Auto service charges can be high, which is why you want to do a lot of research before going somewhere just to pay a ton for mediocre service. Doing research may be a lot harder than you’d think. Finding all the information you need, while making sure it’s accurate, can be quite a task. Here is our guide on what to look for when researching auto repair shops:
Find Out If They Have Dealt With Your Issue Before
One of the most important things you can do is find an auto service shop that has experience with the problem you’re experiencing. If you take your car in for a transmission repair and the shop has never worked on a transmission before, they’re going to have to do a lot of research and may charge more because of it.
On the other hand, if you go to a shop that specializes in transmissions, they will have had a lot more experience repairing them and will most likely be able to do it quicker and for less money.
Ask About Certification
There are many different types of auto service certifications. The most common and well-known is the ASE certification. This is given to shops and technicians who have passed a very difficult test proving their knowledge on a certain area of auto repair.
If a shop has been certified, they will usually showcase it prominently. If you don’t see any certification, you can always ask if they have any. Chances are, if they do have certification, they will be more than happy to tell you about it.
Ask For A Quote
Do your research and look around the area for shops, make some calls (including looking up phone numbers), take notes. The costs required to fix an issue are important; don’t forget that all of this information will be crucial when deciding on who’s the right fit! Ask each company if they can give you a quote so there isn’t any confusion as well- note them down while comparing pros/cons between different places like stores or surgeons’ offices. Visit in person too – it might help clear things up even more!
Check Online Reviews
Want to know what other customers think about a company before you even step foot in their shop? Check out online reviews! With the internet, it has become easier than ever to leave reviews about companies. If a company has good reviews, it is more likely that they will provide good service. On the other hand, if a company has bad reviews, it is probably best to avoid them.
Keep in mind that you should take online reviews with a grain of salt. It is always possible for companies to post fake reviews or for customers to post fake negative reviews. Try to look for patterns in the reviews. If all of the positive reviews are short and vague, they may be fake. If all of the negative reviews are long and detailed, they may be more credible.
Ask About Insurance
It is always preferable to be safe than sorry. Check to see if the company you’re considering is insured. Customers like you will feel more confident that if their repair shop catches fire, you will not have to pay for any damages. Accidents can occur in a less intense situation. If a technician accidentally scratches or dents your car, you should not have to pay for it. This is where insurance comes in handy. It will make you feel more confident that any accident that is not your fault will be handled properly. You will not have to go through the trouble of dealing with this type of problem if a company is insured.
Listen to Your Gut Feeling
It is always preferable to be safe rather than sorry. Check to see if the company you’re considering hiring is insured. Customers like you will feel more secure knowing that if their repair shop catches fire, you will not be liable for any damages. Accidents can occur in a less stressful situation. You should not be held liable if a technician accidentally scratches or dents your car. Insurance is critical in this situation. It will give you confidence that any accident that was not your fault will be handled properly. You will not have to go through the hassle of dealing with this type of problem if a company is insured.
So, what should you do when it comes time for your next oil change or tune-up? It can be tough to decide which auto service is the best fit for you and your car. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Just keep these tips in mind when choosing a service, and you’ll be on your way to getting the best care possible for your vehicle. Have any other questions? Give us a call today – we would be happy to help.
Are You Looking for an Independent Auto Service Shop You Can Trust?
If you’re considering making a change to an independent auto repair mechanic trusted by thousands of happy customers, look no further than Autotech Blackhawk. Why? We differ from other automotive repair shops because we are a relationship shop. This means that the more of your car repair needs we support you with, the better able we are to customize our recommendations based on your driving habits and needs. Whether you want to keep the daily driver in ‘good enough’ condition, style your new car so that it’s customized just for you, maintain your favorite car in ‘like new’ condition, or even train your whole family to be more knowledgeable about cars – we partner with you to ensure that your cars meet your needs. We also offer an industry-leading 3-Year/36,000-mile warranty, so we only use Original Equipment and manufacturer-recommended products. Contact us now to book your no-contact, friendly appointment! We truly value your trust and your business, so thank you for staying local with your auto repair needs.
