3 Steps to Fearless Brake Repair

If you're a woman in need of brake repair (or any kind of car repair, for that matter!), you may feel fearful or intimidated by the "grease monkeys" at your local garage and the repairs they'll be performing. Even mechanically inclined guys who aren't mechanics by profession may find even simple repairs daunting, with the computerized, high-tech vehicles of today. Whatever the reason for your apprehension, there are a few steps you can take to make sure you don't get ripped off.

First, you need to arm yourself with information. We've all heard the adage "knowledge is power," and it at least helps you feel less powerless—and, as a result, less fearful. If you make an effort to know a little bit about your vehicle and can at least talk intelligently on the topic, you'll have the confidence you need to come across a little less vulnerable. You don't need to go to mechanic school, but you should look up the potential problems and related repairs that could be needed. Then, call around to find out reasonable rates for addressing those issues. These minutes of research can end up saving you a lot of money, never mind alleviating your fears.

Second, you need to face your fears and feign confidence, if you have to; after all, most people can't tell the difference. Even if you aren't comfortable with car parts, greasy hands, or mostly male workplaces, try your best to pretend like you're in your element. It won't hurt to look the part at least a little bit, as well. Wearing jeans and a T-shirt or sweat shirt instead of a skirt or dress will help. A baseball cap instead of an up-do wouldn't hurt, either. Right, wrong, or otherwise unfair, the better you look, the less likely you are to be taken seriously at the shop where you go for brake repair. In this situation, dressing to impress means dressing down, not up.

Third, realize that if you feel like you're being taken for a ride or charged an unfair amount, you are free to leave or refuse service. By calling a friend or another shop, you may find out that the original prognosis and prescription made sense, but that doesn't mean getting a second opinion regarding brake repair was in vain. If the mechanics even briefly considered overcharging you, you can rest assured that they'll be even less likely to try it, next time you come in.

By taking those three steps, you'll be able to get brake repair work done fearlessly and even confidently.