Getting your car fixed at a mechanic is a stressful experience due to a fear of being overcharged. First of all, you should remember that the mechanic’s written estimate should only differ from your final bill by a certain percentage (e.g., 10-20%). Your final bill should not vary substantially from the estimate without your consent. The following is a list of tips for preventing or avoiding the dispute over the repair and maintenance bill.

1. Review any charges prior to the repair order. Check to see if any service is listed without a price beside it.
2. Check some sites such as Your Mechanics (https://www.yourmechanic.com/estimates), Car Repair Estimator (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/repair/), and Repair Pal (https://repairpal.com/estimator) for reasonable (typical) price ranges.
3. Reach out to a third party such as the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), if you are unable to resolve your dispute with the mechanic.