Having your automobile break down is not an exciting experience but being unsure of where to take your automobile to get it fixed can be worse. Most folks have a regular doctor, dentist, vet, accountant, etc. and usually we have researched and picked them in advance just in case we get sick or need advice…so why don’t most folks have a reliable auto repair shop to go to? Automobiles are complicated systems, just like the human body… so it is vital to take your car in to an auto repair facility that you can rely on for regular maintenance.
I’m an eternal optimist and generally assume that auto repair facilities are honest and that most mechanics generally try to help you by recommending services that will keep your vehicle running smoothly and ultimately saving you time and stress by avoiding some major repairs. Again, just like the human body, the better you take care of your vehicle, the better it will perform in the long run.
I’ve put together a list of 6 tips that will help you find someone that you can trust to keep your automobile in good running order.
1. Look For auto repair shops that display the ASE Certified logo. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence. Having an ASE designation is just about important as having the letters “MD.” after your doctor’s name. Now don’t get me wrong, there are decent mechanics who aren’t ASE certified, but generally it’s too risky unless they have been referred by someone you trust. Another important industry designation to look for is NAPA Auto Care.
2. Ask Your Friends or Co-Workers Where They Take Their Vehicle. Word of mouth recommendations are worth their weight in gold.
3. Shop for features and benefits of a shop. Just because a facility may charge a little more than others, might mean that they offer a longer warranty period, free emergency towing, courtesy shuttle service, or extended hours for convenience. Price is not always the best method of decision making.
4. Find Out the Details of Their Warranty. Most car repair shops offer an in house 12 month/12,000 mile warranty on parts and labor. Make sure you understand exactly what it covers and what it doesn’t cover. Don’t be afraid of asking questions, a reputable facility should have nothing to hide. Top repair facilities will have a nationwide warranty and an in house warranty that will cover more than just the 12 months/12,000 miles.
5. Most Good Mechanics Keep Their Work Area Organized And Clean. Their work area, tools, floor, etc should be reasonably clean. Now Don’t Forget that the auto repair business is not generally a super clean industry, but it still should be picked up and organized.
6. Research your Prospective Auto Repair Mechanic. You may find out that they have awards for years of customer satisfaction or many customer complaints. The local Better Business Bureau is a good source for this type of information. A short set of searches online will help you to find out quickly what positive and negatives your local auto repair mechanic is known for.
Researching ahead of time will help make sure that when you need a reliable auto repair facility, you won’t be taken advantage of. Finding a good mechanic can be difficult, but it is very important. A trustworthy auto repair shop will go out of their way to make sure you and your car are being well cared for. A little research on your part now will give you peace of mind down the road.