Tips in Choosing an Auto Repair Shop
There is no denying that automobiles are a necessity in today’s world. With so many different kinds of vehicles around and in so many numbers, you may think that finding an auto repair shop can’t be that difficult. But here’s a reality check – it is not always easy to find a reliable auto repair shop. Sure, you may find one on every corner on every street, but you can’t vouch for all of them. The question that arises here is – what constitutes the best auto repair shop?
Well, it depends on several factors, including customer service, experience, price rates, etc. In this blog post, we present some tips that will help you select the best auto repair shop in your area.
Ask Around for Recommendations
The oldest and safest way to know more about a particular vehicle repair shop is by asking other people. Just as your choice for the best doctor, lawyer, or hairstylist may result from the suggestions of your friends and family, you can apply the same approach to help you select the best auto repair shop. It is always best to consult friends or relatives that often go to auto shops to have their cars repaired. They will probably have more ideas about how the auto repairing business works and will guide you better to help you choose an auto repair shop that will get your work done efficiently and at a decent cost.
Always ask people you trust the most and are those who are willing to offer genuine help. The best people to ask for recommendations are your workmates, neighbors, friends, or family.
Check the Website and Go Through Public Reviews
In this information age, it has become a lot easier to post your personal views and suggestions online – on Facebook, Twitter, etc. For instance, if you are not satisfied with a company’s service, you can share your views on their Facebook page and let the world know about it. In other words, word of mouth has become increasingly important and powerful. You can easily judge an auto repair’s reputation by simply going through their customer reviews. The more positive feedback, the better the repair shop is.
One thing you should be aware of is that the company is usually in control of what is being said about them on their website or social media page. For a more genuine insight, check out the shop’s Google reviews, as those can’t be doctored by the company.
Compare the Price Range of Vehicle Repairs
Before you take your car to an auto body repair shop, make sure that you have an estimate about the price range of auto repairs in your state/locality. Keeping this in mind, you can shortlist all those auto repair shops that follow the average rate.
That being said, the prices may vary depending on the popularity and the level of services offered by a shop. Some auto repair shops may charge higher than others. If that’s the case, then find out why that is so. The most likely reason is they offer top-notch services to their customers. Avoid auto-repair shops that may offer services at a too-good-to-be-true price range. Many of these involve unethical mechanics that may trap you in a car repair scam. For example, these mechanics may provide you with a reasonable verbal quote. But when you come back to pick your car, they may drastically raise the final bill to more than the estimated amount. This may leave you with no option but to pay additional sums of money.
Location of the Shop
Keep in mind that the price of the services offered by a repair shop may change depending on its location. For instance, repair shops in posh neighborhoods will charge more compared to others. That’s because residents of these upscale localities own affluent cars and have the financial strength to settle expensive repair bills.
Take into account the locality before choosing an auto repair shop. This will save you from being caught off guard by the bill at the time of payment. Also, it is better to follow the approach of “best-yet-affordable” when looking for an ideal auto body shop.
Ask for License and Certification
To be on the safe side, always ask for important documents from the mechanic or the manager of the auto shop. These documents should validate their expertise in the field. This will put you at ease, knowing that your car is in capable hands. Having a well-qualified and certified mechanic will also lower the risk of bad car repair jobs.
Generally, auto mechanics require ASE certification. To receive authorized certification, interested individuals need to take a computer-based exam and hands-on automotive repair.
Know Your Warranty
If your car is still under warranty, you may need to have the repair performed by the dealer. auto warranties vary, but there is a lack of clarity surrounding who can service your car and what parts can be used to repair it. This means that in some cases, you may not be able to choose a repair shop that isn’t affiliated with the dealership. Violating your warranty can mean that your car is no longer covered under the agreement. If you’re in doubt, call the dealer for more information.
Find a Shop That Specializes in Your Car
Whether you own a Toyota or a Tesla, it makes sense to find a repair shop that knows your vehicle. Shops that specialize in specific manufacturers have the most up-to-date training and equipment for working on those vehicles. This can be especially important for major repairs.
Check the qualifications of the technicians
Apart from the shop’s reputation, you would also want to check on the qualifications of the mechanics it employs. A shop whose workers who have been there for years usually indicates good working conditions and assures you that these technicians know what they are doing.
Also, observe if the staff are professional and courteous. Beware of shops that don’t show concern toward their customer’s issues and don’t take the time to explain the nature of the problem; they will insist on making unnecessary repairs and replacements just to pad your repair bill.
Shops with awards displayed prominently on their shelves are a nice confidence-building measure, but those accolades are not always a guarantee of stellar service. At the very least, see to it that the business is legitimate, with the necessary permits displayed. This means that the business is duly registered, which protects your rights as a customer in case disputes arise over the services they rendered.
Trust your gut feeling
Above all else, always follow your instincts. If you feel that something is off with the shop you’re eyeing, despite your research and the glowing testimonials, walk away. Your gut feeling can often be triggered by something you may have noticed at the shop, such as hearing an unsatisfied client complain of a delay in their service.
Take note of the number of customers you see in the shop at any given time: this might give you an idea about how many people trust the business for their services. A trusted auto repair shop will likely be buzzing with activity on account of good business. Although you shouldn’t automatically dismiss body shops that have the cheapest rates, a healthy dose of skepticism won’t hurt.