Going to the shop

Plan your visit

Six quick steps. Tap through them before you go, and keep this page open at the shop.

Step 1 of 6

Why is the car going in?

Good to knowBrakes are a safety part. Ask them to show you what they measured, like how thick the pads are. If the pedal feels soft or the car pulls hard, don't drive far.

Good to knowAsk for the code they read and what they tested after that. A code tells them where to look. It doesn't always mean a part is broken.

Good to knowAsk which items failed and to put them in writing. Only the failed items are needed to pass.

Good to knowKnow your mileage. Ask for only what's due at your mileage, and what can wait.

Good to knowDescribe what you notice: when it happens, any sound or smell. Let them find the cause instead of guessing the repair.

Step 2 of 6

📝 Describe the car and what you notice

What do you notice?

Car (optional)

Mileage

ZIP code

Recent repairs (optional) Service records (optional, up to 5 photos)

🧾Add service recordsPhotos of old invoices or service book pages. When you check the estimate, we compare it with these.

Everything stays on this phone. When you check your estimate later, it's filled in for you.

Step 3 of 6

🔍 What it could be

The common causes of what you describe, what the shop should check, and what it usually costs. We haven't seen your car: the shop finds the real cause.

Step 4 of 6

🔑 Dropping off the car

Say this

"Please call me before doing any work that isn't on the estimate."

Show or text this to the shop

It describes what you notice. It doesn't guess the repair, so the shop finds the real cause.

Tap when done

I asked for a written estimate before any work starts I asked what the diagnostic costs, and if it's credited if I go ahead I didn't sign a blank work order

Step 5 of 6

📞 They call with an estimate

Say this

"Please text me the estimate. I'll get back to you shortly."

Tap when done

I didn't approve anything on the phone I asked what they tested or measured

Got the estimate?Check it before you say yes. The verdict is free and takes seconds.Check my estimate →

Step 6 of 6

🧾 Picking up the car

Say this

"Could I have my old parts back, please?"

Tap when done

The invoice matches what I approved I got my old parts back I kept the estimate, invoice and texts

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