For many, taking their car to the auto shop for repairs can be a stressful event. Because of this, usually the trip to the mechanic consists of dropping your car off and hoping for the best without much knowledge of what is actually causing the problem.
Much of the unease comes from the average person not knowing everything that’s going on under their car hood and wanting it fixed as soon as possible. While it may be easier to drop off your keys and think “out of sight, out of mind” when it comes to your car getting fixed at the shop, in the long run it may benefit you to develop a working knowledge of your car so that you can feel more confident by knowing what questions to ask next time you are at the auto shop.
One way to do that is to be prepared and proactive when it comes to bringing your car into the shop. To give you a good base of what to talk to your mechanic about, here is a list of topics and questions to make sure you are getting the most out of your auto repairs.
It is always a good idea to look into the warranty offered by the manufacturer of your vehicle. The warranty is typically included with your vehicle manual and will detail all of the vehicle repairs that the manufacturer will cover as long as the vehicle is maintained properly. Warranties can have a wide range of parts covered, so it’s a good idea to check what exactly is covered and your mechanic can help you understand what your warranty covers.
Make sure to read the fine print of your vehicle’s warranty as a warranty can be voided if certain services or repairs are performed. To avoid this, be sure to understand your warranty and bring it with you to the auto shop so that you can ask your mechanic about potential repairs that would void your warranty.1
On the topic of warranties, replacement parts that are installed in your vehicle at the shop can also have warranties of their own. If you are paying for new parts, always ask your mechanic whether the part has a warranty. New parts such as battery, transmission, engine, and A/C compressors can all come with partial or full warranty in case of defect. Having a knowledge of the type of warranty on new auto parts can save you money in the future if those parts ever need a repair quicker than expected.2
When you are getting parts replaced, you should also ask whether the part is new or used. It is more likely that new or remanufactured parts will come with warranty. While most new parts have warranties, repairs themselves can also have warranties attached. You can always ask your mechanic what kind of repairs have warranties in the case of a part not working as expected after a repair is performed.
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While the common thought might be to avoid trips to the auto shop at all costs, routine maintenance can lead to an extended life for your vehicle and give you more confidence when you’re out on the road. A simple maintenance trip for a tune-up can help your mechanic identify problems before they become even bigger problems that often are more expensive down the road.3
The most common maintenance trip for your car is an oil change, but tires and brakes are also parts your mechanic will likely want to check. When it comes to how often to bring your car in for routine maintenance, this is where your mechanic can offer guidance. The typical maintenance schedule can depend on many factors including how much you drive and what kind of roads you are taking. Driving on the highway compared to driving on country or back roads can affect your car differently, so be sure to share this information with your mechanic.
Your car’s owner manual typically lists how often your car needs maintenance, but if it is an older vehicle or if you don’t have access to your manual, your mechanic can give you a good guide on when to bring your car in and answer any other car repair questions you may have. Generally, you should look to get your oil changed every 5,000-7000 miles you drive depending on your vehicle.4
Research some basic car maintenance to keep your car humming
When you have routine maintenance done such as oil changes or brake work done, there’s a fairly standard price that you can expect at different auto locations. However, when it comes to more serious and expensive repairs there is the potential that you have different options and prices for your repair. While your mechanic will typically give you an estimate for the job, you can always ask if there are other options than the one laid out. Sometimes, there can be other ways to tackle the repair and you’ll never know for sure until you ask.
You can also always ask for a second opinion for your repair. If it is an expensive job or if you just aren’t sure about the repair, getting a second opinion from another shop or mechanic can give you some confidence in making the right decision. Wherever you end up getting your repair done, it is a good idea to get a written estimate so that you have it when the job is complete, allowing you to compare it with the final cost. The written estimate can also give you any diagnostic or service charges so that you won’t be surprised by extra fees. You can also be sure to ask if there are any other costs that are typically added that are not on the initial estimate.5
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If you’re not a car expert, chances are you won’t know the severity of a repair and whether you need to fix your car now or can put it off for a bit longer. This is where you can ask your mechanic what exactly the repair is and if it’s a repair that you absolutely need. Often times when you go for a simple oil change or tire rotation, you’ll get a list of repairs that can be added to your bill for the day. While you may feel overwhelmed, you can ask the mechanic whether the repair is necessary and what exactly the repair does for your car to help you understand your repairs.6
Extra Tip: You can research the different car shops in your area before you even bring your car in. Having questions ready for your mechanic is a great way to be prepared, but to give yourself an even better head start you can research different shops online to see their reputation. Look for the certifications that different mechanics have at the shop and what the reviews are like online to help you create a list of shops that you think you want to take your car to.
You can also discuss different payment options when talking with local auto shops. Car repairs can have a wide range when it comes to what you can expect for cost. If you are looking for more flexibility in paying off your car repair, the Synchrony Car Care™ credit card is a great option. Learn more about the card and which auto shops accept it here.