When a vehicle breaks down, repairs are needed to get it running again and prevent further issues. For those who haven’t had much experience with car repairs, knowing what to expect is crucial. Before taking the vehicle to a mechanic, it is important to understand the following.
An Inspection and a Quote
The first thing that needs to be done before the auto repair in Aurora, IL is an inspection. Let the mechanic know about the signs of an issue that have been detected and they will do a thorough inspection to find out what needs to be fixed. Once they have done this, they will provide a written estimate for repairs. It is important to always get the estimate in writing in case there are any issues.
Drop Off or Wait for Repairs?
The driver will need to decide if they’d like to drop off the vehicle or wait for repairs to be completed. If their repairs won’t take long, waiting is a good idea, and the driver can get on with their day again once the vehicle is fixed. However, if it’s going to take more than a few hours before the vehicle is done, it may be better to go get lunch or find somewhere else to be rather than wait at the shop. In some cases, it may not be possible to wait because of the amount of time the repairs will take.
Renting a Car If Needed
If the repairs are not able to be done the same day, renting a car may be necessary. While many things can be repaired on the same day, some issues can take a lot longer to fix, especially if the mechanic needs to order parts for the vehicle. In these situations, the driver may want to rent a vehicle so they can still go to work, run errands, and more. Ask the mechanic for an estimated amount of time if parts need to be ordered and keep in contact with them to check on status updates until the vehicle is repaired.
Adjustments to the Quote
Drivers should be aware that the estimate they were given may not be the exact total they will pay when the repairs are done. However, there are limits to what the mechanic can charge if they need to do more. The mechanic must contact the driver and get approval for added work when it will increase the cost of repairs by more than 10%. This is why it’s important to get the original estimate in writing as well as to keep in contact with the mechanic in case more work is needed for the vehicle.
If your car isn’t running right, taking it to a mechanic is a good idea. Make sure you know what needs to be fixed, how much it will cost, and how long the repairs may take so you can make the right decisions for going forward. Talk to a mechanic today to learn more about what may be needed to repair your vehicle.