How Long Is Too Long? What to Know if Your Mechanic Keeps Your Car Too Long

Everyone has experienced a car problem before and had to leave their vehicle in the mechanic’s shop. While sometimes we can just pick it up at the end of the day, other times vehicles can be in the shop for an entire week or more before they are ready. And during those days, you have to find another mode of transportation rather than simply driving your own car. 

It makes sense for us to want our own vehicles back as soon as possible, and many of us can survive without a car while ours is being worked on. But when your vehicle's completion keeps being pushed back and it seems to have been in the shop for far too long, that’s when it becomes a problem. Today we are going to talk about how to tell if your mechanic is keeping your car too long, and what you can do in a scenario like this.

How long is the average car repair?

The nationwide average time  for cars to be in the shop is 12 days. However, there are so many factors that can influence the amount of time that repairs will take. First of all, how busy a shop is determines how much time a mechanic has to work on your vehicle. Also, different problems can be much more time consuming than others. The severity of that problem can mean more work and hours for the mechanic too. Lastly, parts may need to be ordered for your vehicle, which will take time to arrive. Before the mechanic starts, it's a good idea to try and figure out how long the repairs might take. They should be able to give you a good time estimate.

What can I do if a mechanic takes too long? 

If you feel like a mechanic is taking too long, there’s no need to be aggressive. Begin by asking why and you may get a reasonable answer. They can update you on what’s been happening and give you a new estimated completion time. If there's no specific reason for the wait or they still don’t have it done when they said they would, then you may want to be pushier. Try having them write down the estimated completion so that they are less likely to change it again. If a mechanic keeps your car for months on end, or simply an unreasonable amount of time for the type of repair that is needed, it is possible to sue a mechanic. However, the process is troublesome and will cost a lot of money. 

Can a mechanic put a lien on my car?

A mechanic lien is a protection measure for the mechanic’s sake. It ensures that they are paid what they should be for their services. Usually, you will agree on a price in writing before the start of the work. If you don’t pay or only pay part of what is owed, you will receive a lien with the remaining balance of the bill. Before agreeing to any prices in the beginning, make sure you can actually afford them or that the amount is reasonable. You may not get your car back before the full balance has been paid.

Is my mechanic scamming me? 

If your mechanic is scamming you, there are some things you may notice about them. First of all, make sure they have the proper certifications and skills. Real, experienced mechanics will handle matters professionally and with the correct paperwork. They keep records of everything they do. It’s also important to get price and time estimates before a service. If they keep bumping up the costs or finding more problems, this is something to be wary of. You may suspect that your mechanic is scamming you from gut instincts or when their explanations aren’t consistent. Before making a decision, try to find online reviews and referrals first.

Find a Mechanic You Can Trust

You should never have to wonder if your mechanic is scamming you, or have to go without your vehicle for weeks at a time. Instead, go to someone who you know will do what’s best for your vehicle. Poston Motor Company, your local auto repair shop, is a family owned business with extensive mechanical experience. Open since 2004, we have gained numerous satisfied customers that continue to use and recommend our services. Just call 678-455-5246 to schedule an appointment.