When you car needs service or repairs, you may decide to take it to a local authorized dealer for the manufacturer of your car, or to an independent auto repair shop. A good starting point for finding a reliable automotive service technician, mechanic, or body repair shop is to ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations, or look at online reviews.

The automotive service technician or repairman should first determine the likely cause of the problem with your car (possibly using diagnostic tests), and then provide you with a written estimate of the parts and labor required to fix your car. If you authorize the estimated work verbally or by signing a written estimate, you are agreeing to pay for the work—and if you fail to do so, the auto repair shop may be able to keep your car as security for payment until you do so (a mechanic’s lien). And the auto repair shop may not do additional work or increase the amount of the charges without first securing your permission—preferably by you signing a revised estimate that includes the additional work or charges.

In New Mexico, when seeking automotive service or repairs, consumers have the option to choose between authorized dealerships and independent repair shops. Recommendations from acquaintances and online reviews can be helpful in finding a reliable service provider. New Mexico law requires that the service technician or mechanic provide a written estimate of the necessary repairs, including parts and labor, after diagnosing the issue. The customer must authorize the work, either verbally or by signing the estimate, thereby agreeing to pay for the services rendered. If the customer fails to pay, the repair shop may impose a mechanic’s lien, retaining the car as security for payment. Additionally, the repair shop is not permitted to perform extra work or increase the charges without the customer's explicit consent, which is best obtained through a signed revised estimate that outlines the additional work or charges.