“A car is only trouble at a certain point.” — Ryan Gosling
At some point in time, our vehicles will need to be taken to an auto repair shop. Whether it’s for something major or something minor, an auto repair shop should be on your list of emergency contacts. No one can predict when their car might break down, or start leaking oil, or your starter won’t turn over. So many things can go wrong at any given time to your automobile, so having a local and respected auto repair shop, like us, just a click away is so important.
Below, we want to give you some tips in order to help you choose the right auto repair shop.
Make a List
No matter where you live, there are a lot of auto repair shops around. The first thing we recommend doing is making a list of auto repair shops. Your list should consist of auto repair shops that have been recommended to you by your friends or family, auto repair shops that have positive reviews online, and auto repair shops you’ve used before.
Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) should be the first stop when researching a local auto repair shop. They keep a great record on a lot of businesses. They also give certifications to those businesses that have provided top notch service and a quality of work that continues to be maintained. After you’ve narrowed down your list of auto repair shops, head over to the BBB online to look at the shops reputation. When you look up those auto repair shops on the BBB’s website, you’ll be able to find out if there’s been complaints and see how those complaints were worked out. The major positive with the BBB is, you’ll really get a sense of which auto repair shop is doing the job right!
Repair Prices
It’s really to your benefit when choosing an auto repair shop for an expensive repair, to compare auto repair shop prices. If you already know what the issue is with your car, then use that list of auto repair shops you made and call them. Cost is key! It’s also in your best interest to find out if your car has a warranty and to find out if those repairs are covered by that warranty. There are warranty’s out there that you may not know about that may have your cars issues under warranty. Ask questions, and develop a relationship. This will also help when choosing an auto repair shop.
Custom Auto Care
When putting your auto repair shop list together, you should research companies that specialize in your car. According to Consumer Reports, shops that specialize in specific manufacturers have the most up-to-date training and equipment for working on those vehicles. This can be especially important for major repairs. It can be on the expensive side, but there is real piece of mind here knowing that they specialize in the make and model of your vehicle. Research and find the right Custom auto repair shop.
Auto Technicians
Honestly, you should always do a walk in or drive through. If you notice a well maintained and organized auto repair shop, that’ll help when making your decision. Also, Qualified auto technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE). You’ll see certificates on the walls of the shop or office with the letters ASE prominently displayed. The technicians should also have ASE patches on their uniforms. If you don’t want to drive by and stop in, please call and ask these questions. Again, piece of mind goes a long way. Don’t hesitate in asking those questions.
Car Apps
This is a newer way to go about things. Obviously, the smart phone is very real. So, an auto repair app can be something to consider when choosing an auto repair shop. Mechanic advisor or OpenBay are mobile apps that help consumers when they know what work they need. Openbay is a Connected Car app that can do be of service, and even send your vehicle computer diagnostics straight to several repair shops. This means that you don’t need to know what’s wrong – the app will tell you, and give this information to shops. Repair shops then quote the repair cost, or give more information on the diagnosis. Consumers then choose a repair shop based on ratings, location, and price.
Auto Repair Shop
When choosing an auto repair shop there are several things you should do first. Putting a great list of recommended auto repair shops together should be the first thing you do. In the end, when you select an auto repair shop, you need to ask questions and develop a confident relationship with the auto repair shop you end up choosing. We hope you choose us! You can contact us at any time for any questions or to set up an appointment.
