What NSW says about a repair
The repairer must only do work you've authorised, and a price agreed before the job starts is generally binding. Finding the fault can carry its own fee, payable even if you then decide against the repair, so ask about that before the mechanic starts looking.
Any warranty on the work has to be part of the repair contract to be enforceable, and if reconditioned or exchange parts go in, the invoice should say so. If you can't pay, the repairer can hold on to the car until the bill is settled.
Repairs Sydney's weather brings
Overheating in the west
The western suburbs run 6 to 10 degrees hotter than the CBD in summer, and RAA says a cooling system leak is the number one reason an engine overheats. If the temperature needle climbs, pull over somewhere safe and switch off, and don't open the bonnet or the radiator cap while it cools.
Storms and flash flooding
Sydney is prone to severe hailstorms, windstorms and flash flooding. If the car has sat in floodwater, tell the mechanic before anyone tries to start it, because water where it shouldn't be can wreck an engine.
Stop-start wear
A car that lives in slow traffic works its brakes, clutch and cooling fan far harder than one that cruises. If it's grinding, slipping or running warm, put that in the note.
Who does which repair in NSW
NSW splits trade work into classes. A motor mechanic covers engines, gearboxes, fuel, electrical, steering, suspension, cooling, air conditioning and brakes. An automotive electrician does electrical systems, and a transmission specialist does gears, clutches, drive shafts and differentials. The certificate should match the job.
You can look up the business on the public motor industry licence register before you hand over the keys.
If a repair goes wrong in NSW
Talk to the repairer first
Plenty of problems get sorted at the counter. Say what's wrong and what you'd like done about it.
Gather the paperwork
Keep the quote, the invoices and the job card together.
Contact NSW Fair Trading
It usually assesses complaints within 30 days, but it can't order a payment or the return of a vehicle.
Go to the tribunal if you need to
The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal can make binding orders.
If it were our car
We'd ask for the quote in writing with any diagnosis fee on it, and say up front that nothing extra gets done without a call first. Then we'd check the licence on the register. It takes a couple of minutes, and NSW is one of only three places in the country that gives you a register to check.