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How many black “black†hands are after auto repair?
In recent years, the auto repair industry in Shanghai has seen a surge in unscrupulous practices. With 5,181 registered repair businesses and a turnover of 1.468 billion yuan, the sector is booming—but so are complaints. In the first half of this year alone, the number of complaints exceeded those from the entire previous year. To investigate, a reporter from "Oriental TV Wide Angle" collaborated with the Shanghai Automobile Maintenance Management Office for an undercover visit to the local auto repair market.
The test involved a nearly 10-year-old Peugeot that had been checked by a professional technician and found to be in perfect condition. A minor issue was then created: the temperature control switch wiring was removed, making the air conditioning inoperable. The plan was to see how repair shops would respond.
At Ruihao Limousine Repair Shop No. 1885 on Caobao Road, the technician quickly identified the problem and claimed the temperature control switch was broken. He said there were no spare parts in stock and that it would take time to retrieve one. After a total of an hour and a half, the customer was charged 150 yuan—65 yuan for labor and 85 yuan for the part. However, when the car was later tested at a Volkswagen 4S store, the replaced switch was found to be functional. According to the general manager, the same issue could have been fixed in under 30 minutes, costing just 16 yuan at the 4S center. The discrepancy was more than 10 times.
When the reporter returned with law enforcement, the shop owner dismissed the complaint, claiming he had never seen a customer complain over 100 yuan. He even suggested that such charges were not “hacking.†This raised concerns about how many customers had unknowingly paid for unnecessary repairs over the years.
Another test was conducted at Xingde Senior Service Center, where the technician quickly fixed the wiring but also added Freon and replaced a relay, claiming it was aged and potentially dangerous. The total cost was 200 yuan, including 80 yuan for the relay. When asked if they could offer a discount without an invoice, the price dropped to 180 yuan. But according to the 4S store, the relay should have cost only 11.09 yuan, while the shop had purchased it for 64 yuan. That’s a difference of over five times. Plus, charging without issuing a receipt is illegal.
Back at the Shanghai Automotive Maintenance Management Office, the shop owner admitted his mistake and promised to improve. Yet, the question remains: why do these scams persist?
Many car owners choose 4S centers during warranty periods, but once the warranty expires, they often turn to cheaper independent shops. The main reason? Price. Parts and labor at 4S centers are significantly more expensive. As one Jetta owner explained, “If it's a small issue, I’d rather go to a small shop. It’s cheaper and doesn’t affect safety.â€
This trend has created a dual market: 4S shops cater to those who prioritize quality and trust, while independent shops attract budget-conscious consumers. However, the lack of regulation and transparency in the latter makes them vulnerable to exploitation.
According to Liu Zheng, head of the auto repair management department, the challenge lies in enforcement. With over 5,000 shops and limited resources, it’s nearly impossible to monitor each one effectively. Additionally, legal frameworks remain incomplete, making it difficult to penalize violations.
To protect themselves, experts recommend:
1. Ask a friend or knowledgeable person before taking your car in for repairs.
2. Understand basic repair regulations, like testing fees and pricing structures.
3. If a shop suggests a repair beyond what you discussed, consider refusing it.
4. Keep a record of complaint numbers and use them if needed.
Ultimately, the auto repair industry needs better oversight, clearer laws, and greater consumer awareness to prevent these “black hands†from continuing their deceptive practices.