Every so often I read about somone having a problem with a repair and usualy several days and several hundred miles away. Ive been in that situation myself a couple times so Ive pulled wernches in the past I will share a few tips that work for me.
Do It Yourself.
If you have the time, space, tools and know how this is the best option as you have controll of the quality of the parts and labor also you know who to yell at if it all goes wrong.
Dealership.
Most car & truck dealerships although more expensive are easier to get rework covered as there is usualy paperwork documenting the parts labor, and warrantee. And now days with computers the info is usualy a few seconds away.
Chain Shops.
Most employes are paid a commision for parts and services. I worked for a chain several years ago and honesty was not a priority. Every time I stop off at one it usuual dosent seem to pass the gut feeling test so use caution.
Independant Mom and Pop Shops.
I am a supporter of mom and pop shops in general most offer repair and towing services and are owner opperator businesses. Just like anyplace else you have to use your gut feeling street wise and common sense. Most ive gone to are honest and some are not.
Price markups on parts.
Keeping it short sweet and to the point all shops mark up the parts theyre not trying to screw you, The markup usualy helps to cover the misc expenses, parts, and suplies. If the shops carry an inventory, it costs money to buy and shelf the part.
Now that I covered the basics I recomend finding shops in the areas you frequent before you need them. We all have down time and its easy to get a feel for them when youre not in crisis mode. I have AAA and have used thier affiliated shops with acceptable results. Other asssociations to look up are A.S.A., A.M.R.A., A.A.S.P., and I.A.P.A. . Also ASE certified shops and mechanics are usualy a good sign also, they have to follow quality standards, and keep up to date on training to maintain thier credentials. Althogh there are some ASE mechanics that can pass a written test but dont have the mechanical ability to set a mousetrap. God gave you a gut feeling for a reason so use it.
Repairs and warrantees.
First ask for a good faith estimate so you have an idea of what your paying for that way 1st, you know the extent of the labor, 2nd, the parts needed, 3rd your warrantee. Sometimes, when its resolved to paper the repair is in exess of the vehicle value, or the time it takes to earn back the repair cost especialy if the vehicle you own is becoming a money pit.
Parts.
Ask the shop if you can buy the parts yourself to make warrantee returns easier and ask him what brands or lines are acceptable. If the parts dont meet the mechanics standards he may refuse to do or warrantee the repairs. Speaking of warrantees, most last 30 to 90 days ask the what if questions before the work takes place.
Ask how they handle out of town repairs
Often cases you have to pay annother shop for the repair send them the core parts and provide proof it was necessary. then wait for the check in the mail. Some shops may bill dirrectly but dont count on it.
If the mechanic sugests somthing
Look it over and if it makes sense and you have the cash do it. For example a complete rear shoes he recomends wheel cylinders and they look beat up get em done this may lessen the refusal to warrantee a repair.
Always leave them a good contact number in case they find somthing else wrong or a sugestion that will make the repair last longer. In some cases only the parts or labor will be warranted.
MAKE SURE THE SHOP IS PAID IN FULL.
If somthing breaks always call the shop directly and give them the chance to make it right. If taking the vehicle to them is not an option ask them for dirrections to have it resolved and put it in writing. Remember, if the failure is a secondary problem outside of thier controll its your bill.
Good luck
Bob Wolf.
Do It Yourself.
If you have the time, space, tools and know how this is the best option as you have controll of the quality of the parts and labor also you know who to yell at if it all goes wrong.
Dealership.
Most car & truck dealerships although more expensive are easier to get rework covered as there is usualy paperwork documenting the parts labor, and warrantee. And now days with computers the info is usualy a few seconds away.
Chain Shops.
Most employes are paid a commision for parts and services. I worked for a chain several years ago and honesty was not a priority. Every time I stop off at one it usuual dosent seem to pass the gut feeling test so use caution.
Independant Mom and Pop Shops.
I am a supporter of mom and pop shops in general most offer repair and towing services and are owner opperator businesses. Just like anyplace else you have to use your gut feeling street wise and common sense. Most ive gone to are honest and some are not.
Price markups on parts.
Keeping it short sweet and to the point all shops mark up the parts theyre not trying to screw you, The markup usualy helps to cover the misc expenses, parts, and suplies. If the shops carry an inventory, it costs money to buy and shelf the part.
Now that I covered the basics I recomend finding shops in the areas you frequent before you need them. We all have down time and its easy to get a feel for them when youre not in crisis mode. I have AAA and have used thier affiliated shops with acceptable results. Other asssociations to look up are A.S.A., A.M.R.A., A.A.S.P., and I.A.P.A. . Also ASE certified shops and mechanics are usualy a good sign also, they have to follow quality standards, and keep up to date on training to maintain thier credentials. Althogh there are some ASE mechanics that can pass a written test but dont have the mechanical ability to set a mousetrap. God gave you a gut feeling for a reason so use it.
Repairs and warrantees.
First ask for a good faith estimate so you have an idea of what your paying for that way 1st, you know the extent of the labor, 2nd, the parts needed, 3rd your warrantee. Sometimes, when its resolved to paper the repair is in exess of the vehicle value, or the time it takes to earn back the repair cost especialy if the vehicle you own is becoming a money pit.
Parts.
Ask the shop if you can buy the parts yourself to make warrantee returns easier and ask him what brands or lines are acceptable. If the parts dont meet the mechanics standards he may refuse to do or warrantee the repairs. Speaking of warrantees, most last 30 to 90 days ask the what if questions before the work takes place.
Ask how they handle out of town repairs
Often cases you have to pay annother shop for the repair send them the core parts and provide proof it was necessary. then wait for the check in the mail. Some shops may bill dirrectly but dont count on it.
If the mechanic sugests somthing
Look it over and if it makes sense and you have the cash do it. For example a complete rear shoes he recomends wheel cylinders and they look beat up get em done this may lessen the refusal to warrantee a repair.
Always leave them a good contact number in case they find somthing else wrong or a sugestion that will make the repair last longer. In some cases only the parts or labor will be warranted.
MAKE SURE THE SHOP IS PAID IN FULL.
If somthing breaks always call the shop directly and give them the chance to make it right. If taking the vehicle to them is not an option ask them for dirrections to have it resolved and put it in writing. Remember, if the failure is a secondary problem outside of thier controll its your bill.
Good luck
Bob Wolf.