How Drivers Can Prepare For Auto Repair

If you own a car, odds are you've made some auto repair mistakes. If you don't keep track of repairs, talk with your mechanic, or get multiple job estimates, you might be bleeding money. A little bit of preparation and knowledge can help ensure you don't get conned, and you also will feel less intimidated when bringing your car in.

One thing that many car owners fail to do is keep their previous auto repair documents organized and handy. Before you bring your car in to be serviced or fixed, you should review the past few years of paperwork so you have all recent procedures fresh in your mind. If your car has a fairly extensive history, you may want to bring the papers with you to the mechanic. This can save you from scam artists who try to push unnecessary jobs on you, or help your trusted service shop better diagnose the potential issue.

Communicating effectively with your mechanic is also crucial for a proper and fast diagnosis. Not all problems are evident in all driving conditions. For example, your car may make a high-pitched whistling noise, but only when traveling at certain speeds. This small bit of information can make a huge difference in the diagnostics. When you do notice a strange feeling or noise, monitor it carefully until you are able to bring it into the shop. Be specific when you explain the problem, and you're likely to find that you'll get your car back much quicker. You also won't risk one problem being solved while what you've initially brought it in for remains undiagnosed.

Diagnosing certain problems can take time, which is why it is important to ensure your mechanic can keep in touch with you. They will need to speak with you to get your approval, and they may need it a few times throughout the process. After their initial estimate, if they discover another part is needed or there are other problems, you must give them verbal consent to go ahead with the work. Missing a call can put your car hours behind in the queue, especially if they are busy. They may also have to order parts, which can add more time and money on your bill. Be available and you won't have as many nasty surprises.

Would you buy the first car you took for a test drive of the first house you took a tour of? Why would you accept your first auto repair estimate without further investigation? Unless you have an established and trusted relationship with a mechanic, you'd be wise to shop around to find the best price. You may find that you receive wildly different estimates and diagnostics. Knowing what's wrong with your car before you bring it in, however, can be a great bargaining chip and gives you more power. A little bit of knowledge can prevent mechanics from taking advantage of you.