Car troubles can be extremely stressful. People rely on cars to get to work, retrieve groceries, and ensure everyone in the family gets to where they need to be. Because of this, individuals typically want repairs done quickly, but also to a high standard. You should be able to trust that the same problem will not occur again once you get the car back.
When searching for a mechanic, it can be helpful to get recommendations or read reviews online. However, your options may be limited depending on your insurance. You should familiarize yourself with some general questions to ask a mechanic prior to signing any documents for work. With these questions, you can get key information about that person’s experience and their ability to diagnose and fix the issue in a reliable way.
Some of the questions to ask include:
1. Is your shop certified?
You should ensure that a repair shop is certified prior to entrusting it with vehicle repairs. A very common certification is from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and is known as ASE certification. To obtain this certification, technicians and mechanics need to pass exams and continue learning via regular education requirements.
A shop with this certification can help you feel more comfortable that the employees have the proper training to make safe and quality repairs. Other certifications may have been achieved by the shop, such as Automotive Service Association (ASA) certification. Do your homework to figure out what each certification entails.
2. What are the options for repair?
Shops will frequently recommend the most expensive methods of fixing an issue as a way of making money. You should feel free to ask about other options that are available. The mechanic should be able to explain each process adequately, along with the various pros and cons of each choice.
Having this information will help you make the right choice and know that the mechanic has considered all the options prior to completing the repair. If you are unsure what to do, you can ask the mechanic what they would do in the same situation and why. Also, it may be possible to purchase cheaper parts from different sources. Ask about where parts come from and how they are priced.
3. Which makes and models do you work on?
Many people believe that mechanics are able to work on any vehicle that happens to come into a shop. While some mechanics have this sort of training, many specialize in certain types of vehicles or makes. If you have an older or rarer vehicle, you may need to seek out a mechanic who has specialized training.
Even if a mechanic does not have a lot of experience with your particular vehicle, there may be someone else in the shop who is capable of the repair. Often, mechanics will refer you to another shop if they do not feel comfortable doing the repair. In any case, make sure that the mechanic feels comfortable with the job at hand.
4. How much will the repairs likely cost?
Most shops will estimate the cost of repairs for free and some may even do diagnostics for free. However, some shops will charge for diagnostic work if there is no guarantee that you will hire them to do the repair. Make sure you know if there is a diagnostic fee and how much it is. Also, ask about whether they charge flat fees or hourly rates.
Prior to hiring any shop to do repair work, it is smart to get an estimate in writing. This estimate will help you budget for the repair while also protecting you from charges in excess of the estimate.
Typically, shops will give you an itemized breakdown of the likely costs and then contact you if an issue arises that was not initially addressed in the estimate. You can compare this written estimate with the final bill. Also, you can compare written estimates from several shops as you decide whom to hire.
5. When will the car be ready?
When you hand your car over, you need to know when it will be ready, especially if you do not have another vehicle or a rental to rely on during this period. Some jobs are routine and shops will be able to give an exact timeline. Others may be more difficult to estimate, especially if parts need to be ordered. Bodywork is notoriously difficult to estimate in terms of time.
The timelines given are flexible and the shop may need more time, which is important to recognize. However, it is helpful to know that the shop has thought about these potential issues and the mechanic should contact you with updates if something changes. You may want to ask if the shop needs extra time to get the repair done right as rushed jobs can be lower in quality.
6. Does the shop offer warranties or guarantee?
A number of repair shops will guarantee their repairs, at least for a certain period of time or number of miles after the car leaves. You should ask about the warranty offered and how long it would last. Also, find out if any issues might invalidate the warranty so you do not accidentally put yourself in a difficult situation.
In some cases, it can be helpful to get a detailed list of the parts covered by a warranty as some of the replacement parts may have coverage from the manufacturer. The shop should be able to tell you exactly what it covers and what third parties cover.