Car Repair: Know Your Costs

Oct 30
13:33

2010

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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Car repair can be scary for the average individual. If you’re tired of being taken advantage of, there are some easy ways to keep costs under control, or at least have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you paid a fair price for services rendered.

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Car repair has many familiar scenes,Car Repair: Know Your Costs  Articles you’re driving along and you hear a sound that doesn’t sound promising. Maybe the check engine light comes on, or the temperature gauge starts spiking. One way or another, you know you’re going to have to take your vehicle into the shop. You do so, they do the repair, and then you’re handed the final bill. You stare at it in disbelief, but what are you going to do? You know nothing about auto maintenance and you have no idea if this is a fair price or not. You pay it and move on, grumbling that you probably got screwed.

It happens every day in every city in America. If you’re tired of being taken advantage of, there are some easy ways to keep costs under control, or at least have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you paid a fair price for services rendered. The first step is to find a friend you can trust and have them give you a referral. Everyone you know probably owns or drives a vehicle. Chances are that someone is going to know a really good mechanic that won’t give you the business. Starting off with a reputable, honest company is half the battle.

When you do finally take your car in, insist on being given an estimate before the work begins. Not only that, but have it put in writing that no car repair that exceeds the cost of the estimate will be done without your express approval. If they do come back and tell you that there is more to be done than they thought, question them vigorously about the extra charges. Make sure you understand exactly what it is you’re being charged for and why it is necessary. If at any time you don’t feel comfortable, take your vehicle and leave. There is probably another mechanic within a stone’s throw. Get a second opinion.

Car repair is a funny thing. There are disreputable companies and mechanics out there, but they are probably a lot rarer than most people think. These companies often stay in one place and do business for years and years. They could not do this if they were ripping off customers left and right. As long as you keep your wits about you and ask pointed questions when the time is right, the chances are greatly in your favor that you will not get ripped off.