Mechanic warns drivers over 'common scam' garages use 'to try and con you'

A top mechanic has warned petrol and diesel motorists are at risk of being “scammed” by dodgy garages. Scotty Kilmer, a viral YouTube star and content creator, warned garages may try and swindle motorists to splash out for parts they don’t need.

Scotty said: “Today I'm going to show you a common scam that mechanics can do to try and sell you stuff. These are spark plug wires. They have to be in order but a mechanic, they can take them out and switch them over.

“To you it might look okay but look what it does to the engine. It'll make it misfire. So if you suspect that, get your phone, ‘firing line 19964 Celica’, and there it is. You can see those two spark plug wires are switched so put them back. Knowledge is power.”

READ MORE Martin Lewis addresses university tuition fee hike and says 'to be really clear'

One viewer fumed in the comments: "Crooked dealer did this to my parents in the '60s... told them their Corvair was worth nothing for trade. Dad figured it out right away, switched them back, and drove away." A second said: "In the 80's, a few crazy kids used to open the classic hoods and switch wires on our buddies V8 cars. After a while, you remember where the wires go! Scotty, love the excitement today."

"We must thank this man, for all the good things he advice to people like me. A lot of mechanics take advantage of customers," another typed. And another typed: "I saw this happen to a friend's Rx 7 from his sales lot. I think someone was trying to get the car for a much cheaper price.

"But I came along and noticed two of wires seem oddly out of place length wise. And that was the problem. (Allowing people to test drive alone)" Another said: "I needed a warranty replacement for a drive axle.The dealer tried to screw me around for 8 visits.

"I knew the difference I finally got angry enough to insist on the supposed technician to go for a ride. Now I have a recall. I chose to take my car to another dealership at 2 ferry rides and 30 miles each way to wait half a day to avoid the original dealer.

"If someone feels like screwing who knows what they are going to tamper with? Not worth it!"