Am I Being Taken for a Ride? How to Tell if Your Mechanic Is Scamming You

Ever left an auto shop wondering if you actually needed all that work—or were you just being taken for a ride? It’s a question that pops up for every car owner eventually.

That exact worry was shared by Reddit user Boat_Liberalism when they asked r/MechanicAdvice if they were being scammed after their shop insisted on all-new pads and rotors—even though everything seemed fine. Let’s break down what’s going on here so you can spot the difference between real repairs and unnecessary upsells.

Why Mechanics Push For New Pads and Rotors

First off, let’s talk about why “all new pads and rotors” is such a popular recommendation. Brakes are crucial for safety—no argument there. But shops often suggest replacing everything at once because:

• It’s easier (and more profitable) to do all four corners in one go.
• Some shops use it as insurance against comebacks or complaints.
• It avoids mixing old and new parts, which sometimes can cause uneven wear.
• Rusty rotors *look* worse than they often are.
• Not all techs take the time to measure pad thickness or rotor runout—they just follow policy.

But does that mean you need everything replaced now? Not always.

How To Check If You’re Really Being Taken For A Ride

Feeling “taken for a ride” usually comes down to trust—and knowledge. Here’s how you can check if this recommendation is legit:

• Pad Thickness: Most pads should be replaced at around 3mm thickness or less. If yours look chunky—say 6mm or more—you’ve got time.
• Rotor Condition: A slight lip on the edge is normal. Deep grooves or cracks are not. Surface rust often clears up after a good drive.
• Noises: Squealing or grinding means trouble; silence usually means things are okay.
• Pulsation: If braking feels smooth (no steering wheel shake), your rotors likely aren’t warped.
• Inspection Report: Ask the shop to show you the measurements of the pads and rotors—good shops will happily oblige.

So if your brakes feel fine and look decent—like Boat_Liberalism described—you don’t necessarily need everything swapped out right now.

The Line Between Safe Advice And Upselling

Here’s where things get tricky. Some shops genuinely want to keep you safe; others see dollar signs in routine maintenance.

I’ve seen both sides over years of wrenching and writing about cars. Once, I brought my own older sedan into a chain store just to see what would happen. Sure enough, they tried to sell me new brakes front AND rear—despite my nearly-new hardware! When I asked them to show me the wear indicators on my pads in person, suddenly it wasn’t so urgent anymore.

The lesson? Shops sometimes push extra services as “preventative” when it’s really just padding their bottom line.

How To Handle This Situation Like A Pro

If you’re worried about being taken for a ride by your mechanic:

• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to request proof or see old parts before committing.
• Get A Second Opinion: Another shop (or even a friend) can check things over quickly.
• Look For Transparency: Trustworthy mechanics will explain their reasoning—and back it up with numbers or photos.
• Don’t Rush: Unless it’s an obvious safety issue (like metal-on-metal grinding), take some time before approving big jobs.

Most importantly—trust your gut! You know your car better than anyone else.

A Real-World Anecdote

A friend of mine once got quoted almost $1,200 for “urgent brake work.” He called me in a panic; we popped off his wheels in his driveway. Sure enough—pads had plenty of meat left and no scoring on the rotors. He ended up driving safely another year before needing any real work done.

That peace of mind came from simply asking questions and double-checking before signing off on repairs.

The Bottom Line: Are You Being Taken For A Ride?

If your mechanic says you need all new pads and rotors but nothing feels wrong—and there’s no proof—it pays to pause before handing over your keys (and wallet). Most importantly: always ask for details in writing or photos so you can make an informed choice.

What about you—have you ever felt pressured into unnecessary repairs at an auto shop? Share your story below!