Get it in writing first
Before a shop starts any work, ask for a written estimate. It should list what they found, what they recommend, the parts, the labor and the total, and it should be clear that they'll contact you before doing anything beyond it. Some states have their own rules on estimates and authorizations; whatever yours are, a written estimate protects both you and the shop.
The parts of an estimate
- Diagnosis. The time spent finding the problem, sometimes applied to the repair if you go ahead.
- Parts. Each part, its price and its type.
- Labor. The time the job takes, multiplied by the shop's hourly rate.
- Shop supplies. Small items such as cleaners, rags and lubricants, often a flat fee or a percentage. Ask how it's calculated.
- Fees and taxes. Disposal fees for oil, coolant, tires or batteries, and sales tax where it applies.
Labor time
Many shops price labor from published labor-time guides that list how long a typical repair takes on a particular vehicle. That's sometimes called flat-rate or book time. You pay the book time even if the technician finishes faster, and the shop absorbs the cost if it takes longer. It makes estimates predictable. Ask how the shop prices labor.
Parts choices
- Original equipment (OE). Parts from the vehicle maker or its supplier.
- Aftermarket. Parts made by other companies. Quality ranges from excellent to poor.
- Remanufactured. Used parts rebuilt to working condition, common for alternators, starters, transmissions and some engine parts.
- Used. Parts from salvaged vehicles, sometimes the only practical choice on older cars.
Price, fit, durability and warranty vary across all of them. Ask which you're getting and why.
Needed now, or later
Shops often find several things during an inspection. A good estimate separates them:
- Safety items. Brakes, steering, tires, suspension parts and leaks that could cause a fire or failure.
- Things that will cause more damage if ignored. A coolant leak that could lead to overheating.
- Maintenance coming due. Fluid changes or belts at the maker's interval.
- Things to watch. A small seep or a part that's worn but within limits.
Ask the shop to rank them, and to show you why each matters.
Authorizing changes
Once work starts, a shop may find something unexpected. A good shop stops and calls you, explains what they found, gives you a revised price and waits for your approval before doing more. Ask how they'll reach you, and keep your phone on.
Old parts
You can usually ask for your old parts back, or to see them. That's a reasonable way to confirm the work. Some parts, such as remanufactured units, carry a core charge, which means the old part has to go back to the supplier; the shop can show it to you instead.
Warranty
Ask for the warranty on parts and labor in writing: how long, how many miles, and whether it's honored only at that shop.
Keep the paperwork
Keep every estimate and final invoice in one folder or one email thread. The invoice should match the approved estimate, list the parts actually installed and show the mileage. Those records help with future diagnosis, prove maintenance if a warranty claim comes up, and add value when you sell the car.
Getting a second opinion
For a large repair, a second opinion is reasonable. Bring the first shop's written findings so the second can check them rather than starting over.
Questions to ask
- What did you find, and how did you confirm it?
- How is labor priced, and how many hours is this?
- What kind of parts are these, and why?
- Which items are urgent, and which can wait?
- Will you call me before doing anything else?
- What's the written warranty?