If I could count all of the times that I was ripped off on Baie-Comeau Auto Repair, then I would probably have been better at adding up their estimates. I don't think my car even has an automatic louffa converter, even if it is German engineering.
The best way to avoid auto repair rip-offs is to be prepared. Knowing how your vehicle works and how to identify common car problems is a good beginning. It is also important to know how to select a good technician, the kinds of questions to ask, and your consumer rights.
How to Choose a Repair Shop
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and other people you trust. Look for an auto repair shop before you need one to avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision.
- Shop around by telephone for the best deal, and compare warranty policies on repairs.
- Ask to see current licenses if state or local law requires repair shops to be licensed or registered. Also, the office of your state Attorney General or local consumer protection agency may know whether there is a record of complaints about a particular repair shop.
- Make sure the shop will honor your vehicle's warranty.
How to Choose a Technician
- Look for shops that display various certifications, like an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) seal. Certification indicates that some or all of the technicians meet basic standards of knowledge and competence in specific technical areas. Make sure the certifications are current, but remember that certification alone is no guarantee of good or honest work.
- Ask if the technician or shop has experience working on the same make or model vehicle as yours.
For this information and more, including how to understand your repair charges and preventative maintenance, please visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) web page, Taking the Scare out of Auto Repair.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence awards the ASE Certified Technician seal to individual technicians who pass standardized tests. Repair establishments with at least one ASE technician are permitted to display the ASE sign in their shop.
The Motorist Assurance Program is a nonprofit that also gives its seal of approval to qualified repair shops.
If you would like to file a complaint against a mechanic or repair shop, contact your State Consumer Protection Office. You may also file a complaint with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) or your State Motor Vehicle Agency.
You may also wish to view the following information from the Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) about choosing the right repair shop for your vehicle or how to find your way under the hood and around the car.
Information about the following topics is also available: