Spare Parts | Car Parts | Motorcycle Parts

One of the most difficult things to be successful at when your car needs repairs is finding both reputable technicians and part stores. The following tip can help get the best estimate for your car repair

A simple rule of thumb with technicians, mechanics and part store clerks is to ask questions; show them that you are an informed shopper and are only there to obtain an estimate. Now here’s the catch; most repair shops, technicians and mechanics are required to give you a free estimate, but they are not required to diagnose your problem to give you that estimate! So, you bring you vehicle into a shop with a stalling problem; if you know what is causing that problem they will provide you with a free estimate as to the repairs you request. If you do not know, then they will try to extract a diagnostic fee.

Why not play one against the other?

Let’s say your "check / service engine soon" light is on. This is your on board computer’s way of telling you it sees a problem with the system. Most shops will charge you one hour of labor to diagnose that problem as the computer will need to be scanned. A way around that is to find a parts store that will scan it for you for free (you can find one in your area).

Now lets say it comes up with a oxygen sensor code. 98% of the time that is because the sensor has failed (they only last 50-90 k miles) so, now you’re armed with that information, you can use it to shop around for a repair facility that will replace it at a fair price. Furthermore if it isn’t the sensor causing the problem consider repairing it as an investment in avoiding a future problem.

The kind of places to avoid are those where you bring your car in and want the brakes checked and the technician comes out with a huge estimate for steering suspension or other repairs. The chances are you’re being taken to the cleaners; at this point get a copy of the estimate, tell them you need to think about it, take your vehicle to another facility and ask them to check the parts on the estimate (but do not show them the estimate).

Writtey by Johnathon Valentine