No Warranty on Repairs? Beware of Scams! Veteran Mechanic Reveals 10 Red Flags

Fadi Atiq, a Tampa, Florida-based technician with 20 years of experience, shared on TikTok ten "red flags" car owners should watch out for when choosing an auto repair shop—the most critical being: **no warranty is a major warning sign**. He explained that reputable shops typically offer at least a 3-year or 36,000-mile warranty; if a shop offers no warranty at all, it likely lacks confidence in its own work quality. Atiq emphasized, “If you see one red flag, be cautious; if you see two, walk away immediately.” He also warned that if multiple negative reviews repeatedly mention “poor customer service,” “overcharging,” or “unnecessary repairs,” it’s definitely not a coincidence. Atiq advises car owners to compare quotes from several shops and prioritize those with strong reviews and clear warranty policies. Many commenters shared experiences of being overcharged due to limited automotive knowledge—particularly women, who said they were more vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Experts urge: When choosing a repair shop, don’t focus solely on price—warranty coverage and reputation are what truly matter.