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One of the worst feelings for a car owner is hearing a noise or seeing a warning light appear on the dashboard appear. Fear sets in — will I be without my car for a long time? Will it cost me a mortgage payment to get my vehicle fixed? And worse, will the mechanic try to take advantage of me? Knowing what to ask and what signs to look for can help car owners know when it’s okay to say no to repairs without feeling guilty and knowing that they’re not getting ripped off.
The relationship between a mechanic and a car owner is based on need, expertise, and, most importantly, trust.
Those who watched the television show Seinfeld remember when Jerry’s mechanic implied he hadn’t been doing all the suggested maintenance and stole the car to keep the Saab safe. Or the episode where George talks about never taking his vehicle to the dealership for repairs because they overcharge.
But in real life, mechanics are trying to help keep your car running as long as possible, not scam you. So, things don’t have to be contentious from the start.
People find it hard to say no or ask questions about car service because mechanics often speak in technical terms. This can be overwhelming for car owners, especially nowadays, since computers are the central part of cars, and it’s not as easy to see when something goes awry. As a result, owners may be embarrassed to ask questions or admit they don’t know what is happening and agree to the repairs.
Agreeing to the proceed with repairs or fixes without completely understanding can be a worse situation than requesting more information and time to understand the issues, costs and time involved. Otherwise you may find that:
It doesn’t always fix the problem
Suppose a mechanic suggests a fix, and the owner agrees without completely understanding what they’re repairing. In that case, it might not solve the problem the customer brought the car in for. That means paying both now and then, possibly needing another repair later, which costs even more money.
• Could create a pattern of overservicing
Unfortunately, not every repair shop is completely honest. While this isn’t a regular occurrence, it can happen, and these businesses may take note when a customer approves repairs without much questioning, which could make them more likely to tack on extra services during future visits. This is called an “easy yes,” which quickly becomes expensive for the car owner.
Delays the learning process (and building trust)
By agreeing to repairs to avoid any awkwardness or not appearing knowledgeable, car owners miss a chance to ask questions about what’s happening with the car. Not only does it sometimes increase car ownership costs, but it also slows down the ability to become a more informed car owner.
Could impact warranty on vehicle
One crucial factor often forgotten is that approving non-essential or incorrect repairs may go against new or extended warranty guidelines and sometimes even void coverage if parts are replaced incorrectly or unnecessarily. And if it wasn’t a manufacturer-recommended service, the owner could end up paying for a bill that otherwise might have been covered.
Telling a mechanic “No” doesn’t mean a car owner is trying to start a conflict. But if that word makes someone nervous or worried that it could damage their relationship with the mechanic, here are some respectful and effective phrases.
This shows gratitude for the advice while giving a little breathing space to think things over at home.
Requesting specifications or suggestions from the repair shop demonstrates that the owner is informed before deciding.
Expressing discomfort is a valid reason for a customer to pause or decline a service.
With any conversation about not wanting to pay for a service immediately, the tone used can matter as much as the words conveyed. Staying calm and polite maintains a professional discussion and makes it easier to return once a decision has been reached.
In all truth, most mechanics want to help their potential customers. They often explain things clearly and provide multiple options while answering questions and not rushing the process.
The time to be careful is when someone is pressuring you to make an immediate decision to say yes or says there’s a problem without evidence. If something feels a little off, take a step back for a breath. The right mechanic will respect that and explain the issue, show the customer worn parts, and not push for immediate approval to proceed.
You don’t need to be a car expert to feel more confident about making decisions about your vehicle. Start by learning the basics, such as checking the oil, deciphering repair estimates and understanding maintenance requirements.
A responsible car owner takes notes and isn’t afraid to speak up. The more that is learned, the easier it becomes to make smarter decisions that will benefit the owner and help keep the car running even longer.
Another way to help owners become even more confident is to use AAA-owned Car Care Centers or AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Both offer free multi-point vehicle inspections with any paid service, guaranteed estimates and a 10% discount on labor (up to $75).
They also offer warranty on work with a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty on repairs at all AAA-owned Car Care Centers and a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
A: Yes. It’s your right as a car owner to ask questions, request time to think or decline a repair—especially if you’re unsure of its necessity or cost.
A: Watch for high-pressure tactics, vague explanations or a lack of evidence (like not showing you worn parts). A trustworthy shop will explain repairs clearly and allow you time to decide.
A: Possibly—if you agree to repairs not aligned with manufacturer guidelines or skip required maintenance. Always review your warranty details before proceeding.
A: Ask for a written estimate, research the suggested repairs and consider getting a second opinion—especially for major or costly recommendations.
A: AAA-owned Car Care Centers are run by AAA employees and offer the type of peace of mind and trust from the AAA brand, while AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities offer a network of vetted shops that meet high standards for honesty and quality. Members also receive additional benefits like guaranteed estimates and discounts.
Caring for your vehicle
AAA can help you keep your car running at peak performance. AAA Members receive a free vehicle maintenance inspection upon request with any paid service at a nearby AAA-owned Car Care center or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, a 36-month/36,000-mile guarantee on repairs at AAA-owned Car Care locations, and a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Members also receive a 10% discount on repair labor (save up to $75).
