Make Sure Car Repair Is Done Right

Car repair needs to be done correctly in order to get that vehicle running again. If the mechanics were doing their job on the engine, brakes or suspension of a vehicle, an owner will often notice by the way the automobile handles when back on the road. Does the engine purr; does the gas mileage improve and has that squeaky noise stopped coming from the brakes? If so, chances are the reparation was done competently. When auto body work has been performed, rather than mechanical clues to check for, there will be visible signs that the job has been done adequately. Here are some things to look for:

- Good communication between auto owner and service manager: In order to get the optimum results in repairs, it’s important to have clear communication between the person who drops his or her car off and the person who is overseeing the work performed at the shop. Getting everything in writing after having a clear conversation is the best way to make sure that everyone’s one the same page.

- Shop with a good reputation: Before taking one’s auto in for repairs, an owner should make certain that he or she has found a reputable shop. Asking friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors for a referral is one way to find a place. Looking online for past customer reviews is another good way to locate a competent mechanic.

- Perform an inspection upon pickup: Whether work has been done on the engine or the body, a person should inspect the job before driving it off the lot. If it was there to have a dent repaired or patch job and touch-up paint applied, looking at the color match in the light of day will be the best way of checking the results. If parts were replaced, checking to see what the new ones look like will be wise. Many shops will give back the old parts in a plastic bag for the owner to check over if they’re asked to.

- Guarantees: Most shops have some sort of guarantee on their workmanship in order to cover the initial days following a repair. Reading the fine print carefully and taking advantage of this guarantee and bringing the vehicle back within the required timeframe is crucial. 

- Have them fill in warranty information: The owner’s maintenance booklet of a vehicle has specified time-frames to get specific maintenance tasks performed and checked off. Making certain that this is documented and recorded in the booklet will keep the warranty valid.

After car repair has been performed, it is important that the automobile owner has verified that everything was completed to his or her satisfaction. Steps to take to make sure include clear communication, written estimates, choosing a shop with a good reputation, performing an inspection before driving off the repair lot, finding out about guarantees and time-frames and making sure warranty paperwork is filled out. When a motorist finds a good mechanic, he or she should spread the word so that the biz can stay in business for a long time.