Repairing or maintaining a vehicle can be expensive. But there are things you can do to save money on Auto Repair, including shopping around and asking questions. You should also look for specials and discounts, which may be advertised on the Internet or in local newspapers. Also, it’s a good idea to get three or four estimates before you make any decisions about Auto Repair. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that the most expensive shop is not always the best choice.
It’s also important to know what kind of repair parts are being used on your car. Parts such as radiator hoses and spark plugs can be replaced inexpensively, but replacing a damaged engine, transmission or exhaust system can cost thousands of dollars. Look for shops that use new, original equipment parts, or at least quality replacements. You also should ask the shop whether they will be using remanufactured, rebuilt or reconditioned parts, which are generally less costly but might not be as reliable as new parts.
A car owner can do some simple maintenance tasks at home, such as cleaning corrosion from battery terminals, replacing a flat tire or adjusting the air pressure in tires. But there are other repairs and routine maintenance that should be left to professional technicians. It’s worth checking with friends, family or co-workers to see if they have any recommendations for an auto repair shop. You should also check a shop’s complaint record, either with the state bureau of consumer protection or Consumer’s Checkbook Magazine.
If you have any doubts about the honesty or competence of a technician, talk to the manager. He or she should be able to provide you with information about the technician’s education and training, as well as his or her experience. It’s also a good idea to find out if the shop has ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification, which indicates that a technician meets certain basic standards.
Ask the shop if they will give you an estimate of the number of hours the work should take and a firm labor rate. Some shops charge by the hour, while others calculate the total bill based on an independent or manufacturer estimate of the time required for each type of repair.
A good repair shop should keep any replaced parts that were removed from your vehicle. When you pick up your vehicle, the shop must give you a copy of the repair invoice, which should include the parts used and their cost. It should also list the odometer reading and show when the repair was completed.
If you think you’ve been overcharged for a repair, you should contact the repair shop within 30 days of receiving the bill. If they agree that you were charged too much, they should refund the difference. If they don’t, you can file a claim with your state’s Bureau of Auto Repair.