Auto Repair

How to know if that expensive fix is worth it

You're driving down the road when your car begins to make a strange noise. Before you have time to react, or even pull off to the side of the road, the car dies. A few days later a friendly auto mechanic leaves a message on your answering machine that causes you to do a double take. How much did he say? There must be some mistake because there's no way a simple problem can cost that much money. You'll probably have questions, and probably wonder if you really need that expensive car repair. And the simple truth is that, you might not need it.

Take Some Precautions

You need to make sure that you use a reputable repair shop; check with your auto insurance company and see what they recommend. It’s even better if you have one in mind before something happens, or have experience with the mechanic. Make sure that the mechanic is licensed, and see if anyone you know has one they prefer.

Once the mechanic decides what needs to be done, and gives you an estimate, get a copy of it in writing. This can help you later if the shop decides you need more work, or something different, and it can help if something goes wrong in the future. And if you believe that they may be overcharging you, seek a second opinion. A reputable mechanic will understand your need to look elsewhere, and validate their original estimate if you go back.

Protect Yourself

To prevent potentially being scammed, check out the mechanic and shop before authorizing or agreeing to any repairs. Check with friends and relatives to see if they have any experiences with the company, and make sure they are licensed with the state. You should also do a quick walk through of the shop to look for the way they treat their customers, and the way they operate. A shop with overflowing trash and a rude staff aren't worth your time, even if they offer an extreme discount. If they act rude before working on your car, how will they treat you if something goes wrong with the repairs later?

The only way to tell if you truly need that expensive auto repair is to trust your gut feeling. Does it cost more to repair the car than its actually worth? Can you replace the car with a better model for less money than it will cost for repairs? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, than you can probably turn down the repairs. But if you need your car for work or school, than those expensive repairs may be worth it.

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

If you love your car, you’ve got treat it right – stock will never do for your hot wheels! Whether it’s for performance or just for the look, aftermarket parts can turn that car you just brought home into your own pimp ride.