Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- A Dose Of Courage
- Courtesy
- Receipt Or Work Order
Step1
Return to the shop as soon as you realize something is wrong.
Step2
Bring along a friend who knows a lot about cars.
Step3
Ask to speak to the service manager and the mechanic who worked on your car.
Step4
Explain the nature of the problem in as much detail as possible.
Step5
Take notes and ask as many questions as necessary so you understand the situation.
Step6
Go on a test drive with the mechanic and point out the problem.
Step7
Be firm but pleasant: Let them know that you will leave the car until they fix it.
Step8
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.
Step9
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.
Step10
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.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 6/30/2006 Tell them you mean business and you are willing to sue if they do not accept your problem. If that does not work, get a friend or family member (who really knows their stuff), open the hood and have that friend or family member point out exactly what is wrong. Bring the family member or friend, and the mechanic on a test drive. Have you family member or friend tell the mechanic about the problem. If all of the above fails, go to a second shop. Or, if you have the time and resources, sue them.