There is no avoiding car repair. One way or another you’ll ust have to go down that line. Now what pisses me off is when I am not only inconvenienced by a malfunctioning car, but when the guys with whom I entrusted to revive the darn thing rips me off too. So this are just some tips to avoid rip offs.

Be prepared. Learn how your vehicle works and try to identify common car problems. Know your own vehicle well especially its quirks. With a little car knowledge, you won’t be intimidated by smart asses when they use technical terms in assessing so-called problems.

Go to a reputable mechanic. Remember - it’s not always just the dealership’s shop. Ask for recommendations from all the people you know and trust. Better to be safe than sorry. Compare prices and warranty policies on all repairs. Make sure the auto repair shop will honor your vehicle’s extended warranty if you have one. You can use the telephone first so you won’t be tempted into agreeing with a smooth-talking mechanic.

Check if all the shop is suggesting is for you to replace all the necessary parts. While this might be the best course of action, sometimes, this might also be an unnecessary burden to you, financially. A good shop should walk you through all your options and various repair plans.

Don’t hesitate to check for current licenses and registration, especially if if your local law requires service shops to get them. This may seem overkill but if you have a bad feeling about a certain repair shop, you may ask assistance from the Attorney General’s office or local consumer protection agency in your state. They might help you with records of complaints about repair shops.

Look for authentic and current certifications that indicate that the technician has knowledge and competence that meet at least the basic standards, such as the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) seal. This may at least ensure you of competent technicians.

Always get a second opinion from another repair shop. Be clear however if they will charge you for diagnosis.

And don’t forget to ask for a full written estimate. Be very particular. Make sure that the estimate would identify the condition to be repaired, the parts needed, and the anticipated labor charges. This written estimate should be signed properly and always ask for your copy. Read the fine lines and be sure that it should include that the shop will contact you first for approval before they do any work exceeding a specified amount of time or money.