When you need auto repair performed, there are some acceptable and unacceptable practices. Here are some no-no's.
Everyone knows that some auto repair places are better than others. The best places are the ones that have been in business for quite some time,
have a proven track record and have been recommended by a friend or relative. There's nothing like a word-of-mouth reference! But if you're new in town or if your old mechanic recently retired, it might be time to look for another auto repair shop that can work on your vehicle. There are some red flags to look for that shout "No!" and you should heed them or you'll likely be sorry. Here are some no-no's to be on the lookout for:
Your gut says "nope": When a person's gut tells them something, he or she should listen. Gut instinct in another term for intuition. We all have it and the more we tune in, the more accurate it becomes. Listen up when your vibes are telling you something feels amiss in the auto repair shop. Keep looking.
Unprofessional or mean staff members: Some people hate their jobs and it shows. When you walk into a garage and everyone is mean and nasty, not only do you not want to take that treatment, it's a red flag of how the place is run. When employees are cranky, it's often a sign that the management is poor. You don't want to leave your sweet car in the hands of crabby people.
A newfangled out-of-town operation: When out-of-towners set up shop in your home town, it could mean that the owners won't be there so don't really care about anything but the bottom line. It's always best to take your business where the local businessperson truly cares about you and the community.
Up-selling you when you've only come for a minor tune-up: If an auto repair shop suddenly finds all kinds of things wrong with your vehicle that seemed fine when you dropped it off, this is a bad sign. If you don't trust the mechanics, get a second opinion. They might have really found something that was wrong, but if you don't trust them, you need a second opinion.
No written estimate: If the mechanics only offer up a verbal estimate and don't want to write it down, this is another red flag. Written estimates are a contractual agreement; verbal quotes are not. If a shop only verbally quotes pricing, when you pick your car up and it ends up costing much more, you won't have a leg to stand on. Always get a written estimate. If they're not willing to do this, go elsewhere.
Evasive about your discarded parts: When auto parts are replaced, it's customary to give the old ones back to the customer. If they don't offer this or if they won't comply with your request, this is a sign that something is amiss. It makes a motorist wonder if the parts were actually replaced at all.
When a motorist takes his or her vehicle in for service, taking it to a trusted auto repair shop will make all the difference. Avoid the no-no garages by trusting your gut, bringing your car to kind mechanics, going with locals, not being up-sold, getting everything in writing, and getting back your old parts.
