When to take your car to the repair shop?

This will prevent surprises if the fix doesn’t “stick” with time and driving. If your car’s problem isn’t resolved when you pick it up after the first visit, or it reappears soon after (like the notorious “Check Engine” light that keeps appearing), it’s time to escalate the issue to the next level.

How to avoid being ripped off at the auto repair shop?

One seasoned auto mechanic is warning consumers to be well-versed in how a car works to avoid being ripped off at the auto repair shop. “Joe,” who has been a mechanic for 40 years, agreed to reveal the secrets of his trade to ABC News’ “20/20” on the condition that his identity would remain concealed.

How much does it cost to repair ABC News car?

Both Fordin and Mendola deemed the car perfectly fine otherwise. One repair shop in New Jersey fixed the cord issue in 15 minutes without even charging our producer — though ABC News’ expert mechanic say it would be reasonable to charge between $50-100 to diagnose the problem.

What to do when your car is not fixed right?

Throughout the process of resolving your car’s problem, keep all paperwork from your visits to the auto repair shop, making sure that the work performed and amount paid are documented clearly. Speaking with the shop foreman or service manager should be your first step when an initial attempt to repair your car fails.

This will prevent surprises if the fix doesn’t “stick” with time and driving. If your car’s problem isn’t resolved when you pick it up after the first visit, or it reappears soon after (like the notorious “Check Engine” light that keeps appearing), it’s time to escalate the issue to the next level.

Where can I go to fix a totaled car?

The next challenge is finding a collision repair shop that will fix it. Fortunately, there are collision repair shops that are willing to undertake the extensive repairs required for a totaled car; some even specialize in totaled cars. The most important thing you can do is to talk to an auto body shop for an estimate and see what they say.

One seasoned auto mechanic is warning consumers to be well-versed in how a car works to avoid being ripped off at the auto repair shop. “Joe,” who has been a mechanic for 40 years, agreed to reveal the secrets of his trade to ABC News’ “20/20” on the condition that his identity would remain concealed.

Throughout the process of resolving your car’s problem, keep all paperwork from your visits to the auto repair shop, making sure that the work performed and amount paid are documented clearly. Speaking with the shop foreman or service manager should be your first step when an initial attempt to repair your car fails.