| When it comes time to get your car fixed make | | | | manufacturer's estimate of how long it takes to |
| sure to follow the advice below. | | | | complete the repairs. Others charge based on the |
| Plan ahead | | | | actual time the technician worked on the repair. |
| Being proactive and finding a good shop before | | | | Which is better? It depends on what you're |
| you actually need any repairs done will prevent | | | | getting done. It may be cheaper to consider auto |
| you from making a rushed (and possibly bad) | | | | recycling. |
| decision. Call a few different shops in your area | | | | Get a second opinion |
| before choosing one. You may even want to | | | | If you choose a shop and get an estimate for |
| check with the Better Business Bureau for any | | | | work but it seems too expensive, go and get a |
| negative or positive feedback on them. | | | | second opinion from another shop. This way, you |
| Ask for recommendations | | | | can make an educated decision on which to go |
| If you don't already have a shop mechanic that | | | | with. But before you get an estimate from either |
| you trust to repair your car, start by asking your | | | | shop, make sure you know whether or not they |
| friends, family and co-workers who they take | | | | will charge you a diagnostic fee. |
| their own cars to for servicing and repairs. A | | | | Read the fine print |
| shop's reputation is an important factor to | | | | When you get an estimate, make sure it is signed |
| consider. | | | | and that you read it over in detail (including the |
| Make sure the shop is neat and organized | | | | fine print so that there are no surprises after the |
| When you get to the shop, look around to make | | | | work is done. The estimate should identify what is |
| sure it is neat, well organized and has professional | | | | being repaired, parts and anticipated labor charges. |
| staffs that are willing to answer your questions. | | | | Watch for red flags |
| Also check to see whether or not they use new | | | | A red flag that the repair shop you're checking |
| or used auto parts. Using Recycled Auto Parts is | | | | out is not a good option is whether or not there |
| a great way to save money and the | | | | are cars in the garage being worked on and cars |
| environment. | | | | waiting in the parking lot to be brought in. If the |
| Check that licenses and certifications are current | | | | shop is like a ghost town, you probably don't want |
| Certification alone does not guarantee of good or | | | | to go there. They might get your car in right |
| honest work, but it's still important to make sure | | | | away, but there's probably a reason they're not |
| the shop mechanics have current certifications. | | | | popular so do your research beforehand. The |
| Shops with the Automotive Service Excellence | | | | better auto repair shops will likely have cars |
| (ASE) seal are a safer bet. | | | | waiting for repairs or customers picking up their |
| Ask about experience | | | | cars. Another red flag is when you walk in and |
| Not all cars or brands are made equally, so | | | | customers are arguing with the staff and clearly |
| ensuring that the shop has experience working on | | | | unsatisfied. |
| the same make or model vehicle as yours is a | | | | Sometimes your old car has just reached the end |
| good idea. | | | | of its useful life and if that is the case it might be |
| Find out how the pricing works | | | | time to Donate Your Car To Charity or simply |
| Some shops charge a flat rate per hour for labor | | | | have it recycled at your local junk yard. |
| on car repairs based on an independent or | | | | |