How to Handle a Faulty Repair

Even worse than a big repair bill is a bad repair. Before jumping down your mechanic's throat, take a deep breath and envision the best possible scenario: that he or she simply made a mistake and that the shop will fix it at no additional cost to you. When it comes to receiving good customer service, a little politeness goes a long way.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A Dose Of Courage
• Courtesy
• Receipt Or Work Order

1. Return to the shop as soon as you realize something is wrong.
2. Bring along a friend who knows a lot about cars.
3. Ask to speak to the service manager and the mechanic who worked on your car.
4. Explain the nature of the problem in as much detail as possible.
5. Take notes and ask as many questions as necessary so you understand the situation.
6. Go on a test drive with the mechanic and point out the problem.
7. Be firm but pleasant: Let them know that you will leave the car until they fix it.
8. If the first mechanic can't locate the problem, ask to go on a test drive or look at your car with a different mechanic at the same shop.
9. Consider the possibility that the problem may not be related to the recent fix (if that's what the mechanic suggests) and go to another shop for a second opinion.
10. Call the office of your state attorney general and ask for the name and number of the agency that regulates auto-repair businesses in your state. You may be able to get a mediator to sort out a repair or bill dispute.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a reputable garage before your car breaks down.
• Test-drive your car before paying, to make sure it was fixed right.
• Do not have major work done on your car before leaving town on a long trip.
• Keep all receipts and work orders in a safe place.