When your vehicle needs repairs, you don't need a crash course in auto mechanics, but you do need to know how to find a reliable shop and mechanic.
While many auto repair shops are legitimate, there are always those unscrupulous few that end up sucking thousands of unnecessary repair dollars from consumers. In 2011, the BBB received more than 1.5 million inquiries from consumers looking to find a reliable business in the industry. In addition, the BBB fielded 14,500 complaints regarding billing, service, and refund and exchange issues.
BBB recommends considering the following advice when taking your car in for auto repair services:
Check your warranty. If you encounter a problem with your vehicle while it is still under warranty, follow the manufacturer's instructions, which may require that repairs be made at an authorized dealership.
Ask around. If you are looking for a qualified, independent shop, ask friends for recommendations, or request a list of BBB Accredited Businesses that do the type of auto repair you need. Be sure to check with the BBB about the shop's reliability at bbb.org/search. Look for shops that display certification. For major work, such as brakes, transmission or engine repair, find a shop that employs a specialist.
Ask questions. Don't be embarrassed to request full explanations of needed repairs. Don't rush the technician into making an on-the-spot diagnosis of the problem. Ask to be informed of the problem, course of action and cost before any work begins.
Get a written estimate for parts and labor. Ensure you receive advance notification by having the service manager write a request on the bottom of the repair order. Give phone numbers where you can be reached and, before you leave, be sure to understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment.
Get everything in writing. When you pick up your vehicle, get an explanation of completed work and get all guarantees in writing. Ask to see any major new parts that have been installed. Make sure that your repair bill is itemized so that if a problem occurs later, you can prove the item is covered by the guarantee.
Start With Trust. For trustworthy consumer tips and information, visit wynco.bbb.org or call 970-484-1348 or 800-564-0371.
About the BBB
The Better Business Bureau, founded in 1912, is a champion for ethics and trust in the marketplace. Only businesses that meet the high BBB standards are invited to become BBB Accredited Businesses. Today, 123 BBBs across the United States and Canada rate more than 4 million local and national businesses and charities with scores ranging from A to F. Only a BBB Accredited Business may elect to participate in BBBOnLine, one of the most trusted and recognized Internet seal programs in the world.
The BBB serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming topped 1.1 million instances of service to consumers in the past 12 months. These services include reliability reports on local companies and charities, access to companies that can be trusted by industry, help with dispute resolution, and trustworthy information on consumer and business topics.
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Luanne Kadlub, BBB media relations manager, 970-488-2044 lkadlub@wynco.bbb.org