When a car breaks down, most people have no choice but to get it fixed. But without a good knowledge of mechanics and car repair, it can be hard to know if the estimate you’re given is a good deal or a rip off—or whether the repair is so small that you’re better off fixing it yourself.
So what’s the best way to ensure you’re not getting ripped off if you didn’t ace auto shop in high school? Coming in prepared, believe it or not, with a good amount of knowledge about how auto repairs work.
Get Advice from Friends
Asking friends where they take their vehicles to get fixed is almost always the best way of finding a reputable shop. Not only does a friend’s recommendation show that the shop has done good work in the past, but mentioning that you found the place through the referral of a close friend may also serve as encouragement to the shop’s mechanics not to rip you off. After all, if they rip you off then they’ll most likely be losing your friend as a customer, too.
Stick with Certified Technicians
Just because someone grew up fixing cars, doesn’t mean he or she is qualified to touch your vehicle. When selecting a shop, stick with places that hire mechanics that have received certifications through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or accredited trade schools. In addition, shops listed as “AAA-Approved” have been judged favorably by the Automotive Service Association, lending even more credibility to the business and making it easier to trust them with your car.
Ask for an Estimate
One of the biggest mistakes rookie car owners make when it comes to car repairs is failing to ask for an estimate. This contract is a customer’s way of not getting ripped off or owing an unexpectedly high amount at the end, since the Automotive Repair Act of 1971 regulates that no auto repairs may exceed the written estimate by more than 10 percent.
Ideally, the estimate should list all fees that go into the vehicle’s repair, including hourly labor rates, parts costs, diagnostic scanning fees, and inspections. If one mechanic offers a drastically lower rate than the others, watch out. This may be a sign that he or she is not as qualified or that certain costs and fees are being hidden as a way to lure you into choosing his shop. Rather, choose the mechanic with the best reputation and the most reasonable price.
