Girl Dressed Up to Take Car to the Shop
A recent TikTok video by Taylor (@bright.eyesss) caught attention when she disguised herself as a man, complete with a fake beard and a backward baseball cap, before visiting a mechanic. In her video, she expressed that she felt it was necessary to dress like this to avoid being taken advantage of as a woman at an auto shop. She’s not alone in her feelings. Many women have similar concerns about going to mechanics and being scammed or overcharged for work on their cars.
Although there isn’t solid evidence showing that women are routinely scammed at auto shops, some studies and personal stories point to a real issue. In a 2022 Reddit post, someone mentioned overhearing mechanics bragging about ripping off women, suggesting opportunism rather than outright sexism plays a role. Some automotive bloggers and experts have compiled lists of common lies mechanics might tell women, such as saying a part needs replacing when it doesn’t or charging higher prices.
A deep dive by The Atlantic also revealed women, particularly those who seem less informed about cars, often receive higher estimates for repairs than men for similar issues. This isn’t necessarily because of sexism; researchers identified it as "statistical discrimination," meaning shops might assume women know less about cars. So, if you seem uninformed, that can make you a target for being overcharged.
Interestingly, the same research showed that women who confidently ask for discounts were more successful in obtaining them compared to men. This emphasizes the importance of being prepared and assertive when dealing with mechanics.
To avoid getting scammed like Taylor feared, here are some tips:
- Ask to See the Problem: If the mechanic can’t show you what’s wrong, they might be bluffing.
- Be Specific About Issues: Describing the problem in detail signals you’re informed and not an easy target.
- Do Your Homework: Research common issues for your specific car model and know the average costs for repairs.
- Get a Second Opinion: Don’t settle for just one quote; getting multiple opinions can help you gauge what a fair price is.
- Choose Certified Shops: Mechanics certified by the National Institute for Auto Service Excellence or those your insurance recommends are often more reliable.
While Taylor’s creative disguise might have been a humorous way to tackle her fears, you don’t need a fake beard to protect yourself. A bit of research and confidence can go a long way in ensuring you’re treated fairly at the mechanic.
While many people found Taylor’s outfit amusing and even applauded her dedication to the bit, ultimately, knowledge and assertiveness are the best tools anyone can carry into the auto shop.
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