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Questions to ask your service advisor

Pick your repair type for a short list of questions, written by someone who has stood behind the service desk. Copy them to your phone before you go.

Any repair

  1. Can I get a written, itemized estimate with parts and labor hours listed separately?
  2. Which items fix the problem I came in for, and which are recommendations?
  3. What happens if I wait on each item: is it a safety issue, or can it be scheduled later?
  4. Will you call me for approval before doing anything not on this estimate?
  5. What warranty covers the parts and the labor?
  6. Can I see or keep the old parts?

Brakes

  1. What did you measure for pad thickness, front and rear?
  2. Do the rotors need replacing, or can they be resurfaced? What measurement shows that?
  3. Is the noise I hear from the pads, the rotors, or something else?
  4. Does the brake fluid actually need a flush now? Was it tested, or is it on my manufacturer’s schedule?
  5. Are the pads OEM or aftermarket, and what warranty comes with them?

Check engine light / diagnosis

  1. What trouble code(s) did you find? Can I have them in writing?
  2. Is the diagnostic fee applied to the repair if I have it done here?
  3. What test confirmed the cause, beyond reading the code?
  4. If this part doesn’t fix it, what’s the next step and does the diagnostic fee cover it?
  5. Is the light steady or flashing, and is the car safe to drive in the meantime?

Battery and charging

  1. What were the battery test results, and was the battery fully charged before the test?
  2. Did you test the alternator output too?
  3. How old is my current battery (check the date code)?
  4. Is the battery under any remaining warranty?
  5. Could anything be draining the battery while the car is off?

Tires and alignment

  1. What is the tread depth on each tire?
  2. What did the alignment check show? Can I see the before readings?
  3. Is the uneven wear from alignment, inflation, or worn suspension parts?
  4. Do I need all four tires, or can I replace two (does my vehicle allow it)?
  5. Does the price include mounting, balancing, valve stems or TPMS service, and disposal?

Fluid flushes and “recommended” services

  1. Is this service on my owner’s manual schedule at my current mileage?
  2. Did a test show this fluid needs replacing, or is it a time-based recommendation?
  3. What fluid specification will you use, and does it match my manual?
  4. What happens if I skip it for now and do it at my next scheduled service?

Timing belt and water pump

  1. Is the timing belt replacement due by mileage or age according to my manual?
  2. Is the water pump driven by the timing belt on my engine? If so, is the labor shared?
  3. What other parts are included in the kit (tensioner, idler pulleys, seals)?
  4. Is this an interference engine, where a broken belt can cause engine damage?

Air conditioning

  1. What did the pressure and leak tests show?
  2. Is recharging alone a real fix, or will the refrigerant leak out again?
  3. Which component failed, and how did you confirm it?
  4. Does the price include evacuating and recharging the system?

Suspension and steering

  1. Which parts have play or leaks, and can you show me?
  2. Is this a safety issue now, or wear that can be monitored?
  3. Will I need an alignment after this repair, and is it included?
  4. Should these parts be replaced in pairs, and why?

General information, not a substitute for an inspection by a qualified technician. Questions apply to most passenger cars; your vehicle may differ.

Frequently asked questions

Is it rude to ask a service advisor these questions?

No. Clear questions are part of a normal service visit, and a good advisor will answer them without fuss. A calm, curious tone works best.

Should I approve repairs on the spot?

For genuine safety issues, act promptly. For everything else, it’s reasonable to ask for the estimate in writing and take time to decide or get a second quote.