The best way to avoid auto repair rip-offs to be prepared.
Being familiar with your vehicle, knowing how it works and how to identify common problems your vehicle has is a good beginning.
It’s important to know how to choose a trustworthy mechanic, know what questions to ask and be familiar with your consumer rights.
For instance, ask if their mechanics are certified by the manufacturers of the vehicles they work on. (Ian’s mechanics are Honda Master Technicians , for example)
This type of information can help you get the most out of each repair you bring your shop in for.
Before you arrange to have any repairs performed, ask about shop prices and how they work. Some shops charge a flat rate for labor on auto repairs. A published rate may be based on an independent or manufacturer’s estimate of the time required to complete repairs.
Understanding the cost of Parts
New Parts:
New parts are generally made to meet the original manufacturer’s specifications, either by the manufacturer or an independent company. Some states may require repair shops to tell you if non-original equipment is used in a repair. At Ian’s Auto Service, we use genuine Honda OEM parts and fluid for all auto repair services.
Rebuilt Parts:
These are parts that have been restored to a sound working condition. Many manufacturers who provide rebuilt parts offer warranties covering these type of parts but typically not the labor to install them.
Salvage Parts:
Salvage parts are used parts taken from another vehicle without alteration. For some specialized repairs, salvage parts may be the only source for certain items, but reliability is sometimes an issue depending on the condition of the part.
