What To Look For In An Auto Repair Shop

- Client Reviews

When your vehicle is in need of a tune up or has a mechanical issue, it is important to have a reliable auto repair shop to handle the issue. Ontario drivers rely on their mechanics to perform the necessary work in a reasonable amount of time for a competitive cost.

Knowing what to look for when choosing an auto repair company can help prevent falling prey to scammers, who may utilize shady business dealings like double billing for labour, using the same parts and charging for new ones or other unscrupulous methods to make extra money off of their customers.

If you were involved in a car accident and your injuries resulted from another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. Auto accident injuries can be painful and life threatening and the lawyers of Greg Monforton & Partners believe car crash victims deserve skilled legal representatives to handle their case.

To find out how we can help, simply fill out the Free Case Evaluation form located on the right side of this page, at the top. There is no obligation to continue and it is always 100% FREE. Additionally, the details of your case will always remain completely confidential.

Most Important Things To Look For

Before choosing a mechanic it is vital to interview them in order to ensure they are reputable and will not try to scam you into receiving services you don’t need, or attempting to charge you without your knowledge.

Some of the most important questions to ask are:

  • How many years have they been in business?
  • Do they offer a warranty?
  • Do their mechanics hold AAA or ASE certifications?
  • Is the estimate a free service?
  • Are estimates guaranteed?
  • What types of work do they specialize in?
  • Do they use new, used, or OEM parts?
  • Can you provide your own parts?
  • What kind of payment policies are in place?
  • Do different days and times of day come with different labour rates?
  • Is there a shuttle service or loaner car to use while your car is in the shop?
  • Does the mechanic seem willing to explain terminology to you and answer your questions?

These questions can be a helpful test in determining the trustworthiness and abilities of your prospective auto repair shop. When in doubt, always seek a second opinion before turning your vehicle over to a repair shop.

Your Rights When Dealing With Repair Shops

The Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services outlined standards that auto repair companies must adhere to in order to be in compliance with Canadian law. Some of the most notable standards protect Canadian citizens under Part IV of the Consumer Protection Act of 2002.

They include:

  • A written estimate from the repair shop unless the customer declines and authorizes a maximum payment amount
  • Replaced parts will be returned to the customer if desired
  • Explanation of labour cost calculations
  • Whether mechanics receive commission
  • If estimates are free
  • Estimate must include total amount to be billed and an exact description of the repairs to be made
  • A statutory warranty of 90 days or 5,000 KM

The Consumer Protection Act of 2002 makes it possible for customers of auto repair shops to file a complaint if any of the legal requirements are not met. This will alert the Ministry of Consumer Services to the particular issue you experienced and flag the business for future consumers.

Contacting an Ontario Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident and you would like more information on how to proceed, please contact us today. At the law offices of Greg Monforton and Partners, we understand the pain and anguish that the victims and their loved ones can experience following a vehicle accident.

With this in mind, our entire staff is dedicated to fighting for the rights of individuals – not large firms and corporations – and will fight for your MAXIMUM injury compensation.

Our office is located in Windsor, Ontario and we proudly provide comprehensive legal counsel to injury victims throughout the province including:

  • Chatham
  • Hamilton
  • Leamington
  • Niagara
  • Ottawa
  • Sarnia
  • Toronto
  • and most other surrounding towns and areas.

To find out how we can help with your injury litigation, contact us today at (866) 320-4770.