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 North Carolina, when seeking automotive service or repairs, consumers have the option to choose between authorized dealerships and independent repair shops. Recommendations from acquaintances and online reviews can be helpful in finding a reliable service provider. Technicians are required to diagnose the issue and provide a written estimate detailing the parts and labor needed for the repair. By authorizing the work, either verbally or by signing the estimate, the customer agrees to pay for the services rendered. If the customer fails to pay, the repair shop may impose a mechanic’s lien, retaining the car as security for payment. North Carolina law mandates that repair shops cannot perform additional work or increase the charges without obtaining the customer's consent, which is best given through a signed revised estimate that includes the new work or charges.