We all have car problems eventually. It can be scary determining who to go to for repairs. Many people don't have much car knowledge and are at the mercy of what the auto mechanic or technician tells them. This can lead to being ripped-off by a technician who abuses this knowledge gap.

You should try to prepare yourself before you select an auto technician. Valuable information can be found from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The more you prepare, the less chance you have of being ripped-off.

Choosing an Auto Repair Shop

The first step is to choose the right auto repair shop. The best way to find a reliable local shop is to talk to your friends and family. Ask them where they take their cars and if they're happy with the service. Get the names and locations of these shops before you start having any car problems.

Compare and contrast the policies of the repair shops. What type of warranties do they offer on their repairs? Will they honor the warranty on your car?

Many people will place reviews of repair shops on the internet. You can also check to see if there have been any complaints against a particular shop with your local consumer protection agency or state Attorney General's office.

Choosing an Auto Technician

A reliable repair shop with a good reputation will hopefully have reliable and skilled technicians. Many shops will display certifications of excellence to show that at least some of their technicians have knowledge and skill in a particular area. Ask the shop if the technician who will work on your car has experience with the make and model of your vehicle. Find out how many years of experience he has repairing cars.

Figuring Out Auto Repair Charges

People dread getting the bill for car repairs. It's even worse if the bill is higher than expected. Ask the shop how they determine fees before you arrange service. Does the shop charge a flat fee for labor or does it base the fee on the actual amount of time it takes to repair the car? Is there a diagnostic charge? Is the diagnostic charge waived if you choose the shop to fix the repair?

Make sure to get a written estimate before the work is done on your car. The writing should state the repair that'll be performed and the estimate for your parts and labor. It should also state that you must be contacted for approval for any work exceeding the estimate. If the estimate is expensive, try to get a second opinion from another repair shop.

A completed repair order should be given to you once the work is completed. Make sure it states the repair that was done and the costs for the labor and parts. The parts the shop put in your car may be new, reconditioned or salvage. If any parts were replaced on your car, ask for them back before you leave.

Prevent Auto Problems in the Future

Preventive maintenance is the key to stopping expensive auto problems or repairs. Ignoring small problems can lead to large problems that affect entire systems in your car. Attempt to follow the maintenance schedule recommended by your car manufacturer. Many repair shops will have the maintenance schedules for most vehicles.

Warranties and Service Contracts

Many repairs, especially in the first few years of ownership, may be covered under the manufacturer's warranty. Warranties for vehicles will vary in length and what they cover. Always check the terms of your warranty before you get your car repaired.

Service contracts are optional contracts that'll cover future car repairs. They vary in price, length and coverage. Make sure you understand the limitations of the service contract. Many contracts require you to pay a deductible and have your repairs performed at a particular location.

Resolving Auto Repair Disputes

Try to resolve any dispute with the repair shop first. Contact your local consumer protection agency or state Attorney General if that doesn't work. You can also file a claim in small claims court or seek an alternative dispute resolution program. Always document any transactions and communications you have with the repair shop for future reference.

Questions for Your Attorney

  • I lost my warranty information for my car. Who do I contact to find this information?
  • My repair shop is taking longer to fix my car than I was told. Is there anything I can do?
  • I had a bad experience with a repair shop. What can I do to warn other drivers?