It’s okay to ask questions when your car is in need of repairs, especially if you’re potentially spending hundreds of dollars in repair fees. But you’re not alone. Here are the ten most common car repair questions from car owners, along with some general answers from mechanics themselves.

10. Does my car need a tune up?
Car maintenance goes a long way to keeping a car running safely and smoothly, but it isn’t necessarily a solution to car trouble that’s already there. Remember, a tune-up is a way of preventing car trouble, not repairing it.

9. What’s wrong with my car?
Diagnosing a car problem is as simple or as complicated as the problem itself. A well-trained mechanic can often spot car trouble with just a few minutes under the hood. Sometimes, a more extensive diagnostics test is required to get to the bottom of a problem.

8. Where should I have my car repaired?
Your car insurance company should be able to provide you with a list of accredited auto repair shops within your area. If your car is relatively new, your car manufacturer can shoulder the cost of some auto repairs. But remember to never settle for anything less than the best.

7. Can I fix my car on my own?
In an attempt to cut down on auto repair costs, a lot of car owners are learning to fix their cars themselves. Simple repairs like rudimentary component replacement or body repair can be done with the help of a step-by-step online tutorial. But bear in mind that nothing can replace the overall workmanship of a trained professional.

6. How do I keep this damage from happening again?
If it’s an auto-body problem, the solution is simple: don’t get into an accident. But for problems under the hood, regular maintenance is a great way of saving you the hassle and cost of other long term problems. Always consult with your mechanic on how to avoid more specific car problems.

5. What kind of guarantee/warranty do I get from the car repairs?
Different auto repair shops provide varying guarantees for their work. But the guarantee also depends on the kind of parts being provided for your car. Used and re-manufactured parts offer little to no warranty for their components, but original and aftermarket parts offer some manner of security when it comes to replacement components.

4. Do I need to get a second opinion on my car?
It’s always good to canvas for car repair prices. But extensive canvassing can become costly and tiresome after a certain point. If you find an auto repair shop you trust, save yourself the hassle and stick with them.

3. What kind of parts do I need?
The parts necessary for a repair job differs from one case to another. Repair parts also come in either original, aftermarket, remanufactured or used variants, each offering varying levels of quality.

2. How long will it take to repair?
It’s common to want to know when you can get your car back from the repair shop. Depending on the extent of the damage, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. But a question car owners should be asking is how many labor hours it will take to repair. The more labor hours poured into your car, the higher your repair bill will be.

1. How much will the repairs cost?
A repair quotation is dependent on repair components, labor hours and any number of other miscellaneous expenses. For more extensive repairs, the job can rack up quite a bill. But while it’s tempting to cut corners with a cheaper auto repair shop, you could end up wasting thousands of dollars in future repair costs.

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