Can a mechanic put more expensive brakes on your car, without asking you first, then charge you more cash?

Your mechanic should always ring you with a cost of the repairs before he goes ahead with the work.

You should have okay'd the work before he did it. I'm not sure if you did, though if he did the price of the brakes then wouldn't be an issue.

Brakes are expensive to fix---and there are better parts that can last longer and avoid noises that can drive you crazy. The rear drum brakes are probably in need of the shoes and the drum--since grinding is a sign of excessive wear.That grinding eats all the metal and makes drum resufacing impossible. SO--your prices are NOT excessive--figuring 45 an hour for labor--plus the parts. ALL states have a Better Business Bureau and a CONSUMER FRAUD HOTLINE--look in the phone book and call them. I suggest a NEW mechanic from now on. You should always get an agreed price BEFORE the work----BUT-- he MAY find something he didn't expect as he does the work. That is naturally expected. GO TO A DEALER and explain what has happened--ask for an all new CHECK of the front and rear brakes. Do not return to the shop if you are told about being ripped off. Call a consumer watchdog group and file a complaint.-----if you have supporting paperwork and explanation from that dealer. Sorry you have had this horrid experience.

THE ANSWER FROM mischa W is incorrect, you cannot get brake pads AND CALIPERS, FOR 100 dollars. he is living in the 1970s still You should always get a written estimate, BEFORE, the work is started, in california, and oregon they are required by law to do this.,AND ANY EXTRA REPAIRS MORE THAN 10 PERCENT, OF THE TOTAL, THE SHOP MUST GET AUTHORIZATION SUCH AS A PHONE CALL WITH TIME AND DATE WRITTEN ON ESTIMATE. Check and find out what the law is in your state.216 dollars is not unreasonable, for rear brakes, tell him you want all the old parts, this is also a law here in oregon. sometimes, they can just replace the pads, but if your calipers were not working correctly, he may have had to replace them. So pay for the current repairs, they are not out of line. get the receipt for nov. and if you are that dissatisfied with his work DON'T GO BACK OK?

Always get a written estimate first and make it clear that you need to authorize all repairs. Also have a mechanic return all the old parts that were replaced from the car so you know that the work actually got done. If you didnt do this its all your words against his... and yes he can take your car, its called a mechanics lien. Pay the bill and make sure you make things clear to the mechanic next time.

>you are right.. that mechanic is taking advantage of you and your mom..

>female are less into technical so mostly females are cheated in terms of manual labor cost

>i suggest you take it to a more reputable shop and certified technician, even if you pay high at least

you are paying for the quality.

>brakes pads and disc pads are so cheap.

>what car are you using by the way ?

>your can buy replacement parts for your brakes.. doesn't have to be genuine branded brake pads or disc pads.

>car manufacturer only design the parts but they do not manufacture the parts.

>they send the design to suppliers that will supply them parts to them.

>so there no such thing as genuine parts..

>parts supplier send the spare parts to manufacturer then car manufacturer will repack it using the company name and wrapper/box.. hence it is now a genuine parts..

>parts then become more expensive because brand name is added to the cost.. rights/patent etc..

>replacement parts have the same quality as the genuine labelled parts. they differ only on boxes/wrappers.

>parts suppliers sometimes sell directly to people using their company name . and consumers do not know it..they are bound by agreement with the car manufacturer..so then the parts can be bought cheaper without paying rights..

>for your car.. you can buy parts to any auto supply dealers just make sure you know what parts you need.

>then supply the parts to your chosen mechanic

>cost ? i do not know. depends on brands and location. but it won't make much difference

>here in Asia. a set of disc pad for front brakes is only $12 and for rear brakes $14..

>and last for years for another service. (depends on how you step on brakes)

>don't waste your time with him any more..

>look for other independent mechanic.

>not all shops with big colorful sign board are also reliable.. they are businessman making money but not a certified /educated automotive technician.

>automotive is a big industry. businessman set up business related to automotive b/c it generates a lot.

>if you notice the ads.. "try this ", " best parts" good consump" etc etc etc.. those are common words you will see on advertisement.. they are selling that is why..every thing is good..

>no one will buy if they tell the truth.. and that goes to all products.

>learn things you usually use in your life..>

>before you buy anything, ask people around,

>ok.. this will be all for now

>good luck.. trust your instinct

>automotive technician for 28 years now

Contact the Better Business Bureau. The BBB will investigate for you for free. The BBB will only investigate if this is an actual business and not a mechanic doing side jobs. Sometimes calling your local TV station and complaining to them will help. They will do a news story on the mechanic.

They are not supposed to do that. He is very suspicious by not letting you get a rteceipt of his work the firs time. Reason with him some more, get estimates written out, show proof of what work has been done and try to get him to do the job right the Second time.

If hes at a Proper business ran shop, they can hold your car for not paying, but they are not supposed to keep makin up decisions for you. talk with a higher power.

or if all else fails, get some paperwork together and just take him to court.

After that leave them alone You can get brakes done right for less than 100.

they have to ask you first before they can do anything to your car. now they can advise you on stuff but you don,t have to buy anything.