Sometimes it is impossible to do without the services of a specialized workshop. In the workshop, with the help of modern diagnostic tools, the causes of some faults can be found very quickly
Authorized (warranty) and independent workshops
In general, you can decide for yourself which workshop is better to contact. In addition to authorized workshops that work under contract with car manufacturers, you can also turn to an independent workshop. In independent workshops, many types of repair work can also be carried out expertly. Oil changes, new brake linings and discs, tires, bumpers in these workshops are often cheaper. In any case, qualified personnel must work in the workshop, and the workshop itself must be a member of the bodyshop corporation.
If the warranty period for the machine has not expired, then it must be inspected in the warranty workshop. The same goes for most types of repairs. Of course, despite the guarantee, you can touch up the varnish coating or straighten the sheet yourself, you can also contact one of the independent workshops. True, if after that there are problems with the repaired area, then it will no longer be possible to present any claims under the guarantee.
Be sure to sign a repair agreement
Make a list of the symptoms and deficiencies that you noticed during the operation of the car. Discuss this list in the workshop with the master or consultant. Feel free to ask questions if something is not clear to you. Show flaws directly on the car.
Give specific assignments. In the case of a general task like «prepare for inspection» or «prepare for vacation» uncertainties will inevitably be programmed, moreover, you may have to pay for those works that you did not intend to order at all.
Be sure to have a written contract for the repair. It should define all works as precisely as possible. Receive confirmation of receipt of the order.
Ask for prices
Before submitting a repair order, inquire about the estimated cost, which includes labor and materials. Set a marginal cost for additional work if such work becomes necessary during the repair process. If the amount of repairs and costs cannot be precisely determined in advance, set a limit for costs.
Ask about the cost of troubleshooting. For example, if the car consumes too much fuel or starts poorly, if the engine knocks or unusual noises are heard in the wheels, then finding the causes of these symptoms is sometimes more expensive than the repair itself. For this reason, eliminate the limit price and for troubleshooting.
Leave your phone number in the workshop so that they can call you if the amount of repair is more than planned. Additional agreements must also be made in writing.
In the case of extensive repairs, ask the representatives of the workshop for a preliminary cost estimate, based on this estimate, you can determine what costs you should expect. As a rule, a preliminary estimate is calculated only if in the future you will not give the repair task to the workshop. In the case of unforeseen work, the invoice may exceed the preliminary cost estimate by no more than 15-20 percent.
Cheaper parts for an old car
In the case of an old car, it makes sense to ask about special offers regarding the purchase of parts and maintenance fees. Warranty shops often offer branded parts at discount prices. In this case, as mentioned above, you can save up to 30 percent.
If you need to replace the whole unit, it is not necessary to install new parts. Ask if the workshop has prepared and tested exchange parts - these parts cost less for the same quality. This may include the engine, clutch, alternator, starter and water pump.
An oil change at a workshop or gas station can be expensive if you are offered the most expensive oil. Ask for a cheaper oil of the same specification - oils of this grade are usually also suitable.
Technical inspections and guarantees
During the inspection, first of all, the condition and functioning of the nodes are checked and, if necessary, they are replaced. This concerns those components that affect the reliability and safety of the car. With a calm driving method and appropriate operating conditions, it is quite possible to fully use the entire period that is set by the manufacturer until the first maintenance, i.e. 30 thousand km or 2 years.
Be sure to adhere to the maintenance intervals set by the manufacturer, refuse self-repair. The manufacturer will only accept valid warranty claims if the maintenance work is carried out in a timely manner and in an authorized workshop. Already after a run of 30 thousand km in such components as the brake system, wheel suspension, tires and steering, wear can occur that goes unnoticed by the driver. Thus, regular maintenance, prescribed by the manufacturer, not only allows you to keep the car in perfect order, first of all it ensures your safety.
Account verification
After the repair, together with the master or consultant, check the invoice issued by the workshop.
Ask for clarification of incomprehensible abbreviations and technical terms. Items such as payment for labor, materials and value added tax must be separately decoded in the invoice.
Submit complaints in a timely manner
Poor repairs should be advertised as early as possible. The workshop is responsible for its work during the warranty period, which must be specified depending on the type of work (but not less than a month). If malfunctions occur due to unskilled repairs, you are entitled to claim damages from the workshop.
If the basis for the claim arises upon receipt of the vehicle from repair, the workshop may still insist that you pay for the repair in full before picking up the vehicle. In this case, make a note on the invoice that payment is subject to reservation.
Complaint should be filed in a business conversation. If disagreements cannot be resolved, contact auto experts and the appropriate authorities.
When working under the vehicle, the inspection ditch and platform lift offered by workshops are indispensable items
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