Engine Trouble

The world of automotive repair is full of stories of people going to the garage for an oil change and coming out indentured servants. Here's how to avoid having to pay for repairs you don't need.

By: Lanny Boutin

  One evening my husband took our car in for a routine oil change. While he read the paper, the mechanics changed the oil and checked the air filter. When they finished, the car wouldn't start.
  Its main computer had shorted out, possibly from a 12-volt jolt. Coincidence? That's what the shop concluded. That oil change cost us $1,159.71.
  Everyone has heard the horror stories, the mechanic who forgets to refill the car with oil after an oil change, or forgets to put the oil plug back on, the new belt that breaks before the customer leaves the lot damaging the engine.
 

If possible, find a good mechanic you can stick with. And always ask who will be doing the work - a mechanic, or an apprentice.

  In 1999 the Better Business Bureau of Central and Northern Alberta fielded sixty calls from people with auto repairs disputes. So what can you do?

• "Get a written estimate," notes Glen, a technical representative for Alberta Motor Association's Approved Auto Repair. He recommends you shop around, get a few estimates, then make sure the garage you choose guarantees the estimate, and is willing to call you before doing any extra work. Glen also notes, "that the work should never vary more than ten percent from the original estimate."
• If possible find a good mechanic and stick with him. Always ask who will be doing the work, a mechanic or an apprentice. An apprentice may be trained to do the repairs, but a licensed mechanic should always supervise.
• Make sure the garage is properly equipped to do the job. Often newer cars need computerized diagnostic testing to locate problems quickly and efficiently.
• Educate yourself. Ask questions, lots of questions. If you don't understand, get them to show you. "We have a special hoist for our advisors to show customers exactly what we are going to do," notes Ken Lauinger, service manager at Kentwood Ford in Edmonton. "After all it's your money, you have a right see what the repairs are all about".
• Get the old parts. Some parts like starters and alternators have a core charge, part of the price is refunded back to the garage when the old part is returned, but most parts are thrown out, so be suspicious if they're not willing to give you the old parts.
• If you find yourself in a dispute try calling the Better Business Bureau, or your local TV station, many of which have consumer advocates who can take on your causes. The Canadian Automobile Association also offers mediation services for its members - www.caa.ca.

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