If you don't know much about auto repairs you may be fearful of being over-charged by garages.

The best solution is to learn about car maintenance and repair.  Call your local municipal offices to find out when woman-at-the-wheel and general repair information seminars are offered in your community, or ask your auto club or association about courses.

For those who don't have the time to start on a car-care course at once, the best immediate precaution is to ask friends, family and co-workers to recommend a good garage.  Once you are satisfied with the quality of work and the prices, stick with the same shop.

Special discount offers for seasonal inspections and maintenance may seem to be a good idea.  But the lowest price for a check-up may not be the best deal in the long run.

According to Ontario's Motor Vehicle Repair Act (MVRA), repairers' labour rates and how they are calculated (on a flat or hourly basis) must be posted on a sign big enough to be clearly seen.  As well, before work begins, the Act requires the repairer to provide a written estimate upon request.  The ministry advises consumers to always get estimates.The written estimate must include the following:

• the name and address of both the customer and repairer;
• the make, model, vehicle identification number and licence number of the vehicle;
• a description of the repairs to be made;
• the parts to be installed, and whether they will be new, used or reconditioned;
• prices of the parts;
• total labour costs; and,
• the date the estimate is given and the date after which it no longer applies.

By law, if a fee is charged for the estimate, you must be told in advance.

If you allow the garage to proceed with the work within a reasonable time, the estimate fee must be waived.  The cost of work carried out in performing the estimate will be added to the final bill.  This is often important in the case of transmission work, as some disassembly of the system is necessary to perform the estimate.

If you want the damaged or worn parts returned to you, tell the repairer when you take the car in. Under the  Motor Vehicle Repair Act, repair shops are required to return the used parts in a clean container if you ask before the work has started.

After the garage is authorized to do the work, the final bill cannot be more than 10 per cent greater than the estimate without your consent.  You can offer this consent by telephone.  If you do, the repairer is required to note, on paper, the name and telephone number of the caller, the time and any conditions of the authorization.

The Motor Vehicle Repair Act also provides an automatic 90-day warranty on all new and reconditioned parts and associated labour.

Upon completion of the work, the repairer must provide an invoice showing:

• the names and addresses of the client and repair shop;
• the make, model, vehicle identification number and licence number of the vehicle;
• the date and odometer reading when the vehicle is returned to the customer;
• the parts installed, and whether they are new, used or reconditioned;
• prices of the parts;
• the number of hours billed, hourly rate and total cost of labour; and,
• the total amount billed.

If the mechanic finds problems with your vehicle, having repair work done before you start on a summer motoring trip can spare you a lot of aggravation and expense.Driving a vehicle that is in good condition is also a responsible aid to public safety.

For further information on issues of consumer interest, contact the ministry's Consumer Services Bureau at (416) 326-8800 in Toronto, or toll free at 1-800-889-9768. For people with hearing or speech impairments, please call (416) 325-3408 or 1-800-268-7095 (TTY)