Owning an automobile means being responsible for the upkeep and maintenance. If you neglect your car, your car will fail you – and most likely, it will fail at the most inopportune time.
Unless you are skilled in auto mechanics, you will need an auto repair technician to take care of maintenance and repairs. Unfortunately, auto repair strikes fear in many hearts, as there are some shady auto techs that only want to take your hard-earned money. While it may seem tough to find a fair and honest technician, we are here. The following tips will help you avoid being a victim of auto repair fraud.
If your car is still under warranty, head back to the dealer for repairs. Even a used car can come with some type of warranty – make sure you have a full understanding of the warranty and what it covers.
If your car is out of warranty, you need to take your time when choosing an auto repair tech. You can still seek repairs at the dealership – but you will have to pay out-of-pocket for them. If you decide to find a different place for repairs, do your research!
Check customer reviews and feedback by searching online. Get advice from family and friends about a solid, honest auto repair shop. No matter how extreme your situation might be, take the time to research your choice of auto technicians. It is better to put a little effort into finding a good auto tech than saving time by choosing the first one you find in the yellow pages – you could end up being ripped off.
Always get an estimate of the price of repairs before turning over your car. Remember, the final bill should never be more than 20 percent of the estimate.
Ensure that you receive a detailed estimate – it should include labor charges and a list of parts. This will help you pinpoint any inaccuracies, if necessary, when the final bill arrives.
If you think you were treated unfairly, escalate your problem until you are provided with a reasonable solution.
When in doubt, use a credit card to pay for repairs. This will give you time to delve deeper into your suspicions. If you find a problem, you can dispute the charges on your credit card.
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