Under the Hood: A Guide to Finding a Quality Auto Repair Shop

Hassles, headaches, and high bills – choose the wrong auto repair shop and you could end up with all three. Whether your ride of choice is a sports car, sedan, crossover or truck, you need to know exactly who you can rely on for quality workmanship. As well as quality service, you’ll need to pay attention to fair prices too. You depend on your car, and you need it in tip-top shape. Take the guesswork out of choosing an auto shop, so you can drive with confidence.

Know Your Vehicle

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recommends familiarizing yourself with your vehicle. It’s important you know every nook and cranny, before taking it for repair. You can do this by doing such things as reading the owner’s manual, knowing the components and features, as well as troubleshooting steps. We recommend routine maintenance for the essential upkeep of your vehicle.

Understand Your Options

Not all auto repair shops are the same. Ideally, you want to find a great full-service repair shop, but that's not your only option. The four basic types of repair shops include the following:

• Dealerships: Dealers sell cars and employ factory-trained technicians who know how to service them. They are great sources for common problems and routine maintenance, but they often charge top dollar.
• Independent Repair Shops: At independent shops, you usually pay less and have more personal interaction with the owner or the professional working on your vehicle.
• Specialists: Some independent shops specialize in working on specific vehicles or systems. If your vehicle needs a specialty repair or service, these shops are very efficient and produce quality work.
• Auto Repair Chains: Chain stores and auto parts shops often have auto repair chains affiliated with their businesses. The American Automobile Association (AAA) notes that these shops typically offer solid value and low prices. On the other hand, they also focus on cranking out high-volume services performed by mid-level pros.
   

How to Find a Quality Repair Shop

You shouldn't just drive to any shop and hope to get the kind of service you need. Doing a little research ahead of time is the best way to narrow your list of options. Use the following tips to guide your search:

Ask Around

Ask people you know. If you're in a different city, ask the hotel staff or others local to the area. Word of mouth is a great way to get valuable information, and most people will give you an honest opinion before referring you to an auto repair shop.

Research Reviews

Check online reviews for the shop. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau to review feedback from other customers and research unresolved service issues. Don't get stuck on price. Sometimes the shops with the worst service are the ones offering the cheapest prices. On the other side of the coin, high prices don't guarantee great service. The aim here is to review all your options and select the best one.

Compare Estimates

If time is on your side, get estimates from two or three different shops and compare prices. This is an effective way to keep costs down, but as noted, the lower price tag isn't always the best choice. Reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations are equally important.
 

Pay Attention to Details

Whether you're still shopping around, or you've already narrowed your choices to one or two, several characteristics can help you identify a quality repair shop. Look for the following features:

• Professional Appearance: The best shops look clean, organized and professional.
• Amenities for Customers: Check that the waiting areas are clean and comfortable. Cleanliness in the bathroom will say a lot about a place, check that it's in good condition. Shuttle services to drive you to work or back home is an added bonus.
• Skilled Technicians: Look for auto repair shops with technicians who are well-trained. Look for those with ASE certifications or equivalent training.
• Updated Equipment: You probably won't know if the equipment is cutting edge. Mechanics at quality repair shops are happy to tell you all about their first-rate equipment.
• Warranties: Quality repair shops offer a warranty on parts and labor, such as 12 months or 12,000 miles, for example.

After servicing or repairing your vehicle, keep all your service records and reward quality service with your repeat business. Establishing a relationship can add value in case of future repairs. Get to know the staff there, they will always appreciate good custom. Remember, as well as them being good service providers, you are a good customer. They will always appreciate courteousness and will likely reciprocate in a similar fashion. This does wonders for establishing credence, which adds longevity in terms of collaboration for possible future repairs.

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