Finding a repair shop
How to find a repair shop you can trust.
Sometimes it is not what you know but
who you know that makes all the difference in
the world. You do not have to be a mechanic if you
have a good repair shop that you can trust.
Let’s look at a few tips to finding a repair shop
you can trust.
- Ask friends and family for recommendations
Word of mouth can be a great way to find an auto
repair shop. Find out why they like that shop
and ask them what kind of work they have had
done there.
- Don’t always assume that a dealership is your
best bet for repairs. New car dealerships usually have
the highest shop rate around and the newest
equipment but that does not always mean the best
customer service. There are a lot of repair shops
with qualified mechanics outside of dealerships.
- Look for accreditation from groups like ASE and MAP.
Certification shows that the shop has gone the
extra mile to keep on top of their automotive
education.
- When visiting, look for a clean well organized shop
area and office. This should give you a peak into
how the business is run. Can you really expect quality
and fast service if the place is a mess?
- Your first job should be a small one, like an oil
change or brake job. Get a feel for the shop and
how they treat their customers. When you have a major
problem you will be comfortable knowing you have dealt
with them before.
Once you have found a good repair shop there are
a few things to remember. Always keep good records of repairs. This can help resolve problems down the road.
Make sure your repair shop knows you are happy. We always complain about the negative things, but we never mention
the good. Also keep learning about your car. A good
repair shop will be happy to deal with an educated customer.
Take Care,
Kevin Schappell
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Posted: 16th January 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Car Care
