[v8mustangs]

To many people car repairs are an expensive part of life. At least once or twice a year everyone expects to take their car to the local auto mechanic shop where they will be charged an outrageous fee for parts and labor. What many people do not realize is that they are more likely to be charged more for auto repair during certain times of the year.

In the colder months, usually January, February, and March, auto repairs are likely to be more expensive. Many auto mechanics and auto repair shops suffer at least one serious decline in steady business at least once each year. It happens that usually this decline in business takes place during the coldest months of the year. While there are many different theories regarding this decline in business there is one, popularly accepted, theory.

Most vehicle owners concentrate on having their vehicles serviced in the spring, once things have warmed up, and the fall, right before the weather turns extremely cold. Spring is a popular time for serving cars since many vehicle owners are getting ready for summer trips or want to see if their vehicles were damaged during the harsher months. Fall is another popular time for vehicle maintenance and repair since many people want to do all that is their power to make their vehicles safe for hazardous conditions.

Since many vehicle owners do not voluntarily get their cars serviced during the winter months most auto mechanics will try to make the maximum up sale possible to those who come into their shop for repairs. There is absolutely nothing wrong with auto repair shops suggesting work that will need to be done to the vehicle soon. Unfortunately, during these slow periods many auto repair shops will begin making unnecessary suggestions or insisting that repairs be made that are really not life threatening. The repair shops are more inclined to make these suggestions when their shop is slow rather than when their shop is busy and they are trying to get as many vehicles serviced and out as possible.

One way to avoid this situation in the winter months is to not let a dealership fast talk you. Most consumers end up falling victim to these up sells when they drop their vehicle off for routine or emergency maintenance and leave the vehicle with the shop until they are called to pick it up.

Instead of being called and told a pick up time they are called and given a list of “additional problems” that the auto mechanic feels should be immediately resolved. In many cases this list will contain highly technical terms and will probably have nothing to do with the original problem or concern that led you to bring your car into the repair shop in the first place.

Instead of dropping off your vehicle, try to stay with it while the repairs are being completed. This might mean a boring day in a dingy waiting area but it is usually better to waste time rather than waste money. Staying with your vehicle and ensuring that no additional work is started or completed without your permission will save you money. It will also discourage the auto repair shops from attempting to overcharge you or insist that repairs be made that are not necessary.

Hope this of help in avoiding unneccessary repair bills or at least helps to keep your costs down.

[peddler]

Nice article and thanks for posting. While I try to do as many of my own repairs as possible I do leave the tricker stuff for my local garage. I agree with many of the points you mention since I have been burned in the past by unscrupulous auto repair shops myself.

[Darren]

Really great tips there about when to or when not to have repairs done. I never thought of that before but certainly makes sense. The part of the article I don't think most people would be able to do is spend the entire day at the garage waiting for there car that one would be difficult for most. I do believe that most garages are not allow to do any extra work other then what was discussed originally unless they contact you first.

[Scooter]

I agree. Great tips to keep in mind if and when you have to make a trip to the repair shop.

[Jordon]

This was a great read V8mustangs! I'll be sure to use a few of these tips in the future.