📋 Quick Facts
Questions
10
Time
5-10 min
Cost
Free
Saves
$100s-$1,000s
The ten questions below cover credentials, parts quality, warranty, estimate process, and authorization. A good shop answers them confidently. A shop that resists or deflects is telling you something.
⚠ The follow-up mattersA shop can answer all ten questions correctly and still scam you. Combine these answers with a written estimate, second opinion on big jobs, and asking for old parts back.
📝 Step-by-Step Guide
- Are your technicians ASE-certified?ASE Master Technician status (all eight tests passed) is the gold standard. Verify at ase.com.
- Can I see the written estimate before you start?Required by law in most states. A "yes, immediately" answer is the only acceptable one.
- What is your hourly labor rate?Standard is $75-$200 depending on region and shop type. Dealerships are higher.
- What kind of parts do you use, OEM or aftermarket?Either is fine if disclosed. Premium aftermarket (Bosch, Denso, ACDelco) is often functionally identical to OEM.
- What is your warranty on parts and labor?12 months / 12,000 miles is the AAA Approved Auto Repair minimum. Lifetime warranties on certain parts (brake pads, batteries) are common at chain shops.
- Will you return my old parts if I ask?A confident yes is the right answer. Some core charges apply (alternators, starters, calipers).
- What is your shop-supplies or misc fee?5-10 percent of labor is typical. Above 10 percent or uncapped is worth challenging.
- Can I authorize each additional item separately?Yes is the only right answer. Avoid blank "do whatever is needed" authorizations over $200.
- Are you AAA, RepairPal, or ASE Blue Seal certified?Any one of these is a meaningful third-party validation. AAA Approved Auto Repair maintains a vetted directory at aaa.com.
- Do you have liability and garage-keepers insurance?For both shops and mobile mechanics. Ask for proof. Without it, you have no recourse if your car is damaged in their care.
💡 Bonus questionAsk "What happens if the repair does not fix the problem?" A good shop will diagnose further at no additional charge under their warranty. A bad shop will hand you another bill.
🔗 Related Guides
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single most important question?
Are your technicians ASE-certified, and can I see the written estimate before you start work? The combination of credentialed staff and a written estimate prevents most disputes.
Should I ask for references?
Online reviews (Google, Yelp, BBB) are better than personal references because they are harder to game. A shop with 500+ Google reviews and 4.5+ stars is well-vetted.
How do I verify ASE certification?
Ask for the technician's name and look them up at ase.com. ASE maintains a public credential verification tool.
What is a fair warranty period?
12 months / 12,000 miles on parts and labor is the floor (AAA Approved standard). Many chains offer 24/24 or lifetime on specific items.
Is it rude to ask all these questions?
No. A professional shop expects them and will answer confidently. If a shop bristles, that is your answer.
Where can I find more questions to ask?
The FTC Auto Repair Basics guide (consumer.ftc.gov) and AAA Approved Auto Repair (aaa.com) both publish question lists.