5 Important Questions to Ask Your Auto Repair Shop
We are probably all familiar with that sinking feeling experienced when your vehicle starts to malfunction. If you have been in this situation and must take your car in for a checkup, hiring an honest, reliable mechanic is a must. To be certain you are on the same page as your auto repair professional, it is a good idea to ask them a few pertinent questions and make sure they’re the best for the job. Here are some questions you should ask them:
1. Have you worked on my make and model before?
As a car owner, you need to keep in mind that there are some repair shops that only work on specific car types. Taking your car to an establishment that specializes in your make and model can make a big difference. Just by asking this question, you could be saving yourself some trouble down the road.
2. Could I talk with other customers for reference?
Before selecting an establishment to take your defective vehicle, do your due diligence and research various auto mechanics. Be sure that you pick one that has overall positive reviews. Use Google, Yelp, etc. to see what kind of reviews former customers have posted. This will help you have a better understanding of which shop is the best fit for you and your vehicle.
3. Is my estimate free?
Ask the mechanic if the estimate and the diagnostic exam to find out what is wrong with your car are free. If they are a shop that does charge for this service, they should tell you upfront. A mechanic should never provide a service without getting your prior consent.
4. Will you describe to me in great detail all of the repairs that you will be performing?
It is vital that your mechanic can tell you plainly and simply what needs to be done on your car and for what reason. This will make it far easier to come up with follow-up inquiries as well as fully comprehend exactly what is happening. Also, if they can’t do this, it may mean they aren’t being honest and you may need to find a new mechanic.
5. Is it possible that you call me with further unexpected discoveries and fees?
In some parts of the country, it is against the law for the shop to make repairs that charge the customer extra money without their consent. If you do not live in one of these areas, you need to be alert and not let any extra charges slip through the cracks. Regardless of whether it’s against the law or not, good business practices ensure letting a customer know how much something will cost before providing the service.
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