7 Questions You Should Always Ask Your Mechanic

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Have you ever walked out of a meeting, date, or argument and kicked yourself for not asking the something that you needed to know? It happens to the best of us. But when you're bringing in your vehicle for maintenance or repairs, it's important that you don't forget to ask certain questions before walking out the door. To make your life a little bit easier, we've narrowed down the 7 most important questions to ask:

1) Is there a charge for diagnosing the problem? - As a consumer, it's very important that you don't assume that the diagnosis of your vehicle's issue is free. It very well may be, and many shops offer free diagnoses, but it's certainly not always the case. Politely ask whether there is a charge for the diagnosis and how much that charge is before leaving your vehicle. This will set the right expectations up front and prevent an uncomfortable situation from happening down the line.

2) What are your certifications? - While not being ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) certified doesn't mean that your mechanic will do a bad job, or isn't competent, it is still beneficial to have someone who has completed the certification, and continuing education working on your vehicle. The accreditation indicates that the mechanic has taken the time to fulfill an industry standard, and is a great benchmark in an industry where credentials aren't always present. Don't be shy about asking.

3) Could you please provide a written estimate on company letterhead? - This is a very important question to ask, as it can save you from major headaches that happen in the automotive repair business. Ask for a written estimate for the potential work needed, and make sure that it is on the company letterhead. This allows you to possess documentation about the agreed upon work, in the event that there is a dispute down the line. Be very wary of any shop that refuses to provide this, especially when you've requested it.

4) Does this work/part come with a warranty? - This question is one of the most neglected when it comes to automotive repair. One of the major reasons why you take a vehicle to a mechanic is for the peace of mind that the work provided comes with some sort of a warranty. This goes for the parts as well. Always find out what the warranty entails, how long it's good for, and ask for (and keep) documentation of the actual terms of the warranty.

5) Can you please explain why the work needs to be done? - You're not a professional mechanic, but you should feel comfortable before paying lots of money for repair work. If something doesn't make much sense, you need to ask for a logical explanation of why it needs to be done. A competent professional mechanic will have no problem explaining the reasoning behind the repairs, and making you feel comfortable about trusting them with your car. If the tech gets angry or defensive, you may want to think twice.

6) Is there a more cost-effective alternative for this repair? - There is nothing wrong with politely asking if there is any way to save additional money on a particular repair. Perhaps the mechanic can find a lower-priced part, or a refurbished alternative. While many mechanics will already attempt to get you the lowest price, there is no harm in asking. This doesn't mean trying to negotiate a lower labor rate, but simply asking if they can look for a way to save you a few bucks.

7) Do you see any other issues with the vehicle that may need to be addressed soon? - Your mechanic is your eyes and ears when it comes to your car's overall health. Always ask if they see anything that may need to be replaced soon when they're working on the vehicle. This will allow you to nip any potential repairs in the bud before they come to a head and cause even bigger problems. A competent mechanic will be happy to show you their knowledge and abilities by pointing out looming repairs.

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