by Rich Briggs

Created on: June 23, 2008   Last Updated: June 24, 2008

As we continue to feel the pinch at the gas pump and as fewer and fewer of us are lining up to buy new cars and trucks, most of us are choosing to hang onto our older vehicles to avoid a monthly payment. The large auto manufacturers are scaling back production of large trucks and SUVs because of the gas mileage and a soft market. Many people are even avoiding large ticket repairs and going without. Some of the basics that people are still continuing to do are oil changes, tire rotations, tire alignments, brake jobs, and other small repairs. The question is, where are they going for those repairs?

I was taught by my father years ago to find someone you know who does auto repair work, someone you can trust, and give that person your business. I later found out why he gave me that advice. Without naming any majors chains, the big box auto repair stores that many people frequent are in the habit of telling you about unnecessary repairs they tell you need to be made. You take your automobile in for servicing and the techs come back with a laundry list of recommended repairs for your vehicle. In some instances, it is the manufacturer's recommended repairs based on mileage. But, what I also know is that the more money they make for the store, the more money they make for the corporate company. This is why these stores exist.

It doesn't really matter your gender or your age, although most older people tend to be targeted because they tend to be trusting. The staff of these stores take advantage of this trust and force these older folks to have, and pay for, repairs made on their vehicles that are not necessary. This is where the ability to say no comes into play. Someone in the family should accompany these older folks and let these stores know that only the repair that was authorized is to be made and that's it.

Of course, men and women fall prey to this tactic nearly everyday. You take your vehicle in for a tire rotation, alignment, or oil change, and they tell you that thousands of dollars in repairs are needed. This is nonsense and you have the power and the ability to tell these people that they are to finish the work they are doing, get the vehicle out of the repair bay, give you the bill, pay it, and you drive off.

But, there is another step that can be taken that is much less painful and can also give you, especially senior citizens, peace of mind. In nearly every town, there is a local mechanic who has been in business for many years. Almost everyone knows the

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