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How to Know When Labor Rates for Car Repairs are Fair
How does a person know that he is not being overcharged for repairs done on his car? The main answer for this is to compare the prices that are in the market. Some car repair rates are quite expensive while others are reasonable.
The Cost List
The first thing to do when seeking the best labor rates for your car is to check the cost list at the repair center. Some repair centers do not show a list of their prices as they consider this a strategy in their day-to-day business operation. If there is not a list available then it is in your best interest to consult the center for a list of their prices.
What Your Repair Consist of
Your repairs will consist of parts and labor as well as miscellaneous charges. Parts listed with a brief description, quantity and cost are the things one must look for when seeking to do business with a repair center.
Cost
The cost of parts may differ depending on where you do your purchasing. Some service centers may offer you a package consisting of parts and labor. If this is not suitable then you will need to find a place to purchase your car parts. You may need to go online or seek advice from a friend or family member.
Labor
Labor rates in a service center may range from $60.00-$100.00 per hour locally and $80.00-$140.00 at the dealer level. Before turning your car over for repairs or tune-ups, it is best to come to an agreed amount with the service centre as they may charge above the normal price. A car owner can pay as high as $200.00 per hour for repairs that would usually cost about $150.00.
After you have come to an agreed amount and the job is complete, you may want to check the number of hours billed by the center so you can be sure that you are billed correctly according to what the repair center charges. To know that you are not being overcharged by the center, it is best to seek out other repair shops and get a list of prices.
Miscellaneous fees consist of shop supplies, chemicals, hazardous wastes, disposal fees and waste oil. Miscellaneous charges range from $3.00- $25.00 and in some cases can go even higher.
After reviewing the costs for your car repair, be sure to ask for a summary of charges from the center. The summary of charges will tell you how much each job cost and you may use this information to compare prices with other repair centers.
Knowing when labor rates for your car repairs are fair will save you money that can be put to good use in the future.