Tips for Getting Your Car Repaired

No one likes to discover that their car is in need of repairs. It is difficult to determine the magnitude of the problem until you take the car to a mechanic, and the uncertainty of this experience makes most car owners cringe. When it comes to car repairs, the more you know about owner and mechanic relations, the better off you will be! The following article is here to help you out, and it outlines a few helpful dos and don'ts for working with the mechanic and making your auto repair in Vinings as positive as possible.

Tips for Working with Car Mechanics

There is often a disconnect or a breakdown in communication when it comes to car owners and their mechanics. If you haven't found a mechanic you like, or one that you feel that you can trust, check out these simple tips to see if you can improve your relationship with your mechanic and feel more confident about the work that needs to be done on your car:

• Choose a mechanic that comes highly recommended: Speak with friends and family to find a mechanic that can be trusted. Look at local reviews and recommendations as well. If you begin a relationship with a mechanic that has strong ties to the community and a reputation for high quality work and honest pricing, you are starting out on a positive foot with a mechanic you will probably trust for years to come.
• Take notes to your mechanic: Before you head to the shop, sit down and make a list of all the symptoms and problems you have noticed with your car. This list should include sounds, smells, and the general behavior of your car. Think about when you first noticed the problem, as well as when the symptoms are most pronounced (when braking, when you first start up the car, etc). Take these notes to your mechanic so that you can give him or her a very specific idea of what is going on. 
• Set expectations early: Make sure that you leave your number with your mechanic, and before you leave make sure that you know the approximate time for repairs. Make sure that your mechanic knows you expect a call with a diagnosis before repairs are started. If your mechanic knows you expect to hear from him later in the day, the repair process will be as timely as possible. Additionally, make sure that your car appears clean and well cared for before you put it in the mechanic's hands. This sets a precedent that you yourself care for your car and expect the mechanic to do the same.
• Get an estimate in writing: Did you know that most states require mechanics to provide a written estimate of pricing on their services? In general, if a mechanic's repairs will be more than 10% about this estimate, they are required to contact you. Getting an estimate in writing before work begins will help you to shop for the most reasonable repair shop and ensure that you are not charged more money down the road for services that are not required.
• Get a second opinion: While there are probably mechanics out there who will try to swindle you, the more likely scenario is a simple misdiagnosis. Mechanics are human, and as such are bound to make mistakes. When you are looking at expensive repairs on your vehicle, it is a good idea to get a second opinion from another mechanic in order to ensure that the diagnosis is sound and that the price quoted is reasonable. These are just a few things to consider when looking for auto repair in Vinings, or your area.

Source : articlesbase.com