™Questions to ask before you approve a repair
Fifteen polite questions that help you understand a quote before you say yes. Copy them to your phone before you go.
About the problem
- What did you find, and how did you confirm it?
- Can you show me the worn or failed part, or a photo or measurement?
- Is this the cause of the problem I came in for, or something separate?
About the parts
- Are the parts genuine (OEM), aftermarket or remanufactured?
- What warranty comes with the parts and the labor?
- Can I have my old parts back?
About the labor
- How many labor hours are listed, and what’s your hourly rate?
- If two jobs overlap, is the shared labor counted once?
About what’s recommended
- Which items are needed to fix my concern, and which are recommended?
- Is this due by my owner’s manual schedule?
- What happens if I wait, and is anything a safety issue?
Before you say yes
- Can I have this quote in writing?
- Will you call me before doing anything not on this quote?
- Is there an open recall or warranty that might cover this?
Questions by repair type → · How to read a repair quote →
Frequently asked questions
Will asking questions annoy the shop?
A calm, curious tone is normal at a service counter, and a good shop will be glad to explain.
Should I get a second opinion?
For large or non-urgent repairs, a second quote is a reasonable step. For genuine safety issues, don’t delay the repair.
General information, not professional mechanical or legal advice.