Before having work done on your vehicle, what should you obtain?

Obtaining a detailed estimate including costs before having work done on your vehicle is essential for a variety of reasons. This document provides a clear breakdown of what services are needed, the estimated cost for parts and labor, and a timeline for the completion of the work. It enables you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the repairs, as well as ensures that you have a reference point for what you should expect to pay. Having this information can also help prevent misunderstandings with the mechanic about the cost or scope of the work, creating a transparent process and protecting you from unexpected charges.

A verbal estimate may lack the detail needed for effective budgeting and doesn’t offer a formal agreement, while a check-up form from a previous service is not relevant to the current work needing to be performed. Not obtaining anything might lead to surprises regarding repair costs and can result in disputes or dissatisfaction with the service provided.