When you car needs service or repairs, you may decide to take it to a local authorized dealer for the manufacturer of your car, or to an independent auto repair shop. A good starting point for finding a reliable automotive service technician, mechanic, or body repair shop is to ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations, or look at online reviews.

The automotive service technician or repairman should first determine the likely cause of the problem with your car (possibly using diagnostic tests), and then provide you with a written estimate of the parts and labor required to fix your car. If you authorize the estimated work verbally or by signing a written estimate, you are agreeing to pay for the work—and if you fail to do so, the auto repair shop may be able to keep your car as security for payment until you do so (a mechanic’s lien). And the auto repair shop may not do additional work or increase the amount of the charges without first securing your permission—preferably by you signing a revised estimate that includes the additional work or charges.

In California, the Automotive Repair Act requires auto repair shops to provide customers with a written estimate before performing any work. This estimate must include the cost of labor and parts necessary for the repair. Customers must authorize the work, either verbally or in writing, before the service can begin. If a customer fails to pay for the repairs, the shop may impose a mechanic's lien on the vehicle, which allows them to retain possession of the car as security for payment. Additionally, California law prohibits auto repair shops from performing any work that exceeds the scope of the authorized repair or from increasing the charges without the customer's consent. If additional work is needed, the shop must obtain the customer's approval, preferably in writing, before proceeding. This ensures transparency and protects consumers from unauthorized services and charges.