If your car needs a little TLC, it’s important to take the vehicle to a reliable garage or mechanic. Below, we’ve listed a few tips to help you find a good auto repair shop. Read on.
Find an Auto Shop that Specializes in Your Brand of Car
Most garages excel in certain makes of vehicles. These shops are likely to have repair professionals with the latest training and equipment. If you’re unsure which shops in the area specialize in your make or model of car, do a quick online search or ask people you know.
Ask Your Friends and Family
Seek recommendations from those who own a similar vehicle as yours. If they know a good mechanic, they’re likely to pass on that information to you.
Check the Certification
The auto repair shop and mechanic should be certified by the ASE (also known as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence).
Check the BBB
Auto repair shops currently are at the 12th position on the BBB’s list of common complaints. So, visit the bureau’s website and do your research on which auto repair shops to avoid.
Try Different Auto Repair Shops
Before your car needs a big repair, it’s a good idea to try out a few local shops with maintenance tasks or smaller repairs, like filter and oil changes. If they do the job to your liking, it’s probably safe to take your car in for bigger repairs. If you are, however, unhappy with the quality of service, don’t make the mistake of taking your car to the same place again.
Check About Warranties
Does the repair shop provide any kind of guarantee on their work? Make sure to ask them ahead of time. You don’t want to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on repair work only to find out that it is not covered by the auto repair shop.
Make Sure the Shop Is Located in A Convenient Place
Even the best mechanic or shop might not be worth it if it takes you hours to reach the place or you have few transportation options after you leave your car.
