WhoCanFixMyCar.com was founded in 2011 by Ian Griffiths and Alistair Preston . The company helps to connect Britain's 32 million car owners with local garages, mobile mechanics and dealerships by sourcing car servicing and repair quotes from relevant businesses nationwide.
How do you know if your mechanic is ripping you off?
- Scare Tactics.
- Fixing the Body Paint. ...
- Replacing the Air Filter. ...
- Offering a Free Inspection or Tire Rotation. ...
- Additives. ...
- Not Grouping Repairs When Calculating Labor. ...
- One Fix After Another. ...
- Charging Full Price for Remanufactured Parts. ...
What does Bureau of Automotive Repair do?
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), serves Californians through effective regulation of the automotive repair and Smog Check industry .
How would you choose an auto repair facility?
- Ask Around for Recommendations. ...
- Check the Website and Go Through Public Reviews. ...
- Compare the Price Range of Vehicle Repairs. ...
- Location of the Shop. ...
- Ask for License and Certification. ...
- Experience. ...
- Ask Questions. ...
- Trust Your Intuition.
What is a full service car?
A full service is a complete check of the whole car, which should be carried out annually or every 12,000 miles . This service can take around 3 hours to complete.
Can you negotiate with mechanic?
Most people simply don't realize they can negotiate auto repair work . And while some itemized charges may stand firm (like some parts prices), others have significant wiggle-room (shop mark-ups are often as much as 200% to cover operations).
Do mechanics lie about brakes?
18 Mechanics Lie: The Brakes Are Bad
However, a mechanic will often encourage the customer to replace everything when, in reality, simply cleaning the brake rotors can fix the issue. But because people are worried, they instantly pay for way more than they need to.
How long can a mechanic legally keep your car to fix?
How long can a mechanic keep my car? There is no legal limit to how long a mechanic can keep your car. If you are unsatisfied with your service, you can always take your business elsewhere and try to find another mechanic.
What does bar stand for in automotive?
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) is part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), whose mission is to promote and protect the interests of California consumers.
What is cap repair?
The Consumer Assistance Program's (CAP) repair assistance option offers eligible consumers whose vehicles fail a biennial Smog Check inspection financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs at a STAR test-and-repair station .
How does the bar program work?
The Bureau of Automotive Repair's (BAR) Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) offers eligible consumers repair assistance and vehicle retirement options to help improve California's air quality . Participation is based on meeting eligibility requirements and the availability of funds each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).
Why do you need to be extremely cautious around electric fans?
Why do you need to be extremely cautious around electric fans? Electric fans can start at anytime even if the ignition is off . What is the procedure for jacking up a vehicle?
How long is car maintenance?
Firstly, are you taking your car in for an interim service (usually performed every 6 months or 6,000 miles) or a full service (usually carried out every 12 months or 12,000 miles)? An interim service usually takes about an hour and a half and a full service is usually completed within 3 hours .
Are spark plugs changed in a full service?
A full service usually includes everything apart for any parts specified as requiring replacement in your vehicles servicing schedule , such as fuel filters, spark plugs etc.
Is it illegal to not service your car?
FALSE: “Servicing your vehicle is a legal requirement”
While regular servicing is highly recommended to keep your vehicle in good shape, unlike an MOT check, an annual service is not a legal requirement , nor is it a pre-requisite to insuring your vehicle.
Is brake fluid included in a service?
Remember – brake fluid is checked during a service (both interim and full) for its general condition and to ensure its boiling point is adequate, but it will not be replaced as part of the service.
What to do if a mechanic is ripping you off?
- Describe the problem fully. Provide as much information as possible. ...
- Don't offer a diagnosis. Avoid saying what you think is causing the problem. ...
- Request a test drive. If the problem occurs only when the car is moving, ask the mechanic to accompany you on a test drive.
- Ask for evidence.
Why do people not trust mechanics?
The reasons that U.S. drivers lack confidence in auto repair shops include recommendations of unnecessary services (76 percent), overcharging for services (73 percent), negative past experiences (63 percent) and concerns that the work will not be done correctly (49 percent).
How do you talk to mechanics?
- Tip #1: Find a mechanic you can trust. ...
- Tip #2: Communicate clearly and ask questions. ...
- Tip #3: Get an estimate in writing. ...
- Tip #4: Set realistic expectations. ...
- Tip #5: Let the mechanic do his job... but don't go too far.
Is fixing an old car worth it?
Arguments for Fixing Up
It is almost always less expensive to repair a car than buy a new one . Although something as severe as a blown motor or a failed transmission will run you between $3,000 and $7,000 to replace at a dealership, such repairs still don't cost as much as buying a new car.
Do mechanics have to give you the old parts?
As the owner of the vehicle, you are entitled to keep any parts that are removed from your car during a service or repair, regardless of their condition.
What does a diagnostic test on a car tell you?
Car diagnostic tests scan your car's components and systems to check for issues with components like the engine, transmission, oil tank, throttle, and many more . Because car diagnostic tests require specific devices and expertise to read correctly, most tests are performed with mechanics or at dealer shops.
How does Florida Lemon Law work?
Under Florida Lemon Law, vehicles are eligible if they suffer from defects that haven't been repaired “within a reasonable number of attempts” by the car dealership . After these attempts, consumers must send a final opportunity for the manufacturer to repair the defect if they wish to take action under the Lemon Law.
Do I have to pay a garage if they don't fix my car?
If you told the garage to do whatever needs to be done to fix the car, then you gave them the right to decide what work to do. You'll have to pay if the work was necessary and the price is reasonable .
What takes the longest to fix on a car?
Replacing an Engine
People who have experienced the agony of replacing an engine, whether it's your average Joe or a certified auto technician, will say this is the greatest challenge in any car.
