One of the biggest reasons people complain about auto repair shops is that what they thought would be an easy, cheap repair turns into a job that costs much more than they previously thought. This can be avoided by doing a little research and picking a car repair shop that will treat you in an honest and professional manner. A good car repair facility should provide you with a written estimate before performing any work, and obtaining one is always a good idea when it comes to saving money on your car.
First, let's talk about how to choose a car repair company. Unless it is an emergency and you are stuck on the side of the road in a strange city, you should have plenty of time to choose a professional and honest mechanic. The best way to do this is to ask friends and family for referrals of repair shops they have had good experiences with.
Second, consider your car and determine if it is an expensive, uncommon, or older model that will require specialized skills and tools. You may need to take your car to a dealership to be serviced if it is an exotic brand or model. Smaller shops may not have a good working relationship with certain brands and may not be able to obtain parts or tools necessary to fix your vehicle. It is also always a good idea to test out a garage by driving by and asking a few questions, or dropping off your car for some routine maintenance to test the waters. A good repair shop should offer courtesy shuttle service and a comfortable lobby for you to wait for repairs to be performed.
Third, do not authorize any repair shop to perform work without a written estimate. Ask if they can email or fax a copy of the estimate to you before you approve anything over the phone. This can protect you in case the mechanic decides to charge you for something else while working on a smaller project. Most car repair shops are honest and professional and you shouldn't run into any problems, but always be prepared and cover your bases whenever you can.
In conclusion, make sure you check out any repair shop before you drop your car off and take the time to do a little research. These simple steps can save you money now, and in future repair costs.
