This is probably one of the most common phrases when discussing vehicle repair. It is a fact that repairing cars can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean that the cost isn’t fair or that you’re being overcharged. The time when you or a family member can simply repair your car is going away quickly. Why is it so expensive and why should I even hire a professional mechanic?
Vehicles Have Definitely Changed
Modern cars are very complex. Many repairs require the help of a skilled mechanic to properly diagnose and repair your car. The average mechanic at Auto Repair Shop San Diego attends at least 20 to 40 hours of training annually. Mechanics today should really be referred to as “car doctors.” They are constantly investing in thousands of hours of training and tens of thousands of dollars in tools.
These highly-skilled, highly experienced car doctors can be pricey to hire, but they are helpful to both the shop and you as a customer. They will be able to properly diagnose and repair your car right, the first time.
Why Is It Important to Fix Car Issues?
Imagine that your vehicle starts making a familiar noise, the first step to its possible demise. You’re a careful vehicle owner and bring it to the shop immediately to see what’s the matter. You’re also a savvy customer and don’t want to be ripped off, so you start to shop around for the best price. You go for the cheapest option you can find, but you notice the shop isn’t certified. The shop may make the noise go away for a few hundred dollars, but don’t get too excited. The noise comes back a month later, louder than before. The shop you chose wasn’t certified, and you didn’t know to check on the warranty for the work. You’re out some money, time, and probably a few years of the life of your car. This is a very familiar situation, and that technician you thought was too expensive would have been the cheaper option in the long run.
Like cars, technology has changed a great deal since the early 1900s. Investment in the tools and equipment is another reason why getting your car repaired is costly. When the “check engine light” came around in the ‘80s, these special scanners quickly became the norm. These shop-quality scan tools can vary in cost, but usually, they cost a few thousand dollars. Properly diagnosing current vehicles required a qualified mechanic with the right equipment. Many parts stores will “pull a code” for you, but it takes the right tools and equipment in the hands of a skilled professional to diagnose your car correctly. Even simple tasks like resetting oil change lights can require special tools on some cars. A well equipped full-service auto repair shop in San Diego will have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in tools and equipment.
There’s no monopoly with parts suppliers. However, it certainly doesn’t mean they are cheap. Installing quality parts and providing a good warranty on your repairs is something crucial to your satisfaction as a consumer. The auto repair market is saturated with parts from all areas of the globe, and some of these parts are tempting because of their low price point. A quality auto repair shop will not cheap out on quality parts to install in your car. That means the San Diego car repair facility will likely offer a decent warranty on the complete repair.
Shop Local and Support Your Community
Most car repair shops are just small businesses, and we all understand the costs of running a small business can pile up quickly. Many certified repair shops are small businesses ran by just a single owner. These facilities have made the huge investments needed in order to provide you with the best possible experience when getting your vehicle repaired. These shops will offer shuttle services, coffee, comfortable waiting rooms, and Wi-Fi at their facility. However, most importantly, they offer you peace of mind that your car is in good hands.
Vehicle repair can be costly, but peace of mind is priceless. We all depend on our vehicles, and we need them to be safe and reliable for us and our family. Going for cheaper options, like a cheaper mechanic, or having someone without proper experience repairing your car may seem like the best option, but ultimately, it’s just inviting the chance of you being overcharged, put in danger, or inconvenience when the repair goes wrong.
How Do I Avoid Feeling Like I Was Ripped-Off for Car Repair?
Building a relationship can help a lot when it comes to feeling confident about vehicle repair. Take the time to learn what’s going on, so when the technician mentions that you may need to replace the water pump while they are looking at the timing belt, you will already understand that’s the best idea to save you some serious labor and cash in the long run.
How do you become educated? You can use an estimator to find out how much you should be paying and get a detailed description of what your mechanic will be doing under the hood. Our blog has pages and articles that you can dive deep into descriptions to help you better understand vehicle repair and maintenance. It’s about time someone made vehicle repair feel like less of a rip-off and more like a great investment.
Auto Repair Shops in San Diego
Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing the best repair experience in San Diego. We will offer you hassle-free auto repairs starting with a precise damage assessment or estimate. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize for a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today to see how we can help.