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Show Consumer warning for auto repairs SALT LAKE CITY -The consumer education specialist in the Utah State attorney general's office has warned consumers con-sumers to be sure a work order is filled in properly when they take their cars in for repairs. This, said Dr. Carol L. Clark, can help car owners get a fair deal at a competitive price. Whether you visit a dealer's shop or the neighborhood gas station, the mechanic will write down instructions on a work order form, she said. If you make your directions clear to the mechanic, whose name you should write down if you don't already know it, both you and the mechanic can avoid many hassles. Remember, she continued, con-tinued, that a mechanic's lien protects the repairman from fraudulent customers. A mechanic can legally keep a customer's car until a bill is paid. Because of this law, it is doubly important to be sure that you have clearly communicated with the mechanic before the work begins. Tell the mechanic, she advised, exactly what is wrong with your car as best you can describe it. If there are several things to be done on the car, it doesn't hurt to make some notes and refer to them as you give directions. This will help you remember details. Make clear to the mechanic what you ex pect him to do. If you want him to locate the problem and call you before doing the work, say so. Make it equally clear L you want him to go ahead without contacting con-tacting you. Utah law states that if you are having work done which would cost more than $25, you can ask for an oral and-or written estimate of th total cost. If the final amount comes to 10 percent above the estimate, you do not have to pay the excess unless you gave verbal or written permission for the mechanic to proceed with the work which accounts for the additional ad-ditional cost. Be sure your phone number is clearly written on the work order so the mechanic can contact you. |
