Avoiding Expensive Car Repairs
February 16, 2023Basic Things to Know About Auto Repair
February 16, 2023
It can be hard to figure out who you can trust with your car, but it’s even more difficult to find someone who will give you honest recommendations. Unfortunately, this is a valid fear since so many dishonest people in the auto industry. We have worked on a small list, that hopefully, you’ll find helpful when looking for a reliable and good auto repair shop.
- Reviews: Essentially, what has happened in the past will likely happen again in the future. With that being said, take a look at reviews on Google or Facebook from people who have tried out the service before making your decision. A personal referral holds more weight than an online review but if you don’t have anyone to ask, reading testimonials is the next best thing.
- They should ask for your authorization before performing any work: Never give work the okay until you are one hundred percent sure about what they are trying to explain! If a repair facility is professional, then they should have no problem whatsoever explaining in detail the scope of work that’s needed to fix your car. Also, if necessary, good businesses will provide pictures of the part of the vehicle in question and/or show you the car itself. Don’t allow them to be vague; rather, make sure they give specific information. An excellent and truthful shop should always be prepared and more than happy to display what issues there may be with your vehicle.
- Price: Be sure to ask about the price before you purchase anything. The shop should be able to tell you how much it will cost for what you want. However, many shops are not as transparent with their pricing as they should be. Be assertive and make sure you understand exactly what is being done and how much it will cost.
- Warranty: Make sure to ask the store about their warranty before you make a purchase. Does it cover both parts and labor? How long does the coverage last? Some places will have shorter warranties with lots of conditions. Most dealerships only offer 12 months or 12,000 miles of protection. We recommend finding a place that has a 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty on repairs.
- Qualifications: You can ensure that the technicians at an auto repair shop know what they are doing by asking if the mechanic working on your vehicle is ASE certified. Even more specifically, ask what certifications they have to confirm they are qualified in the particular repair needed for your car. For example, if your vehicle’s check engine light is on, you want to make sure your technician knows how to properly diagnose the issue.
- How they treat you: The shop’s purpose is to make having your car repaired as easy for you as possible. If they’re not meeting this goal, don’t hesitate to find a business that will.
If you are experiencing any car trouble, need an auto repair, or just regular maintenance, give us a call today! One of our experienced mechanics will be happy to assist you.