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Choosing
the Right Repair Shop for Your Vehicle
No
matter what you drive--sports car, family sedan, pick-up, or mini-van,
when you go in for repairs or service, you want the job done right.
The following advice should take much of the guesswork out of finding
a good repair establishment.
I.
Preliminaries
Don't
just drop your vehicle off at the nearest establishment and hope
for the best. That's not choosing a shop, that's merely gambling.
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Read your owner's manual to become familiar with your vehicle
and follow the manufacturer's suggested service schedule.
-
Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one; you
can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.
-
Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. Even in
this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is
still valuable.
-
Check with your local consumer organization regarding the reputation
of the shop in question.
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If possible, arrange for alternate transportation in advance so
you will not feel forced to choose a facility solely on the basis
of location.
Once
you choose a repair shop, start off with a minor job; if you are
pleased, trust them with more complicated repairs later
II.
At the Shop
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Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the
parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in
the service bays.
- Professionally
run establishments will have a courteous, helpful
staff. The service writer should be willing to answer all
of your questions.
- Feel
free to ask for the names of a few customers. Call them.
- All
policies (labor rates, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) should
be posted and/or explained to your satisfaction.
- Ask
if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and model. Some
facilities specialize only in certain makes.
- Ask
if the shop usually does your type of repair, especially if you
need major work.
- Look
for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic
and community service awards, membership in the Better Business
Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, customer service awards.
- Look
for evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade school diplomas,
certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certifications--a
national standard of technician competence. The backbone of any
shop is the competence of the technicians.
III.
Follow-Up
- Keep
good records; keep all paperwork.
Reward good service with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial
to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.
-
If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to another
shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager or owner. Give
the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops
value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep
your business.
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