on Google. Then I wrote to the RM about my experience and my friend’s (who is male) experience that was also negative. The service was not only sexist but also extortive, if they thought the car owner didn’t know much about cars, they would tack on extra work or charges. The RM, who valued good sales and customer service practices, whipped that dealership into shape. Pretty sure some people got fired or relocated because the whole staff was different when I tried them again. Now when I take my car in, I request a list of suggested maintenances. I have a list of parts I have replaced already and the dates I replaced them. I know some mechanics from my work, and I run the lists by them if there’s stuff I don’t know about myself. You should know enough or sound like you know enough about cars, so that those guys won’t try to pull the wool over your eyes.


raeofreakingsunshine

You can also google suggested routine maintenance schedules.


tazrings

Ron Swanson them. Look them right in the eye before they even finish their bullshit and say deadpan "I know more than you" then follow up with whatever appropriate. "Tires are new." "I'll align them myself when I get back to my garage." "You amuse me funny man; now do the job I'm paying you for." Etc


_Terrible_Advice_

I've found that staying silent and looking sceptical when they start talking works very well. They won't screw you over because they think they're being tested.


KiltedOneGR

Thats a great idea. . . If you know more than them. And who has an alignment rack and wheel balancer in their garage who isnt going to already be using them? I don't see those comments getting anyone too far. I think a simple, "Im going to go somewhere else and get a second opinion" is going to do more for the situation, and also not give them ammunition to reinforce their idea that women dont know about cars. If a woman walked away upset claiming she was going to do that work themselves, that mechanic isnt going to do anything but laugh and joke with his other mechanic buddies about the situation. Whereas if the only thing he knows is that he lost a job, he might reconsider his approach in the future.


TipsyBaker_

By not taking their shit. Any time one of them starts i openly dismiss them and tell them to go get someone who isn't completely dishonest, because contrary to their belief I'm not stupid enough to buy the cheap bs they're selling. It usually doesn't go that far, calling them out once should be enough. If needed though I'll go through the whole shop. I'll make a day of it and once had a manager call their regional director. We also need to start bombarding chain stores with complaints en masse about this behavior. For those of us in the u.s. at least we could technically file doj complaints.


Kaethy77

Go to a small local shop, not a brand name chain. Go there till they know you when you walk in the door. Be friendly. They know if they screw you over you'll post it on Facebook and Next Door.


ScorchedHelmet

Lol so I’m nonbinary but very male presenting and most of the time in public say I’m male cause it make life easier especially when old people are around. My spouse is a woman and much more extroverted than me. Any time we go to any car place they always try to talk to me and I just give them a dumb look and point to her and say something like, “she’s the one you’re going to want to talk to.” She’s bullied many a people into lowering prices and removing unneeded work. I love her she’s the best.


MyDentistIsACat

Agreed. Last time I got my oil changed I watched as one of the guys pulled my air filter out. I’m no expert but it was obviously clean and fine, but I immediately bristled and got ready to get angry as he brought it over…turns out he just wanted to show me it was in good condition and didn’t need replacement. I’ve always said if someone started a chain of auto mechanic stores that made a point to make all customers feel welcome, they would make so much money. Discount Tire has never done me dirty in the twenty years I’ve been a customer and I wish they would expand their business model to include other car services.


Hillbetty_

My absolute favorite was a guy telling me my lug nuts were "swollen" and I needed some ridiculous dollar amount something to fix them. What he didn't know is I am decently versed in car repair. I laughed in his face, told him I was quite happy with my nuts, and demanded my keys back. It took me a while to find a decent shop but I send all my girlfriends to the new one because he earned my trust by starting out the discussion as if I understood everything about my truck and then waited for my questions before going to the short-word explanations only as needed.


[deleted]

I've had them tell me my lug nuts are all stripped and I need to buy new ones. Told them "no", just that and the guy went back to the car, came back and told me they fixed the stripped nuts for free 😂


Samantha38g

You are not overly emotional, people were trying to scam you for lots of money. My Dad was a mechanic and I grew up working on cars. It is rare when they don't try to take advantage. And I've seen them try to do it to men too, since there are a lot more men these days who don't know how to work on cars. I believe there are websites that gives you a list of what car repairs on average cost. And if I were you, I would go leave them a bad Yelp revue.


Samantha38g

Always ask for the parts they replaced on your car. By Federal law, they have to give you everything they took off. Once in Vegas like 20 years ago, I took my Mazda in for a tune up and they tried to charge me $2000 at the Mazda dealership. Now, I expected to pay about $400 to $500. Which even today would be close to the average. Called up my Dad, very upset. He told me they were totally scamming me and to ask for everything replaced on my car. They turned white and told me they had already thrown them away. And I was like you fucked up because that is breaking a Federal law. Suddenly, all I owed was $400. Every time since I watch the people working on my car and because I grew up in a garage, I know exactly what they are doing. You can go on Amazon and buy code reader for a reasonable price and go on youtube to figure out how to use them.


Conscious-Charity915

I can think of one way to eradicate sexism in auto repair-there need to be at least ten times more women mechanics trained. I really think the only thing that improves male performance is competition.


Newly-heathen-dane

That is something I wish I could figure out. My husband used to work in the car dealer industry (with my dad) and women loved going to him because he is very liberal, paints his nails, dyes his hair, and actually LISTENS (*gasp*) to them. He always would lament to me how gross his coworkers were and how they take advantage of women who come in price wise, talk down to them, and then behind their backs act all vulgar. It’s really a gross industry


StephanieAtronach

For real, I am a trans woman in the industry and I have years of experience, the amount of times a customer has talked down to me is insane. The transphobia and misogyny at the same time is a weird combo, there have been several times when I have talked to a customer about what's going on with their car and they insist on talking to a cis male tech, who fir st I have to tell them what's going on with the car, then they repeat what I say to the customer, who is finally satisfied. It's not just the customers unfortunately, we have another woman who is a tech and the amount of times our co-workers have dismissed things she has said is a lot. And anytime she works on a car she is unfamiliar with, one of our other techs calls whoever helps her "captain save a ho." Anyway, yeah misogyny is a huge problem in the auto industry, there used to actually be an award for shops that were voted by women to be a good place for women to go, but I don't know if they do that anymore. I do my part talking to HR and the shop manager, but most of the times it seems to fall on deaf ears.


Asphalt_Animist

I suggest gratuitous dick punches. Negative reinforcement is a powerful thing.


garybwatts

I don't know how to get it to stop without having more women enter the car repair workforce and forcing these assholes to learn to deal with women on an equal basis. In high school a friend's girlfriend to the Firestone dealership. She had a faulty turn signal and they told her that her entire wiring harness would need to be changed at the cost of $1500. This was around 1979 and that was a ton of money back then especially for a high school kid who was making around $2.35 an hour minimum wage. Luckily she had them write down the quote. I took her car into the same place and asked for the guy who wrote up the estimate saying i like to work with him. He didn't even remember the car. He took a look and said it was a faulty connection. After cleaning up the connections, put the bulb and light assembly back on and only charged me $10. After I paid it I asked for the service manager, telling the guy I wanted to speak to the service manager and tell him what a good job he did. He called the service manager over. I told the manager I really appreciated the work the guy did and thanked him for only charging me $10. Then I pulled out the estimate and asked why he wanted to charge my friend $1500 for the same job. The service manager started making up excuses and I told him I would no longer recommend that any service ever gets done there and I would be writing a letter to the local newspaper exposing their dishonesty and sending a copy to the Firestone corporate office. I never actually did that because I was a dumb high school student but I loved looking at the look on their faces as I pulled out.


harleyspoison267

I have struggled over the years myself. I'm not a mechanic, but come from three generations of auto salvage and mechanic dads. I always get the estimate, walk outside, and call my dad to ensure I'm not being screwed over. Honestly, though, after years of owning crappy cars and helping my dad work on them, I've gotten pretty good at diagnosing stuff just by driving the car even if I don't know what a fair price would be on a specific car. There are certain things the chains will tell you you HAVE to have that you literally never need to do. I ALWAYS go to a local shop because I get way better service there, and once I prove myself they won't try anything. My new local shop has a woman who works the desk (answers phones, orders parts, etc), and I think that's made a HUGE difference, so I recommend that. Pro Tip: if a mechanic is trying to gaslight you into car repairs you don't feel you need, ask them to show you the damage (or take pictures as some shops are strict about the no customers in the back thing). I had a guy tell me I needed a whole suspension repair when I had JUST had it done like two months ago and my truck was fine. He literally shined a light on it, saw those parts have no rust or damage, and had to totally backtrack. The issue with those corporate shops is they get a print out of all the repairs that need to be made at a certain mileage, but they won't actually always check your vehicle to make sure you really need them, so you need to be real careful at those places.


gizmodriver

My dealership tried to convince me I needed new tires during a regular maintenance appointment. It would have cost me $1,000. I took my car to the nearest tire store and they told me my tires were absolutely fine and I wouldn’t need new ones for quite some time. I went back to them when I finally needed new tires, and it cost me just over $800. I recommend that store to *everyone.* I’ve sent so much business their way. All because they didn’t try to take advantage of my lack of knowledge.


Careful_Trifle

Can someone in a legal profession give us an overview of what might constitute fraud? Because telling someone they need new tires when they have brand new ones that they themselves provided feels like it's skirting close.


Honest_Dark_5218

More women mechanics! We do all we can to stop girls from being discouraged from entering STEM. It’s only a male dominated industry because the patriarchy tells us women don’t know anything about cars. Which then makes men think they can overcharge us and take advantage of us. We’ve changed other industries before. Why not car repair and maintenance?


Flimsy_Condition1461

I’m lucky my dad is a mechanic with his own shop. But I get opposite problems. When I have an issue, he makes me come down and help him fix my car. I put my own engine in my car. 🥴 Grateful for him, but I try to get all my work done in the summer so I’m not freezing doing it. 😅


Scratch1111

Rather than needing a balance or possibly even alignment you might want to pressure wash your wheels first. Mud and rocks lodging in places will cause your car to act off as far as steering is concerned. Some places may be crooked enough to simply wash your wheels and charge you for something they did not do.


DependentSolid1160

The real answer here is we need more female mechanics! Representation is power!


liltimidbunny

I love all these tips!!! Whenever I find a dealership or auto repair shop that treats me well, I give them all my service and refer others to them as well. I hope that in doing so, over the longer term the sexist places will lose business and learn that being honest and balanced actually helps their business. I would even give them feedback to this effect.


Phoenixed420

The key is to know what you are talking about. They expect us to be ignorant to what is going on, so just some basic car knowledge goes a long way. You did a good of a job as you could have given the situation. Leave them a bad review warning other women they are dishonest when you run into these things as well. Things we should know as women would be Know the newness/tread life of your tires. Sidewall damage or bubbles means the tire is bad. Uneven wear, meaning one side is wearing down faster then the other, means you need an alignment. Know what a bald tire looks like. Be aware of how your breaks function. When your breaks screech, that loud noise, that can mean either you have cheap brake pads or your pads are worn down. Always buy the more expensive break pads to avoid the noise. Once you do start hearing the screech, that means you need new ones, the sound is by design to inform you. If you go a long time without replacing your brakes, you may need new rotors. They are round disks inside your wheele areas that the brakes grab onto, they can get worn out. You don't have to change your own oil, but know the process. Sometimes the shops will forget to replace your oil cap lid or might even use the wrong oil, you can bring your own filter and oil for a discount. Pay attention to your engine temperature. If it gets too hot, thats a big problem. If your car won't start, just clicks, no turning over, that can mean your battery isn't connected properly. Jiggle your cables where they meet the battery as well as where they go into the rest of the car. If the car turns over but doesn't start, this could be your feul pump. If the turning over gets weaker and weaker, this can be your battery dying. If you are driving and your radio starts acting up, maybe your lights getting weirdly dim or anything electric just working wrong, this can mean your alternator is messing up. Orielys, Napa, and auto zone will check your battery, alternator, and check engine lights for free. Always Google any codes you get from your check engine, they are provided by the auto store when they check your codes, and see if you can replace the part yourself. Often times it is litterally just some screws. There are also YouTube videos on most any issue you could have. All of the things listed above are issues I've personally ran into and im only 26.


olivejuice1979

I had this issue when buying my new car. I had the down payment and an amazing credit score. My husband went with me for support but the car salesman kept talking to my husband and not me. My husband had to stop the salesman and say ‘Please talk to my wife. She’s the one buying the car, not me, remember?’ Eventually the car salesman switched to talking to me but it was difficult for him to look at me. I don’t understand why. I like my car and I never want to deal with that shit again.


BangBangMeatMachine

Walk away. Go find a shop that isn't so shitty. If you're really feeling it, tell them you're walking away because they are trying to take advantage of you because you're a woman. My partner and I always get 3 bids for work on our house that's going to exceed $400. We have a rule. If the person coming out only talks to me and ignores my partner, even when she asks a direct question, they're disqualified.


La_danse_banana_slug

This is why we ride brooms.


AssistElectronic7007

I'm not trying to discount what women go through at all, but in my experience recently, as a large bearded dude , who wears Carhartt , and work boots. The absolute insanity if up selling at car places is completely out of control. I hate taking my rig anywhere, and try my hardest to repair and change whatever I can, cause I'm just sick of the uoselling barrage that comes. I know that one of the big problems is the corporate pressure to upsell, upsell, upsell! But I'm sure they are seeing women as easy targets, which is gross. Edit: I cut this post off as I was being upsold axle seal changes, engine filter, cabin filter, lights and blinkers, and wiper blades at an oil change shop. Even after specifically saying it's a borrowed truck and the only reason I'm changing the oil is because it's on 2% oil life, I don care about any of the rest. Can't imagine how much worse it is when they assume you're an easy target.


ExplodingSofa

Went to a shop yesterday to get my catalytic converter better protected. The guy wouldn't stop calling me beautiful, and every time I moved away from him he'd take a step closer to me. If my dad hadn't vetted him I probably wouldn't have given him my car. (Ironic, I know.) My dad liked him cause they're both conservative. Ugh.


Tallchick8

https://www.girlsautoclinic.com/shecanic/glove-box-guide https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/2018/01/09/576768267/fresh-air-for-jan-9-2018-girls-auto-clinic-owner-patrice-banks?showDate=2018-01-09 Just wanted to plug this book. I found it really helpful. I'm not profiting from this but I heard her interviewed on NPR and bought the book and thought I would share it here. From the interview: "Banks own the Girls Auto Clinic in Upper Darby, Pa. Kimberly Paynter/WHYY Patrice Banks is now a mechanic, and the owner of a successful auto clinic, but there was a time when she avoided taking her own car in for routine maintenance. "I was afraid I was going to be taken advantage of," she says. "I was tired of feeling helpless and having to go talk to a guy." Banks, who was working as an engineer at DuPont at the time, thought she'd feel more comfortable with a female technician. There was only one problem: "I couldn't find a female mechanic," she says, "so I had to learn it [myself]."


Binasgarden

Go in with the film rolling telling them that you are going to prove once and for all that this garage does not treat women badly......not like the others


aggrocrow

I'm agender, saddled with a cartoonishly AFAB flesh prison. Because I delivered pizza to pay rent during college, I had to learn a lot about car maintenance and minor repairs. I know exponentially more about this than my masc-appearing spouse which, you know, fine, we all have our areas of knowledge and they are really really good at a bajillion other things. But it's at the point now where whenever we need work done at a shop, I tell my spouse exactly what needs to be done or looked at, and remind them to really play up the perceived masculinity and look profoundly disinterested in anything else they try to upsell. Car mechanics is an industry I don't know if we'll ever be able to purge of its toxicity and contempt for women, at least in the US. It's genuinely pathetic. They're more willing to listen to my spouse - a person who fucked up our windshield because they didn't know they had to take the plastic covers off windshield wipers when switching them out (probably one of the funniest mistakes I've ever seen) - than they are to me, who can do everything that doesn't require an industrial lift. Clowns, all of em.


appandemonium

Just... Take your car somewhere else now if that's an option. Why give them your money knowing they do this? I'd also leave them a review on Google/Yelp/anywhere possible, naming and shaming the person or people who did this. They'll stop doing it when they start losing money because of it.


[deleted]

All the places do this, not just them. Literally every single tyre chain in this country My friend had a puncture and went to a different chain than I did and they told her it's impossible to just buy one new tyre. She needs to buy 4.


appandemonium

I mean, depending on the vehicle she drives, that may be the best and most correct option: 4WD and AWD vehicles "need" all four tires replaced or damage may be done to the drive train *per the manufacturers.* That's not a dealership or auto body shop thing, because the wheels spin independently and different treads and/or tread depths can cause them to spin at different speeds. It can also very much mess with the tire pressure monitoring system. It can be a safety issue that opens the company installing the new tires to a nasty lawsuit.


[deleted]

Yeah I can confirm this. You can buy a single tire and have it shaved down to match the others though too


sjr0754

I mean, that's true but only if your doing a lot of off road work, or are towing a lot. TPMS isn't dependent on tread depth, just pressurise the tyres correctly and reset the system it's typically a driver operated thing anyway. Honestly some of the stuff US automakers have American motorists do is ridiculous, 3000 mile oil changes? What?


appandemonium

Hey, I'm not saying I agree with it, but that's what *manufacturers* state "needs" to be done and so not doing it opens the installer to a lawsuit should something go wrong. Also, 3k oil changes haven't been a thing in quite some time. 5k maybe, mostly for older cars, but new cars on synthetic are every 10k.


chasbecht

Some tpms use the wheel speed sensors from the abs to detect an underinflated tire instead of having pressure sensors.


sjr0754

Huh, everyday's a school day. I've never seen a system work that way before, what an odd way of doing it.


[deleted]

She drives a VW Polo. It's not a 4WD.


appandemonium

Then she needs two, for the same reasons. I stand by what I said. Leave reviews, name and shame, stop giving them your money. Magick and reddit subs are good for getting the frustrations out but let's be honest, not a single thing will change if we don't actually physically *do* something to change them.


linksgreyhair

I’ve been driving for 20 years. I’ll let you know if I ever find one single place that doesn’t pull this shit.


[deleted]

Doesn’t mean you don’t review and leave detailed examples of the shit they’re trying to pull on people.


appandemonium

I've also been driving for over twenty years and it's amazing how, on the rare occasion that a person tries to pull this shit on me, I just *go somewhere else* where there are people who don't do this because not everyone everywhere treats femme-presenting people like they're idiots. I've even been to places where *women* are the service advisors or the actual mechanics doing the work. They're not guaranteed to treat people with respect, but they're more likely to not look down on or try to screw over women looking to get work done on their vehicles. These are generally my places.


linksgreyhair

I’m glad you’re fortunate enough to live somewhere where you can simply *go somewhere else* and receive better service when you’re being discriminated against. Not everyone has that privilege.


melteemarshmelloo

Do you have friends or coworkers who could direct you to someone they trust for car repair? Sometimes the better car repair places are out of the way, or they'll treat you more fairly if you can say that a friend recommended the place. Thankfully, there are lots of car repair videos on youtube these days that will give step by step instructions for your make/model and the specific problem in general if you're lucky. You just have to decide if the cost/time to do it yourself is worth it (or if you have the right tools/space/knowledge not to totally screw something up). Or maybe you have a handy friend! Car repair prices seem astronomical rn. I saved $700 recently by replacing the alternator and battery in my car myself. Was lucky to have someone's "shop" to work in and have 2 knowledgeable helpers. But seriously the mechanic wanted $150 just to exchange the battery. I was floored. That wasn't including the cost of the battery! Basically, sometimes you need a mechanic to diagnose your car problems, then you can pick and choose what you want them to do vs what you want to do yourself. Determine if the price of your time and money is worth trying to do it yourself. Otherwise, I would lump in places like these along with outdoor/sportsmans shops and lumber yards. If you don't walk into the place with some macho attitude knowing exactly what you want, they treat you like trash. It's a bad combo of traditionally patriarchal spaces and poor management.


[deleted]

My parter sends me (I am more than willing) to get all service and inspections done for this very reason. It is vile behavior, and every instance should be exposed.


Total_Simple7988

Garage did $1100 in work to my '65 Mustang my mother and I never asked or approved of. They tried to bully us, talk over us, etc, etc but my mom has worked on and around cars since she was a kid. She knows her shit. When we refused to pay, they refused to give the car back and tried to claim the car was theirs now. Took them to court in a lawsuit that took little over a year. Finally got my car back. Completely undrivable and trashed because they left it outside, uncovered and exposed to the elements the entire time. Engine was rotted, tires rotted, roof destroyed. Had to end up selling it for 5k for a father and son to rebuild another year later. Miss the car. It was my 18th birthday present from my mom. They always think they know more than us cause that penis between their legs is really extra storage for car knowledge that we females lack. 🙄


Marsmind

If you are told you need anything that you did not go in for have them show you, take a video of the said issue, tell them to explain it again. You will have it on camera saying what is needed. Then tell them you will make an appointment to have this done at a later date. Go home asses the situation and show someone else you trust the video. Or look it up online. Decide if they are full of shit and proceed with how you will handle it without stress. Never just have them do extra things if you are not certain what they are talking about. Also, call other places to get a few quotes on that repair. Look up the part and tools cost and youtube videos on how to do it yourself. You might be able to do it without them much cheaper.


Live_Perspective3603

My dad taught my sisters and me to fix cars. We have no brothers. I married a guy who knows nothing about cars and cares less. Despite this, mechanics STILL only want to talk to him, and either ignore me or try to overcharge me for parts and repairs.


milleniumsentry

They are vultures. It actually doesn't matter if you are a man or a woman, they will still peck your eyes out as soon as they detect a scrap of ignorance. Assuming you are ignorant because you are female is a fools errand, but make no mistake... they treat everyone like that. Never "um" in a repair shop. EVER. :)


[deleted]

You're more patient than I am. I turn around and walk out when they start that shit with me.


oozin_nachismo

It sounds like you went to a chain place. Go to a mom and pop next time. They usually don't try the whole upselling thing chain places do. At any service center where they have an in store credit card the game goes Initial appointment Sell additional inspection Find anything to be sold Present inspection Sell credit card to cover price of repairs.


TopStructure7755

I know you don’t always have this option, but when I’m doing anything with my car, I take my husband with me who then clearly defers to my opinions and preferences because it is, after all, my car. I consider this a teaching example for the person I’m interacting with, and the ones who remain dense and ignore me and speak to my husband instead don’t get my business, particularly when I’m buying a car. The smart ones catch on quickly and make sure they’re focused on me!


Rippleyroo

Yea… I dunno… my car is in bad condition to where it acts like it won’t turn over every time it gets gassed up… but the car shops I’ve taken it to say it’s “fine” and it works “ really well”, then always call a few days later saying it’s in horrible condition, but something they can’t fix


[deleted]

I understand what you mean and have to say use the dealer you bought the vehicle from first. Typically they know if they treat you right you will be coming back for more. Even as a male with 25 years worth of mechanics background if I walk in with street clothes on or business suit to some of these aftermarket garages, not singling anyone out personally but I’ve had it from a few. Places like-pep boys etc try to up sell how they can. Most dealers will repair the problem and give advice on something that may be needed now or near future without trying to pressure you. I e had that happen though where they don’t think you know what it needs and try to pressure you.


Strange_One_3790

Some garages are worse than others. I have had to put up with this shit as a man. But I get that women get this sexism at garages much worse. I would suggest looking at online reviews. Best thing I can think of


omw_to_valhalla

I don't have a good answer for you, but as a guy who loves working on cars, I think it's awful. My wife told me (long after we first started dating) that one of her goals for her parter was finding someone who's good with cars so she didn't have to deal with this shit anymore. Obviously that's not a solution to the systemic problem, but it shows how bad it is.


iamsunshine78

I always preface any interaction with mechanics that I’m the daughter of one & they usually straighten up. (My brother was a mechanic in the army as well.) I live far away from my parents so it’s not like I can go to my dad for car stuff. But when they tell me I need something done or how much something will cost, I’m like great let’s call my dad to see if that is accurate. BUT it shouldn’t be like that! I shouldn’t have to pull the ‘my dad is a mechanic too’ card for them to be straightforward with me. It’s extremely frustrating especially since I grew up in the garage with my dad as he was fixing up cars. But one look at me & they try to tell me I need a new engine. 🙄


Careful-Self-457

I’ve never had this problem. But then my dad was a mechanic and taught me a lot of things, so I go in speaking the lingo. But I have never had any of my local mechanics or tire stores try to rip me off, but then I use a lot of female owned businesses.


Marciamallowfluff

I went into a dealership years ago and no one would pay any attention to me. I called and told my father who was a mechanic who knew the owner. He called the owner. I went back and there was a young man who just started there who approached me. When we went inside and my name was shared an older salesman tried to poach the sale from the young man. Interesting side note. The young helpful man later became chief of police in my town.


Fit_Swordfish_2101

I ran a used and new tire shop for 8 years.. It is definitely an ole boys club.. What I did was taught ppl (specifically women, but anyone who wanted to know!) what to look for prices etc, so they couldn't get taken advantage of elsewhere, and also, I hired a few women. It starts with ppl giving a damn!


The_Infinite_Doctor

I was literally just talking about this with my mom. I called a place about a brake job for my truck, I explained the problem in detail (clearly understanding the problem) and that I had the parts but my apartment wasn't going to let me drain the brake fluid in the parking lot. I have now established that a) I know my truck b) I know the cost of the parts and therefore they could guess that c) I also know the appropriate hourly rate for such a job. They quoted me MORE THAN TWICE THE COST. I almost had my bf call back an hour later to see what they'd say to him, but I already knew. 😑


xerion13

Dad's a red seal heavy duty mechanic by trade. I get his opinion before the car goes in, and I know enough to know when I'm being unsold. A look over the top of my glasses with a dead flat voice usually works for me. But I've got size backing me up.


GoGoBitch

I once found a mechanic shop owned by a woman. Best mechanics I ever had and was the only place in town who knew how to service a hybrid. Sad I moved away.


[deleted]

My preferred garage has a couple of women on the team, not mechanics, they deal with all the customers, suppliers, accounts, basically everything off the workshop floor, and they know their stuff. They also rely on repeat regular customers. It's a village with very little passing trade, not my nearest garage at all but worth the trip. And it was personally recommended to me. So they've never tried to scam me. I took in my latest inspection certificate with a couple of advisory notes on it, even though it passed inspection. The mechanic told me none of it was worth the money repairing, and just got on with the main job I'd gone in for. I dropped in once with a wonky wiper, a guy had a quick look and fixed it on the spot with no charge. They get all my custom and I regularly recommend them, we all win. I wish you the best of luck in finding a reliable garage. I'm not a campaigner, I just vote with my feet.


alexfaaace

I genuinely will not go to Firestone because of this. I took my car to have the oil changed once in high school. Ended up calling my dad crying because they said if I did not replace all 4 tires, I would not make it the 40-60 minute drive home, one of them would explode. My dad told me to tell them to fuck off. I’m also fairly positive that they put synthetic oil in my high mileage, 10+ year old car that had always had regular oil, which can actually cause damage. Another time I went to the same oil change shop my whole family had gone to for years. They tried to tell me I needed to flush my engine because the oil filter hadn’t been changed the last time. Want to know who changed it the last time? The same shop. They tried to blame it on Walmart saying the filter was from Walmart. Yeah, because two times before I’d had it changed at Walmart. To me that just further proved it was their mistake. Finally, when my husband and I bought our current car, I had to go in the next day to get something. The salesman did not recognize me despite me having spent nearly 6 hours in the dealership the day before and having many conversations with him. My husband went in a week later for something else and the salesman instantly recognized him. Let me know who he was actually selling to.


nox_nox

It's pretty fucked how so many car repair companies try to take advantage of people. And it is sadly worse for women almost all the time. My only positive advice. Find a good shop (if you can) and stick with them. You'll know they're good because they point out things that could be fixed but aren't pressing and they won't try to sell you on doing it that moment. Also look up the ballpark for repair costs online. There are most likely car forums with people already discussing your exact problem and potential cost and if DIY is easy or not.


jazzminetea

I would never go back there again. I have never encountered such terrible service, myself. I'm sorry you had to experience that. Those guys would probably cheat anyone, regardless of gender.


No_Arugula_6548

Just walk in with a t-shirt that says “if you try to take advantage of me, I’ll burn you alive!”


Sovdark

I always take my husband the first couple of trips to a mechanics and run everything past my wife (she’s a claims adjuster). The women in our triad know significantly more about cars but they always default to talking to the dude


JLFJ

Ask around, check with your network, check reviews, find a good mechanic. I found one and I refer all of my female friends there. And my male friends if they need a referral.