There are a number of different ways that you might end up taking your car to the mechanic.  It might be that subtle clanking noise suddenly turns into an aggressive roar.  Or perhaps that dripping you always thought was just condensation from the air conditioner has now taken on a distinctive rainbow glow.  Whatever the reason might be, heading to an unfamiliar mechanic can be a stressful experience, especially for you wallet.

The purpose of an auto repair estimate is to inform both the mechanic and the owner of the car about the kind of work needed to repair it,  either repairs after an accident or just repairs that come with everyday wear and tear.  There are several kinds of auto repair estimates available.  Some websites offer repair estimates online.  The sites take into account the year, make and model of the car as well as the extent of the damage.

An online estimate, however, should not be used as a replacement for an auto repair estimate from a qualified mechanic.  When you bring your car to a repair shop, you should expect that a reputable mechanic will provide you with a detailed estimate that includes the cost of parts, the cost of labor and a time-line for the job.  Some mechanics may try to convince you that they cannot provide an estimate until they are part way through the job and can examine the full extent of the damage, but a reputable mechanic will be able to provide you with an outline of the expected repairs before extensive work is done on the vehicle.

A written repair estimate protects both the mechanic and the customer from potential problems.  When you sign off on an estimate, you are agreeing to pay reasonably within the figure you’ve been quoted.  If a mechanic performs the repairs included in the estimate and charges you around the same amount as the estimate, you cannot insist that you didn’t know how much the repairs would cost as a means of avoiding payment.

Likewise, mechanics are held to the amounts listed in their estimate.  States issue their own guidelines for adhering to estimates, but a standard rule is that a mechanic cannot perform repairs that would result in more than a twenty percent increase in cost without your consent.  That means that if a mechanic quotes you $400 for a repair, he cannot perform any work that would end up costing you more than $500 unless they specifically get your consent to do so.

If you are looking for a mechanic and they avoid offering you a written estimate for repairs, you need to move on.  Reputable mechanics understand the value of a written estimate and should incorporate them into their regular business practices.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care.  Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.