[Daily Knowledge] The 5 most common repair scams encountered by Hong Kong car owners!
The 5 most common repair scams Hong Kong car owners encounter
My personal experience + a complete guide to preventing ambush
Hello everyone, I'm your editor! After years of driving, my biggest fear isn't crashing, but running into a rogue repair shop! Hong Kong's auto repair market is a mixed bag, and many car owners have experienced being "scammed out of their wits," ranging from thousands of dollars to complete car damage. Today, based on my own personal experiences with car enthusiasts, I'll expose five common repair scams . I'll break down each one, detailing how they work, how to fall for them, and most importantly, some tips on how to prevent them . So, you can be a discerning car owner every time you go for repairs and maintenance!
Scam 1: "Small problems become big repairs" - infinite magnification method
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The most common repair trap! You might just be changing a light bulb or oil, but then they "discover" a ton of new problems.
Some unscrupulous garages will say things like, "Your engine oil is so dirty, it's like sand has fallen into it, you need to clean the engine!", "The belt is cracked, it will explode if you don't change it!", "The air conditioner has a strange smell, you need to take it apart and clean it!"
It could clearly be done for $500, but the final quote was $3,000-$5,000.
My personal experience
Once, when I went to get my engine oil changed, the garage technician suddenly announced oil leakage and recommended an engine clean and seal replacement. I'd likely believed it, but when I asked a more experienced technician, he explained it was just normal aging and didn't require an immediate overhaul.
Hiccup prevention tips
- Stick to the agreed projects and don't add extra costs on the spot.
- Request photos/physical evidence : Ask to see the "broken parts" and the on-site situation, don't just take the other party's words.
- Get a second opinion from a garage , especially for large projects.
- Take note of the repair quote and don't agree verbally.
Scam 2: "Old parts as new" - Parts substitution
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The technicians charge full price for new parts, but in fact they use old parts, refurbished parts, or even no replacement. The most common replacements are batteries, spark plugs, oil filters, belts and other consumables.
Some will even "polish" the old parts and put them back into the car, and even say they have replaced them for you.
My personal experience
A friend once went to replace his light bulb. He received the money for the new one, but when he took it out the same day to take a look, the light bulb was still the same brand from a few years ago.
Many people don’t know how to read part numbers/production dates, so they get fooled.
Hiccup prevention tips
- Request to see the old and new parts : After the work is completed, the old parts must be returned and it is best to take a low-profile photo.
- Buy parts online yourself (bring them to the factory) : Find a trustworthy parts supplier to reduce the risk of parts being swapped.
- Pay attention to the packaging, labels, and production date . New parts must have clear markings.
- Remember: expensive does not necessarily mean new!
Scam 3: Excessive hourly pay – unlimited overtime
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To fix a simple problem, they'd say they'd have to dismantle a lot of things, and the labor charges were ridiculously high. For example, replacing a belt would normally take an hour, but the unscrupulous technician would say they'd have to dismantle half the car and charge you 3-4 hours of labor.
Some even claimed to have "discovered" new problems, such as locking water pipes and removing car doors, in order to earn more labor fees.
My personal experience
I once replaced my windshield wiper motor. It normally takes half an hour, but the garage quoted me $1,200 for labor, which involved disassembling the engine compartment. After asking a professional, they told me it wasn't that complicated, and $300 was a reasonable price.
Hiccup prevention tips
- Before starting work, clearly state the labor time quotation and do not add extra money at the last minute.
- Ask about the prices of several houses and cars ; be sure to compare for large projects.
- Ask the price in the car owner group and you will know the price immediately.
Scam 4: "Fake Original Parts" - Counterfeit Accessories Law
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While some claim to use "genuine" or OEM parts, they're actually using knockoffs or even low-quality Taobao goods. The worst offenders are critical safety components like brake pads, shock absorbers, and batteries. Car owners are often blinded and unaware of the damage.
My personal experience
A friend replaced his shock absorbers, claiming they were a German brand and paying a high price. Only to find out they broke after a few months. He called an expert and found they were fake, even the packaging!
Hiccup prevention tips
- Ask to see the original packaging/invoice/number , and check the brand authenticity immediately if in doubt.
- Buy parts from reputable repair shops that have a reputable brand .
- Check the prices of parts online yourself , and be careful if they are too cheap or too expensive.
- Don't skimp on high-risk accessories (brakes, shock absorbers), even if they are more expensive.
Scam 5: "Repairing watches only" – superficial work
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The surface is cleaned up, but the actual problem is not addressed. Common problems include air conditioning, engine noise, brake noise, etc. The repairman only cleans and lubricates the car, but does not solve the problem. After a few days, the problem reappears.
My personal experience
My car's air conditioner didn't freeze, so I simply added refrigerant and wiped the condenser dry in the garage, thinking it was done. A month later, it stopped freezing again. A careful inspection revealed a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner's compressor. A quick fix would have saved me two labor costs.
Hiccup prevention tips
- Insist on asking clearly about the "cause" and "treatment method" , and don't just listen to "it's done".
- Ask if there is any warranty period/follow-up service .
- Serious problems (such as air conditioning failure or unusual engine noises) require an expert inspection ; don't be too greedy.
Additional Scam Bonus:
6. Fake mechanics/mobile repair vehicles
- Some street-side mobile repair vehicles claim to be "experts," but in reality they are unlicensed and charge exorbitant fees.
- There are even counterfeit brands and fake car factory certified technicians who disappear after collecting the money.
Editor's suggestion :
- Only use repair shops with official premises, licenses and company registration numbers.
- It is best to ask for recommendations from car friends and online car owner groups.
Summary of the editor's comprehensive guide to preventing hiccups
- Don’t be afraid of comparing prices : ask around before buying, as monopoly is the easiest way to get rejected.
- Request a transparent quotation : material cost + labor cost listed separately.
- Pay more attention to sharing in car owner groups/forums : information on the latest scams/black shops circulates quickly.
- Collect information yourself : YouTube/online tutorials, you need to know the basics.
- Build a "own" repair network : Find a trustworthy repairman and don't change shops casually.
- Take photos/record any suspicious situations to protect your rights.
My sincere words:
The quality of garages in Hong Kong varies widely. While most mechanics are good people, there are always a few unscrupulous ones. Be a discreet owner, don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't be afraid of being harassed. And you won't be afraid of being ripped off! After every repair, remember to return the old parts, check the receipt, and ask the mechanic about the warranty period.
If you really suspect you have been scammed, remember to report it to the Consumer Council/Transport Department/Police to protect yourself and other car owners!
