Practicing The Golden Rule In Car Repair

Getting ripped off on car repair is the greatest fear of many motorists. They may have heard rumors or stories of unscrupulous repair shops out there and because they don't know much about autos, this makes them feel out of control and downright scared. In any sort of business transaction, from automotive services to buying a house, everyone wants to be treated respectfully. This includes both purchasers and sellers of goods and services. Many mechanics who do a competent and trustworthy job must deal with customers who won't pay their bills, give them grief or report problems to the BBB that aren't the garage's fault. On both sides of the business transaction, the golden rule of "do unto others as you want them to do unto you" is the best policy. Mutual respect and honesty is the name of the game. How can this be achieved? Here are some ideas.

- The written estimate: Getting everything in writing and signed by both parties is a way to protect both the customer and the garage. If a mechanic says XY&Z needs to be repaired for a certain amount of money, it's up to the customer to say "okay" or go looking for another opinion. Once a price is agreed upon and both parties sign on the dotted line, a contractual agreement has been made. Both parties are now bound to do what they said they would. If one side doesn't uphold his or her side of the bargain, he or she is in the wrong. If the mechanic changes the price or doesn't correct the problem with the car, he or she's in the wrong. If the customer decides not to pay the bill or suddenly decides it was too high of a price, he or she is wrong.

- Knowledge is power: Customers often feel fearful because they don't know what their mechanic is talking about. If they misunderstand something or if the tech sounds like he or she is speaking another language, it's hard to establish trust. By becoming more educated, the consumer can negotiate the repairs much more intelligently. This will build trust on both sides of the coin.

- Develop a long term relationship: One of the ways to establish trust on both sides of the equation is by developing a long term relationship with a garage. If Jane Driver has trusted her auto to Joe Wrench for 10 years and all has gone well, she will trust that other reparations will also be performed competently and honestly. Joe Wrench will also trust that Jane Driver always pays her bills and does her own due diligence and homework regarding maintenance and repairs.

- How to find a new shop: When a driver is new to an area or needs another mechanic for whatever reason, the best way to find a new and reliable mechanic is by asking friends, neighbors and co-workers for references. Word-of-mouth referrals are the best place to start. Reading online reviews will help, too.

When it comes to car repair, everyone wants honesty and fairness. This includes both customers and service managers. By practicing the golden rule, it will be a win-win for all.