General mechanical repairs

Questions to ask a mechanic before authorising work

Ask your mechanic these questions before approving work: what's being fixed, why, and for how much. Learn what answers indicate trustworthiness.

Most car owners hand over keys and hope the work gets done right. A few minutes of direct questions before you say yes can save you hundreds of rands and months of regret. The difference lies not in what you ask, but how the mechanic responds—and what they're willing to explain before the first bolt turns.

What exactly will you fix, and why is it necessary right now?

Don't accept vague answers. A good mechanic will tell you the specific part, why it's failing, how they diagnosed it, and whether the repair is urgent or can wait. Listen for concrete language: "Your brake pads are worn below the legal minimum" beats "Your brakes need work soon." Ask them to show you the problem if it's visual—a cracked hose, frayed belt, or corroded battery terminal. If they resist, that's a warning.

When they explain the diagnosis, ask how they arrived at it. Did they run a scan? Did they physically inspect the component? Did they test-drive the car? A mechanic who takes three minutes to walk you through their reasoning is more trustworthy than one who rushes to a conclusion. The evasive answer sounds like: "Trust me, you need it." The honest answer includes a reason you can understand, even if you're not a car person.

Also ask: "What happens if I don't fix this today?" This separates real safety issues from manufactured urgency. A brake problem needs immediate attention. A worn air filter doesn't. A good mechanic will be honest about the timeline.

How much will it cost, and what's included in your quote?

You need three numbers: parts, labour, and any additional costs (diagnostics, fluid disposal, shop supplies). Ask whether parts are new or reconditioned, and if there's a warranty on the work. A direct answer: "Parts are R450, labour is three hours at R200 per hour, so R600 in labour, total R1050 plus VAT." An evasive answer: "Roughly between R800 and R1500 depending what we find." The second one shields the mechanic from accountability.

If the quote feels high, ask what drives the cost. Is it the make and model of your car? Specialist equipment? The complexity of access? These are legitimate reasons. Refuse to pay for a vague "diagnostic fee" unless the mechanic has already spent time investigating. If they want to charge for diagnosis, they should itemise it and explain what testing they did.

Don't ask for a quote on phone or WhatsApp alone. Quotes change when the mechanic sees the actual car. But they should send you a written quote—email, SMS, or printed—before they start work. If they say they'll call you with a price after they've begun, walk away.

What happens if the problem isn't what you think it is?

Mechanics often find surprises once they crack open a job. A good mechanic will stop, contact you, and explain the new finding before they proceed. Ask them directly: "If you find something else wrong during the repair, what's your process?" A solid answer: "I'll photograph it, explain it to you, give you options, and wait for your approval before I touch it." An evasive answer: "We'll deal with it when we find it."

Also ask whether there's a warranty on the work and for how long—usually 30 to 90 days for general repairs. If the mechanic won't put a warranty in writing, question why they lack confidence in their own work.

These questions take five minutes but protect you far better than asking a friend for a recommendation or picking a workshop at random. You're not being difficult; you're being a responsible car owner. A mechanic who welcomes clear questions and answers them directly has nothing to hide. Finding one on Strove—where you can read reviews and see how they handle customer questions before you ring—takes the guesswork out of trusting your car to someone new.

Common questions

What should I do if a mechanic refuses to explain their diagnosis?: Take it as a red flag. A trustworthy mechanic will show you the problem and explain how they found it. If someone won't answer straightforward questions before starting work, find another workshop. You have the right to understand what you're paying for.
Is it normal for a mechanic to charge for diagnosis?: Some workshops charge a diagnostic fee, which is reasonable if they've spent time on testing and investigation. However, they should itemise what they did—scans run, parts inspected, tests performed—and it should be deducted from the final bill if you approve the repair. A vague diagnostic charge is a warning sign.
What happens if the mechanic finds a second problem during the repair?: Ask them upfront about their process. A good mechanic will stop the job, contact you with photos or a description, explain the issue, and wait for your approval before proceeding. They should not assume you want additional work done without your explicit go-ahead.
Should the quote always be in writing?: Yes. A written quote—by email, SMS, or paper—protects both you and the mechanic. It shows what's included, the cost breakdown, and what you've agreed to. If a workshop only gives verbal quotes, move on to someone more professional.

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More on General mechanical repairs

What exactly will you fix, and why is it necessary right now?

How much will it cost, and what's included in your quote?

What happens if the problem isn't what you think it is?

Common questions

What should I do if a mechanic refuses to explain their diagnosis?

Take it as a red flag. A trustworthy mechanic will show you the problem and explain how they found it. If someone won't answer straightforward questions before starting work, find another workshop. You have the right to understand what you're paying for.

Is it normal for a mechanic to charge for diagnosis?

Some workshops charge a diagnostic fee, which is reasonable if they've spent time on testing and investigation. However, they should itemise what they did—scans run, parts inspected, tests performed—and it should be deducted from the final bill if you approve the repair. A vague diagnostic charge is a warning sign.

What happens if the mechanic finds a second problem during the repair?

Ask them upfront about their process. A good mechanic will stop the job, contact you with photos or a description, explain the issue, and wait for your approval before proceeding. They should not assume you want additional work done without your explicit go-ahead.

Should the quote always be in writing?

Yes. A written quote—by email, SMS, or paper—protects both you and the mechanic. It shows what's included, the cost breakdown, and what you've agreed to. If a workshop only gives verbal quotes, move on to someone more professional.