How to Not Get Scammed on Your Auto Repair Bill

Many people feel like they are overcharged for auto repairs. To prevent this from happening to you, the key is to be prepared and knowledgeable on auto repair charges. Nobody gets scammed if they know what they're supposed to pay.

Things You'll Need

• General knowledge of automobile repairs
• Computer with Internet access
• Telephone
• Phone Book

Instructions

How To Not Get Scammed On Your Auto Repair Bill

1. Since you know what the mechanic told you is wrong with your car, use the Internet to do a general search. Research the automotive part that needs to be repaired.

2. Write down the part names and procedures that your mechanic discussed. Call other local auto repair shops and ask for a quote on a price for the same procedure. This will give you an idea of how much your car's problem is worth from their point of view.

3. Call local parts stores to price the parts that are to be replaced in your car. This will give you a base price of what your repair is going to cost.

4. Labor charges vary from business to business. You can call local shops to find out the base labor charge, using the lowest as your guideline for finding what your bill should be.

5. Add the price of your parts and labor together. This is the minimum you should be charged for a bill. When you pick up your vehicle, ask how much the markup is on your bill. Show the manager your statistics for the parts and labor for your car's specific problem. This will let them know that you are not going to be taken advantage of.

Tips & Warnings

• Knowing how to do research is key in not getting scammed on your auto repair bill. Make sure that you ask for your core parts back from the manager when you get your vehicle back. Have a friend who knows about cars go with you. If they will not let you have the core back, have that friend examine the core to ensure that it's yours; not someone else's.