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BBB Tip of the Week: Take the smart route when to comes to auto repair

Veronica Craker, BBB

Whether it’s an oil change or an extensive car repair, Better Business Bureau serving the Northwest advises drivers to steer clear of unscrupulous mechanics and go with reputable auto service providers instead.

In the past three years BBB serving the Northwest has received 405 complaints against auto body repair companies. In the last year more than 138,500 people in the Northwest turned to BBB to look up auto service professionals.

While finding the right mechanic can sometimes be overwhelming, BBB and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recommend consumers follow a few simple tips so their cars get fixed without a glitch.

      Know the vehicle. Be observant of any unusual noises, smells or alert indicators that appear in the vehicle. Refer to the owner’s manual for immediate problems. It may be a good idea to find a mechanic first, before the vehicle starts acting up.

      Start with trust. Find a mechanic or body shop that is BBB Accredited and checks out online at bbb.org. Read reviews, ask friends for recommendations and scope the out business first by ensuring it’s clean, orderly and the staff is polite.

      Request an estimate. Have the mechanic spell out exactly what the repairs will entail and how much it will cost. Ask to be notified first of any additional work done on the vehicle. Understand labor rates, guarantees and shop policies before agreeing to the repairs.

      Get everything in writing. Ask for a written explanation of all work completed and be sure to include any guarantees. The repair bill should be itemized and list any new parts that have been installed.

      Contact BBB Auto Line. If the mechanic’s repairs didn’t seem to do the trick, check out BBB Auto Line in case there is a motor vehicle warranty issue. BBB Auto Line is a dispute resolution program that helps consumers resolve their Lemon Law complaint without getting a lawyer.

For more consumer protection tips and information on BBB investigations, visit bbb.org/northwest.