Today's vehicles may not quite be the space shuttle, but they are far removed from the days when that little clicking sound can be diagnosed and fixed by any shade-tree mechanic. That means one of the best ideas for vehicle maintenance and repair is to find a qualified shop to first prevent problems, and should one occur to be able to find it efficiently and then fix it.
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Look for shops that display various certifications like an Automotive Service Excellence seal. Certifications indicate that some or all of the technicians have met basic standards of knowledge and competence in specific technical areas. Make sure the certifications were recently obtained. Remember, however, that certification alone is not an absolute guarantee of good or honest work.
Always get and keep a signed written cost estimate for the work to be performed. Make sure the estimate specifically identifies the condition to be repaired, the parts needed and the anticipated labor charge. Make sure the estimate states that the shop will contact you for approval before performing any work exceeding a specified amount of time and money your state may require this. Some shops charge a flat rate for labor on auto repairs. This published rate is based on an independent or manufacturer's estimate of the time required to complete repairs. Other shops charge on the basis of the actual time the technician worked on the repair. Before having any work performed, ask which cost method the shop uses. Even though you bring in your car with a specific problem, additional repairs may be recommended.
If you are uncertain whether the work needs to be done, you may want to consult your owner's manual or get a second opinion. On expensive or complicated repairs, or if you have questions about suggested repair work, get a second opinion or estimate. Ask if there will be a diagnostic charge if you decide to have the work performed elsewhere. Many repair shops charge for diagnostic time. Shops that do only diagnostic work and do not sell parts or repairs may be able to give you an objective opinion about which repairs are necessary.
After repairs are finished, get a completed repair order describing the work done. This should list each repair, all parts supplied, the cost of each part, labor charges and the vehicle's odometer reading when the vehicle entered the shop and when the repair order was prepared.
Since many parts of your vehicle are inter-related, ignoring maintenance can lead to failure of other parts or an entire system. Neglecting even simple preventive maintenance, such as changing the oil or checking the coolant, can lead to poor fuel economy, non-reliability, or costly breakdowns, and could invalidate your warranty.
The best way to keep a vehicle in good condition is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule in your owner's manual for your type of driving. If you do not have an owner's manual, contact the manufacturer to obtain one or to get a recommended maintenance schedule.
Some repair shops create their own maintenance schedules, which call for more frequent servicing than the manufacturer's recommendations. Compare shop maintenance schedules with those recommended in your owner's manual. Ask the repair shop to explain and make sure you understand why it recommends service beyond the recommended schedule.
What warranties and service contracts apply to vehicle repairs? There is no such thing as a "standard warranty" on repairs.
Make sure you understand what is covered under your warranty and get it in writing. Check with the Federal Trade Commission or your state or local consumer protection agency for information about your warranty rights.
Warranties may be subject to limitations, including time, mileage, deductibles, businesses authorized to perform warranty work or special procedures required to obtain reimbursement. Make sure you understand these limitations.
Many vehicle dealers and others sell optional contracts, called service contracts, issued by vehicle manufacturers or independent companies. Not all service contracts are the same; prices vary and are usually negotiable. To help decide whether to purchase a service contract, consider the following:
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