Know AAA: Automotive

Shop supplies and auto repair bills

Deciphering your repair bill can be a little tricky if you aren't familiar with auto repair lingo. You'll probably notice a charge for "shop supplies." What does this mean?

Shop supply charges are a legitimate part of the automotive industry. In essence, this charge covers the large number of miscellaneous items that a shop uses during the repair of your vehicle-rags, cleaner, solvents, small nuts and bolts, grease and much more. Many of these supplies are purchased in bulk, and to recover the associated costs these items are added to your bill as a percentage of the cost of parts, labor or both.

For instance, during a routine lube, oil and filter service at Auto Master of Castle Rock, a AAA-Approved Auto Repair facility, owner Tony Campagnari mentioned that all fluids are topped off during the service, not just the oil. So everything from washer fluid, to brake fluid, to transmission and differential fluids, to antifreeze could be needed, and these are listed as shop supplies on the bill.

The best protection against any misunderstandings is to question the service advisor before you have your vehicle repaired as to the charges documented on the estimate, and also when reviewing the invoice after the repair has been completed.

The need for costly major repairs can often be avoided by scheduling regular maintenance visits to a quality auto repair facility. Search locations - AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities throughout Colorado.