Asking mechanic for old parts: In Ontario, you have the right to ask to have the old parts that were removed from your vehicle returned to you. Learn more.
Here are some other regulations and information that pertain to getting your car fixed that you might be interested in. Click on each section to learn more.
If you are looking for an automotive repair shop that you can trust, contact Hansma.
Asking Mechanic for Old Parts
According to Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, asking mechanic for old parts is completely within your rights. Not only can you ask that the parts are returned to you, but the Act also states the following:
Your mechanic needs to offer to return all of the old parts that they removed during their repair work to you.
Your mechanic must keep your old parts separate from other parts and then give them back to you in a clean container.
If you state that you do not want the parts returned to you when you initially authorize the work to be done on your vehicle, then your mechanic doesn't need to offer to return your old parts.
Asking mechanic for old parts is within your legal rights
The following exceptions apply to the above regulations about asking mechanic for old parts:
If the parts that were replaced need to be returned to the original manufacturer or distributor because they were under warranty, then your mechanic doesn't have to give you the old parts back.
If you haven't been charged for the replacement part or for work on the part or for the repair itself, then your mechanic doesn't have to return the old part to you.
Other Helpful Information about Auto Repairs
1. How much you can be charged for repairs
The price that you are charged for a repair cannot be more than 10% above your written estimate.
If you declined a written estimate and agreed on a maximum amount you are willing to pay, then your final cost cannot exceed your maximum agreed-upon amount.
The amount that you are charged cannot be more than 10% above your estimate
2. Warranties on repairs
According to the Consumer Protection Act, any new or reconditioned parts and the labour required to install them need to have a warranty of at least 90 days or 5,000km (whichever comes first). A repair shop can give you coverage beyond this minimum warranty if they choose.
If your vehicle becomes unsafe to drive or breaks down as a result of a repair done during your warranty period, you need to take it back to your mechanic. If you are too far from your original repair shop, then take it to the closest shop available.
Your original repair shop will then need to reimburse you for the fee to do the repair along with any reasonable towing costs.
Photo by Jonathan Cooper on Unsplash
Your original repair shop should reimburse you for reasonable towing charges
3. Your right to a written estimate
The Consumer Protection Act also states that your mechanic must provide you with a written estimate before they can charge you.
You can, however, decline a written estimate and agree on a maximum amount you are willing to pay, if you prefer. If you choose this route, then your final cost cannot exceed your maximum agreed-upon amount.
Your written estimate needs to include the following information:
The contact detail of your repair shop, including the name and address
The date when the estimate was given and when it expires
The date when the work will be completed
Your name
The make, model, licence number and VIN (vehicle identification number)
A detailed explanation of the repairs to be carried out
A list of any parts to be installed and if they are new, used, rebuilt or remanufactured parts
Whether the parts used will be made by the original equipment manufacturer. (remember that asking mechanic for old parts is okay)
The price of each individual part
The cost for labour, including a breakdown of how it is to be calculated - whether it will be a flat or hourly rate or a combination of both
The total amount to be charged
You should get a written estimate
4. Can a repair shop charge you for an estimate?
A repair shop is allowed to charge you for an estimate, however, they need to let you know ahead of time that they are going to charge you and they must tell you how much it will cost before giving it to you.
Your repair shop can include the following in the cost of an estimate:
A charge for the time it will take them to examine your vehicle
A charge for the time it will take them to put your vehicle back together after the examination
The cost of any parts that may get damaged during the examination or reassembly
*Remember: You should never sign a blank work order. Blank work orders give the shop the freedom to make any type of repair they think necessary and to charge you for the work even if you don't agree to it.
A repair shop needs to tell you how much their estimates will cost ahead of time
5. Information that garages need to post
Automotive repair shops are required to post the following information in a location where it is easy for you to see:
That you can get a written estimate unless you choose to authorize a maximum amount that you will pay for the repair
That all replaced parts will be returned to you if that is what you want
Whether they use an hourly rate, flat rate or a combination of both to calculate their labour costs
Whether you will be charged for an estimate
If commissions are paid to their mechanics
Repair shops need to post information like whether you will be charged for an estimate
6. Why should you ask mechanic for old parts?
Asking your mechanic to return your old parts is a very good practice. This is because it can let you know that the repair was actually done. For example, if you request that your oil filter be replaced and you are given the old filter, then you know that the job was done. This is especially a good practice if you are using a new mechanic that you are not familiar with.
Looking for a Mechanic You Can Trust?
Hansma Automotive: 88 Shoemaker St. Kitchener, ON N2E 3G4
If you are looking for a reliable mechanic you can trust, contact Hansma. Here are some of the reasons why.
Honest Customer Service: Our customers have come to appreciate our honest service. Our word-of-mouth referrals continue to be our largest source of new customers.
Competitive Pricing: Whether you are looking for the best tire change Kitchener has to offer or you require one of our other automotive services, our highly trained technicians will be able to diagnose and fix your vehicle at a highly competitive price.
Reliable Repairs: You can rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep your vehicle in peak condition.
Over 33 Years of Service: We've been serving the Waterloo region with the highest quality automotive services since 1987.
Locally Owned and Operated: You can feel good about supporting a locally owned and operated family business.
True Customer Care: At Hansma, we truly care about our customers. We will do our best to provide you with great customer care and service. When you come to Hansma, you'll be treated like family.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“These folks are amazing. They are helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, and they get your vehicle taken care of fast and correct. And their prices are more than reasonable. I found this place by accident and I tell ya, I won’t go anywhere else anymore. They are my ONLY vehicle place. Highly recommend.”