Residents are being alerted by the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection about expensive and inefficient transmission repairs at certain local businesses, where customers are shelling out thousands of dollars for repairs that could worsen the condition of their cars. To prevent needless costs, officials advise customers to get second opinions, ask questions, and think about rebuilding the entire gearbox rather than just fixing parts of it.
According to the press release: Following concerns regarding nearby transmission repair companies, the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is issuing a caution to the public. After spending hundreds of dollars on repairs, some drivers are left with cars that require further maintenance and even more expensive adjustments.
Even while each repair might seem reasonable, if the check engine light keeps coming on, the expenses can mount up. A trustworthy business should take into account the vehicle’s mileage, the age of the parts, the amount that has to be disassembled or replaced, and the overall cost of the repair when assessing a vehicle’s transmission.
A repair shop recently received a complaint about a car that was almost 20 years old and had 200,000 miles on it, but just one gearbox component had been replaced. The car was worth less than the cost of the repairs. Such a costly fix, which ultimately led to more part failures, more repairs, and the car being unusable, would not have been suggested by a respectable shop.
With more than 17 years of experience, OCP’s automotive investigator, David Elswick, is a triple master technician qualified by ASE. He currently assists customers in resolving repair, dishonest business, and auto fraud issues. To make sure they fulfill industry requirements for professionalism and skill, automotive experts are certified by ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
Repairing a transmission one component at a time may seem rational, but it’s not necessarily the wisest course of action, according to Elswick. Although a complete rebuild might cost more up front, it could ultimately save you thousands of dollars, time, and stress.
Additionally, he exhorts drivers to inquire before authorizing significant repairs.
He said that many of the hundreds of elements inside a transmission are probably wearing out at the same rate when it begins to fail. Find out if a complete rebuild is the better course of action. Never be scared to seek a second opinion, and make sure the store explains their actions and their reasoning.
Advice for customers:
- Ask if a full transmission rebuild is better than fixing one part at a time.
- Always request a written estimate and a clear explanation of the problem.
- Do not be pressured into fast decisions. Get a second opinion if you are unsure.
- Be wary of vague answers from a repair technician such as, there are several potential issues. Always ask more questions to understand the problem better and find the right solution.
The Office of Consumer Protection may be found in Rockville at 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 3600. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., is when you can walk in. Visit the OCP website or give 240-777-3636 a call for additional information or to submit a consumer complaint.
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