Car Repair Made Easier: Seek out a Reputable Shop

When that unfamiliar sound starts emanating from your vehicle and you know there is definitely a problem, what do you do? You hate to take it right to the car repair shop because you always feel like they are taking you for a ride. Here are a few tips to making sure you are dealt with in an ethical manner the next time your vehicle is sick.

Ideally, you should scope out or pre-shop for a mechanic before problems arise. Knowing where you will go when the inevitable happens is a security blanket of sorts. No two shops are alike, and mechanics do have reputations. Ask around and check with your friends, family and neighbors to see if they have someone to recommend. Sometimes the best person for the job is right in your neighborhood and sometimes you have to make a drive, but it might be worth it for quality service.

Eventually, everybody's car needs service of some sort. When the occasion arises, spend a few minutes educating yourself about potential problems (if you can). While at the car repair shop, ask for an explanation of what happened and how the vehicle can be fixed. Take a moment and call a trusted, car-savvy friend and ask for their opinion on what is being told to you at the shop.

Before work is performed on your vehicle, the car repair shop should write up an estimate for you. The estimate should detail the work that needs to be done and how much it should cost you. Nothing should be done without your authorization.

When the work is completed, the final bill should be within 10% of the estimate you were given. If it is higher, ask for an explanation and contest the additional cost since you did not authorize that additional expense. Also, the final bill should list exactly what was repaired and the cost for all parts and service. Be sure to review it carefully.

Occasionally there are car repair shops that do not act ethically in all situations. Those working on your vehicle as well as the office personnel (if they exist) should be looking out for your best interests. If you feel like someone is trying to sell you something or take advantage of you, it is best to go elsewhere for your repair. You need to be able to trust the person working on your car.

If you have trouble negotiating with the car repair shop, and you feel like there are ethical violations, you can take matters into your own hands. Do not hesitate to file a complaint with local authorities or the consumer protection department of your local government. Businesses that take advantage of their customers are not looking to better the community or provide a worthy service to those who seek them.

While car repairs can be frustrating, dealing with an ethical mechanic can be a refreshing and pleasant experience. If you do find a mechanic that you like and who works well with you, be sure to pass his information along to your friends. A ringing endorsement is the best advertisement, after all.