Finding the best car repair shop to meet your needs can save you a lot of time and money in the long run, especially if you can find a great mechanic before your car develops problems. Take the time to research auto shops so that you can build a relationship with them before a major repair is required. Here are some pointers to make getting your car repaired even easier.
Ask Around
Getting recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, or even your local parts store can help you find the right mechanic and car repair shop for you. Word-of-mouth referrals can save you time and money because they are often based on someone else’s experience.
Shop Around Before an Emergency
To avoid the stress of making a decision on where to take your car, look for one that has good reviews and is based on what you need. You’ll end up spending less money on repairs because their work will be more thorough than if they were just trying to make some quick cash off someone who doesn’t know any better!
Check Online Reviews
Use online reviews to find out if the repair shop has been responsive and address any concerns you may have.
The best way is by looking at other people’s past experiences with them, as this will give a sense of whether they are good or bad in terms of customer service quality (and more). Searching through sites like Yelp can help us search for specific details related specifically how long one might wait before their car gets looked at; what type(s)of vehicles were being worked on when people took note; etcetera!
Ask Questions
Ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable with your auto shop. Inquire about qualifications, experience, warranties, and customer service policies. Make a list of any questions you have about the work being done or how the car repair shop works.
Look for auto repair shops that employ Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians and provide parts warranties as well as a customer guarantee. You may also want to inquire about the employees’ mechanical repair experience.
Ask to Meet the Mechanic Who Will Be Working on Your Car
In addition to being ASE certified, some mechanics are certified by manufacturers to work on specific brands of vehicles. Request to meet the mechanic who will be working on your vehicle because he, not the shop, is certified.
Does the Repair Shop Have an Affiliation?
Inquire about the auto shop’s affiliations. Approved Auto Repair (AAR), for example, prescreens auto shops for quality service. AAR-affiliated repair shops are closely monitored, and they must sign a contract stating that they will provide high-quality service performed by certified mechanics.
Other affiliations include the Automotive Service Association (ASA), which shows that the shop follows a code of ethics and provides excellent customer service. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides insight into their business operations, and being in good standing indicates that their customers are happy with their service.
Don’t Choose Based Solely on Price
While price will undoubtedly influence your decision, going with the cheapest option may end up costing you more money. If you’ve done your homework, you’ll have a good idea of how much your repair or service will cost. Pay close attention to what is included in the price. A low estimate may indicate minimal work, whereas a high estimate may indicate that you are paying for unnecessary parts or services.
Get Estimates
If your car or truck requires repairs right away, get estimates from several shops in the area to get a good idea of how much it will cost. Request a written estimate from each shop so you can see exactly what you are being charged for. Estimate variation, particularly wide variation, could indicate a number of things, ranging from the shop incorrectly diagnosing the problem to being overcharged for parts or labor.
Ask the Shop to Explain the Diagnosis and Repair in Terms You Can Understand
This is more important than it appears because some car repair shops use illegible jargon to confuse customers. It is critical that you understand what is being worked on and why. This is also a good way to weed out car repair shops that aren’t a good fit for you.
Choosing the best car repair shop for you does not have to be difficult, but it does necessitate some effort and forethought. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of any auto shop you’re considering, as this will help you determine the quality of service.
Selecting the right auto repair shop can result in a long-term relationship with a mechanic who knows your vehicle better than you do.
Are You Looking for an Independent Auto Repair 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 stops 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.
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