Is Car Repair Taking Too Long?
Sometimes a long time in the shop for car repair is unavoidable, but there are ways to manage your time and stay involved in the process. There are also a few things that you can do to insure that your vehicle doesn't remain in the shop forever.
Some of us are all too familiar with the scenario. We take out vehicle into the shop for either a minor or sometimes major fix. Whether its auto body repairs or just general car repair,
we are told by the mechanics that the project will be done in a few days. We check back in on the day it's supposed to be done and they tell us: one more day. This process continues until it has been two weeks since we dropped off the auto.
If this has ever happened to you, then you know just how frustrating it can be. When you are new to a city and don't have a way to seek out recommendations for reliable mechanics, car repair can be a gamble. Sometimes you get lucky on the first try and hit the jackpot with a great mechanic. Other times, you are stuck with the worst scenario: a vehicle perpetually in the shop.
If the second scenario is the one you are dealing with, there are ways to stay involved in the process. Making sure you are aware of what is happening with your vehicle is a great way to insure that the mechanics are being honest. If time drags on, insist on an appointment where you can check up on the progress. Knowing that the owner will be in and out of the shop and looking at the vehicle will be impetus for an honest mechanic to get the job done.
Another way to insure your repairs will get done in time is to get a written estimate with the specific time and cost required for the repairs. When you call the shop, tell them you will want to discuss the vehicles repairs and consult with the mechanic that will be overseeing your vehicle's progress. Sign the estimate and keep a copy for your files. And, remember that there are very rarely any circumstances that should require you to pre-pay the mechanics.
It is always okay to take your vehicle to more than one mechanic for an estimate. This can be a great bargaining tool for you, especially if there is a mechanic that you would like to take your vehicle to that is a little more expensive. For example, if the mechanic that gives you a time frame is one you like but is slightly more expensive, suggest to them that you were told the car repair could be done at a lower price. They may agree to lower their prices for your business.
The first step to guaranteeing that your car repair won't take too long is to find a mechanic you can trust. After you have done that, then stay involved in the process and don't be afraid to bargain.
