Car Repair
Get the facts on automotive repair
Car repair is a part of life on the road. Over time, even the most meticulously maintained vehicle will require at least minor maintenance and repairs. If you're unlucky enough to get into an accident, your car or truck will likely be destined for an extended stay at an auto body repair shop or mechanic's garage.
Auto repair can be a bit of a gamble, since car repair estimates for the same work can vary drastically from one garage to the next. All drivers need to learn how to get the best value for their money when it comes to choosing automotive repair services.
Selecting an Automotive Repair Service
In the world of auto repair, it's easy to pay more or get less than you bargained for. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you select a reputable mechanic you can trust:
- Get recommendations. Find out if family and friends are loyal to a particular business or mechanic. If you know someone who works in the automotive industry, ask their opinion. They may even know a professional mechanic who does private jobs on the side, which could save you a lot of money on a minor repair.
- Consider your options. Going to a dealership isn't always the best choice. While dealers do specialize in repairing cars made by the manufacturers they cover, they also sometimes charge inflated prices for parts and labor.
- Call around. Inquire about labor rates and the prices of the parts you'll need. If a certain garage is too busy to handle your query by phone, look elsewhere.
- Do a background check. Ensure all auto mechanics working at a given garage have current licenses and certifications. Before committing to a particular repair shop, call the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any active complaints on file against the garage. If there are more than one or two, you should strongly consider taking your car somewhere else.
Auto Repair Red Flags to Watch Out for
There are a few common tricks unscrupulous garages use to milk extra money out of their customers. Here are things you should watch for:
- Padded estimates. Question any "small parts charges" or double charges. For example, if you need your water pump replaced, you shouldn't be separately charged for things like pump gaskets – they're part of the complete pump you're already paying for.
- Inconclusive labor costs. Labor is the most expensive part of car repair – many garages charge north of $100 an hour. Once the problem is diagnosed, an experienced garage should have a good idea how much work is involved for jobs like car window repair or transmission repair. Your estimate should include a definitive, fixed labor cost, to avoid a final bill that is hundreds of dollars more than you expected.
- Work you didn't order. Another surprise you might receive on your bill is a charge for work you didn't authorize. Before you agree to have repair work done, write on the estimate a maximum dollar amount you are willing to pay and the exact work you want performed. Initial it and get the mechanic or an authority at the garage to sign off on it before repair work begins.
