Most shop disputes come from something nobody put in writing: a price that grew, a part that was not what you expected, a warranty that turned out shorter than you thought. Take these questions to every truck and diesel shop you talk to, compare the answers side by side, and keep the important ones on paper.
Typical turnaround: 1–5 days, with roadside calls often same day. Ask for a realistic date on your specific job.
The Questions
- Can I get a written estimate with parts and labor listed separately before any work starts?
- What is your hourly labor rate, and is there a diagnostic fee? Is it credited toward the repair?
- Will you call me for approval if the job grows beyond the estimate?
- Are your technicians ASE certified in this kind of repair?
- Are the parts new OEM, aftermarket or rebuilt?
- What warranty do you give on parts and labor, and is it honored elsewhere?
- Can your bays and lifts handle my truck’s size and weight?
- Do you offer roadside or after-hours service?
- Can you do DOT inspections?
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Tips
- Set up an account before you need it if you run a fleet; many shops prioritize their account customers.
- Downtime can cost more than the labor rate, so ask for a realistic completion date.
Before You Approve the Work
- Get the total price, the scope, the parts or materials and the completion date in writing.
- Ask how extra work will be approved if the job grows.
- Check that the business name on the paperwork matches the one you researched.
- Pay by credit card where possible, which can give you dispute rights.