Every time you fix your car problem, you wonder if you are actually billed correctly. You must understand your auto repair bill to avoid any auto repair scams. An auto repair bill typically consists of two components: parts and labor. I would like to elaborate on common fees associated with these components.

• A flat fee refers to a service that is not itemized into parts and labor (e.g., wheel alignment and tire balancing).
• An inspection fee is charged for testing the basic parts, such as the engine, battery, tires, and mufflers.
• A diagnostic fee can be added when the technician uses his/her shop’s equipment (including computer equipment) to detect the source of the car’s malfunction.
• A hazardous waste disposal fee is required by environmental law regulating the disposal of motor oil, brake fluid, and other harmful fluids. This fee may vary in different states, counties, and cities.
• A tire recycling fee can be added whenever the repair shop installs new tires.
• A flat or itemized fee for shop supplies, such as solvents, rags, brake cleaners, and the like, can be added to your bill.

The followings are simple tips for avoiding auto repair bill scams.

• Be aware that no repair shop should do any repair that you did not authorize.
• Suspect the overcharge if the final repair price is more than 10% higher than the estimate quoted by the technician, although the estimate is a ballpark figure.
• Familiarize yourself with an extended service plan. Vehicle warranties often cover repairs and replacements for manufacturing defects or malfunctions resulting from the car’s design or an installation error that happened in the factory.
• Understand the average hourly labor rate for car repair. As of 2020, most local repair shops in the US charge between $80 to $100 auto repair labor rate per hour, with an average cost ranging from $45 to $170 per hour, whereas dealerships charge between $95 to $125 per hour.
• Know how many hours are needed to complete a repair.
• For detailed repair bill estimate, please check the websites of Napa Autocare repair estimator (https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care/car-repair-estimator) or Kelly Blue Book ( https://www.kbb.com/auto-repair/).