During the 15 years I worked as a mechanic, I worked in several different kinds of shops. Not all of them are trustworthy. When you drop your car off at the shop (especially if it’s a nicer vehicle), some dishonest mechanics might take advantage of the situation. They might take your car to run a few errands or, even worse, take it on a little joyride around the block several times. Many shops have been caught using customer vehicles to pick up lunch, parts, or just run personal errands. That said, here are eight ways you can tell if the repair shop used your car before returning it to you.
1. You Notice More Miles on the Odometer Than Expected
One of the easiest giveaways is added mileage that doesn’t align with the work done. If you took your car in for a simple brake job or oil change, it shouldn’t come back with 20 or 30 extra miles. Some shops might claim they did a “test drive,” but that usually requires no more than a few blocks. Anything more could be a sign your car was taken for an unauthorized spin. Always jot down your mileage before handing over your keys—just in case.
2. The Gas Tank Is Lower Than Before
It might seem minor, but a dip in fuel level is another clear red flag. Mechanics shouldn’t be burning your gas unless they’re genuinely road testing the vehicle. If you notice the needle moved significantly, your car likely did more than circle the block. Combined with mileage, a lower fuel tank can support your suspicion of a repair shop’s car misuse. This is especially suspicious if the repair didn’t involve any driving diagnostics at all.
3. Personal Settings Have Changed
Many modern vehicles remember settings like seat position, mirror angles, or even Bluetooth connections. If you find your seat pushed all the way back, radio stations changed, or unfamiliar devices paired to your stereo, something’s off. These clues are subtle but tell a story—someone else drove your car and made themselves comfortable. If you’re the only one who usually drives the vehicle, this evidence is hard to dismiss.
4. Dirt, Trash, or Smells That Weren’t There Before
Check your cabin carefully when you pick up your car. New fast-food wrappers, cigarette smells, or shoe dirt that wasn’t there before can suggest someone used the vehicle improperly. You know what your car looks and smells like—trust your instincts if something feels off. Repair professionals should treat your vehicle with respect, not like a temporary rental. Any new mess may be more than just a careless mechanic—it could be proof of a repair shop’s car misuse.
5. GPS History or Dashcam Footage Tells the Truth
If your vehicle has built-in navigation or if you use a dashcam, check the history. Some dashcams log routes or have motion-triggered recordings even when parked. GPS systems may show destinations that have nothing to do with the repair shop or your normal routes. Some car owners have caught mechanics going to fast-food joints or even taking cars home overnight. It may sound extreme, but your car’s tech may be your best witness.
6. Tire Wear Patterns Suddenly Shift
While this one is harder to spot, it’s worth noting if your car suddenly pulls to one side or the tires show uneven wear after a shop visit. Aggressive or careless driving can accelerate tire wear or even throw your alignment off. If your steering feels different or you’re noticing vibration where there was none, don’t ignore it. Any new mechanical issue could be a result of the repair shop’s car misuse behind your back.
7. Your Dash Shows Unfamiliar Alerts or Trip Data
Many vehicles log average speed, fuel economy, or trip time, even after being turned off. If your dash says the car recently hit high speeds, drove for long durations, or averaged 12 mpg when it usually gets 25, pay attention. These are measurable clues that someone went joyriding or drove in ways they shouldn’t have. It’s data you can point to if you confront the shop or escalate the issue.
8. The Shop Avoids Questions or Acts Defensive
When something feels off and you ask questions, a legitimate repair shop should calmly explain what was done. If instead they dodge answers, get defensive, or say things like “we test drive everything” without specifics, consider it a red flag. Transparency should be part of good customer service. Evasive behavior often masks wrongdoing, especially if the evidence points toward car misuse.
Your Car, Your Rules—Don’t Let Shops Cross the Line
No one wants to drop their car off at a repair shop just to discover that there aren’t trustworthy people working there. You don’t want to find out that your vehicle was taken advantage of to do the shop’s lunch run that day. A good shop will always ask permission for test drives or let you know that a test drive is needed before it’s done. Communication is key to trust in these types of working relationships. Knowing these eight signs can help you call out bad practices when they are happening (and possibly help you decide when to take your business elsewhere).
Have you ever suspected a mechanic used your car for errands? Share your story in the comments—let’s hold repair shops accountable together.
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