Car repairs: Don't pay more than you need to

We all love our cars. So when you send yours in for repair you want to make sure it’s taken care of.

Avoid the cowboys and make sure you get the best deal with our top tips.

Most garages are perfectly honest. But there are still some out there that will try and rip you off.

Whether it’s overcharging for work or carrying out work that isn’t needed, you’ll only find out when they hand you the bill.

Here are a few ways to protect yourself:

• do your research and try to get a few estimates for the work
• ask your friends and family for any recommendations. And tell the garage they’ve been recommended – they’re more likely to try to live up to the hype
• read your car’s service manual to make sure any repairs done on your car follow the manufacturer’s guidelines
• ask the garage to get your permission before they do any extra work
• keep a record of any work done in the car’s service manual
• know the law – garages have to complete repairs with reasonable skill and care, within a reasonable time, for a reasonable cost. If they don’t, they’re breaking the law.

If your repairs are covered by your car insurance, ask if your insurer has a list of approved repairers.

They’ll have close links with the garage and some will even guarantee any work they carry out.