What to check before you approve a garage quote
Checked 23 September 2026
The short answer
Get the quote itemised, ask which lines are urgent and which can wait, check what kind of parts are being fitted, and approve each line in writing. Agree that the garage calls you before doing anything that is not on the quote.
Go through it line by line
- 01
Ask for it itemised
Each part and its price, and labour on its own line. A single total with "service and repairs" tells you nothing.
- 02
Ask "what happens if I leave this?"
Brakes, tyres, steering and anything leaking fuel or oil are safety items. A worn wiper blade or a noisy trim panel can usually wait until next time.
- 03
Ask what the parts are
Genuine, a good aftermarket brand, or used. The price difference can be large, and so can the difference in how long they last. It is your choice, so ask to be told.
- 04
Ask about warranty
How long the garage stands behind the part and the work, and what you need to keep (usually the invoice).
- 05
Ask for the old parts back
A good garage won't mind. It shows the work was done and what the old part looked like.
- 06
Approve in writing
A WhatsApp message or an approval in an app is something you can point to when you collect the car. A phone call is easy to remember differently.
At a GarageStacks garage
The quote comes to your phone line by line. You tap "Yes, do it" or "Not now" on each one, and the garage sees your answer straight away. What you approved stays on the job, and the finished work goes onto your car's history.
Questions
Is it OK to approve a quote over the phone?
Yes, but follow it with a message that lists what you agreed to. That gives both of you the same record.
Can I say yes to some lines and not others?
Yes. You don't have to take the whole quote. Ask the mechanic which lines depend on each other before you split it.
Should I always ask for genuine parts?
Not always. For brakes and anything safety-related, many owners prefer genuine or a known brand. For other parts a good aftermarket part can be fine. Ask the mechanic what they would fit on their own car.
Keep every quote and invoice on your car's record.