How to Choose a Car Repair Shop

Whether you are new in the town or you are not satisfied with current repair shop, there is always a need to have an authentic and trusted repair shop from where you get your vehicle repaired without much hassle. Keep few points in mind to look for a new shop:

• If you want to switch to new repair shop or literally looking for new shop, do it now. Don’t wait for the last moment.
• Take help from your family or friends to have a suitable reference.
• Thoroughly investigate the repute of the shop you selected for your vehicle.

Questions to Ask Your Would-Be Repair Technician

It is important to make sure that the repair shop you have chosen is the best for your vehicle repair work. Once you have selected the shop, ask certain question to make sure that your choice is right:

• Are you certified? May I see the certification?
• Do you have any prior hand on experience on my cars make and model?
• Do you have any warranty policy on repairs? If so, what are they?
• Would you honor my vehicles warranty?

Repair Costs – Flat Fee or Time Worked

Another question is to ask for repair costs. Some shops cost you a flat rate, i.e. repair estimation time is already determined and they will ask you the rate for that time, no matter how much or less time they spend on the job.

But there are shops that cost you on the basis of actual time spend on the repair work. You need to choose the best shop suits to your budget.

When You Need Work Done

It is not always possible to have a satisfactory work from your repair shop. Sometimes, for heavy repair work or expensive work, you may have to consider any other option. Remember many repair or service shops cost you diagnostic fee as well. It is better to go for any other option where these extra charges are not imposed on you.

What Does a Written Estimate Include?

Written estimate is a paper includes all the information regarding the repair work, the parts which are required, expected labor charges and condition of your vehicle. A clause of approval on your behalf is usually included in these written estimates, to show that the shop is now liable to undertake the necessary repair work with your permission.

It also suggests that the time and cost of the repair work may exceed the said amount. Don’t forget to ask for a signed customer copy.

Classification of Car Parts

Often your vehicle needs some replacement parts, due to damaged or worn existed parts. At that time, your mechanic is in a perfect position to guide you whether the replacement part is new, rebuilt or salvage.

• New: New replacement parts are usually made car manufacturers or by independent companies.
• Rebuilt: These parts as the name suggest are reconditioned or remanufactured parts.
• Salvage: Salvaged parts are those parts, which are taken from other vehicles without any alteration and kept saved. The reliability of these parts is a big question mark.

After The Work Is Done

Once you have done your vehicle repaired, ask your shop to provide you with complete repair order, which includes all the repair work, list of items replaced, and cost of each replaced part, reading on your odometer before and after repair work was done.