Your car is making a funny noise and you know it is time to get it checked out. After all, small problems can become big ones rather rapidly in the automotive world.

Your regular mechanic is on vacation so you decide to try out a new garage in town. Unfortunately, you just do not have a rapport built up and you are not sure if the guy behind the counter is telling you the truth about what is wrong with your vehicle. A second opinion is in order, but you are having a very hard time getting the new garage to wrap up its work so you can take the car down the road.

What can you do?

If you are dealing with a pushy mechanic and you are just not sure if the person is trying to take you for a ride, you do have a right to have your car put back into the order in which you brought it in. Unless you have authorized work, the mechanic has to put your car back together so you can get that second opinion. If the diagnostic work involved having to tear down part of your engine, plan on having to pay for the labor. If not, the car should be released back to you with little or no fuss. If the mechanic tries to stall or continues a hard-sell, threaten action and mean it. The Better Business Bureau handles such complaints. Generally, it will not come down to having to file a complaint if you stand your ground.

Most mechanics are above board and will follow the letter of the law. There are some bad apples in the bunch, however, that are worth watching out for. If your mechanic is pushing you too hard for a repair you do not think you need, stand up for your rights.