How to trust a mechanic with your car?
Some of us are in love with our cars. While you may be emotionally attached to your car, you must take good care of it and get it serviced regularly.
After all, you do not want to pay surprise visits to a mechanic.
If you do not have a regular mechanic already, trusting your car with a new mechanic is not easy at all. You might come across all kinds of technicians, some good, some not so good.
Therefore, before signing up with a mechanic, you should know a few things so that you can be confident that you are being given the best services for your money.
Identifying a good automotive service
The workshops should offer competitive prices. In case someone is charging too, low or too high, be inquisitive and question why the prices are as such.
Also, you must actively look for alternatives so that you can get a good idea of what the prices for a particular job are in the market.
Ask for a budget
The budget prepared by a mechanical workshop is valid for 12 business days. The workshop should provide a written estimate before the repair. The document must include the data of the user, the vehicle, itemized prices of the repair, the date and signature of the service provider, and the expected date of delivery.
Surprise breakdowns
If anytime during the repair, non-budgeted faults appear or a part needs replacing, that were not initially detected, they must be notified and budgeted before being fixed.
Until the mechanic has your approval, they cannot proceed to the fix.
Repair guarantee
Repairs carried out in a legal mechanical workshop have a minimum guarantee of 3 months or 2,000 kilometers, whichever is earlier. This warranty covers materials, parts, and labor. If during the warranty period the vehicle breaks down, the workshop needs to bear the costs of the breakdown, as long as it has not been tampered with by third parties.
Installation of New parts
A professional mechanic shop is obliged to use new spare parts. Only if the owner authorizes them to install used parts, can they do so. However, the used parts also should be in perfect condition.
Do not sign up with an automotive service that uses old steering elements, suspension, or tires. These parts must always be new.
Second-hand parts may also be used in the case of items that have been discontinued.
Final invoice
The invoice for a mechanical workshop is not an option, but an obligation. The hours of labor utilized and the prices of all parts used should be included.
Finally, it must be sealed and signed.
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