Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro on Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop

Some auto repair shops have a better reputation than others.  You need make sure the repair shop you choose fits your needs.  For instance, not all auto repair shops have an ASE Certified Master Mechanic on staff.  Different auto shops will often provide different areas of expertise as well.  Here are some tips that should help you locate the right mechanic or car repair shop for you!

1. Go online – Check opinions and reviews!

Company websites are a great start.  Every business wants to highlight their reviews, especially if they’re great!  Independent auto repair review websites and customer opinion sites are other great sources in starting your search.  Print resources only give credentials and bullet points, but these days, you can locate scores of review sites offering valuable, honest opinions from verified actual customers.  Looking for a starting point? Try typing a shop’s name and city in quotations into the search bar.  For instance, try running a search on the terms “Sanford’s Automotive Service Columbia SC”.  The results that you get should bring a variety of places where we can be found online, plus several places you can go to read actual reviews from our customers.

2. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

You need to make sure that the shop you choose has experience with your particular make and model.  How do we determine this?  By calling and asking questions.  In addition to asking about your make and model, if you already know what specific repair you need, ask about their experience with that sort of repair too.  If a mechanic or the shop owner fails to sound confident in their abilities to fix your trouble or if they give a run-around type of answer, hang up and cross them off the list.   

3. Verify the mechanic or auto shop credentials!

Ask about the mechanic or the shop’s credentials.  A mechanic that has been certified and truly is qualified will not have a problem producing documentation of their credentials. Not every auto repair you get will need a Certified Master Mechanic, but when you are facing major repairs you definitely want the repair performed by an adequately qualified technician. 

4. Drop in for a visit.

Stop by and have a look around.  How do things look? Does the facility appear to be properly maintained and somewhat orderly?  No auto facility is going to be spotlessly clean, but you shouldn’t find it in a completely chaotic state either.  A quick look should give you enough to go on…if anything doesn’t look quite right, I’d suggest you move on.

5. The tools of the trade

What kind of equipment do they have? What about the tools they are they using? Did things look to be well maintained?  Does this auto repair shop utilize computer diagnostics?  If there do not appear to be updates and upgrades to meet current vehicles’ needs, you might decide to continue the search for the right auto repair shop for you.

6. What kind of guarantees do you get?

Every good mechanic will proudly stand behind the work they have performed.  Any reputable auto repair shop also offers a warranty of some sort on work performed at their shop.  Some of the auto parts that are being replaced may come with a manufacturer warranty. In addition to that, the auto repair shop itself should offer some type of guarantee on the installation or labor performed on your automobile.

7. If time allows, get estimates.

If you are able to, try to get multiple estimates on any repair job. Auto dealerships almost always charge much more than independent mechanics and stand alone auto repair shops.  To ensure you are not getting overcharged you should ask a variety of mechanics and repair shops for their price.  This also provides a chance to determine the customer service level of the shop and see the demeanor with which your questions and concerns are addressed. 

And the winner is…

Independent auto repair shops and mechanics commonly offer more customized service, handling every client as a priority.  Don’t just go with the best price or most convenient locale. Choose the mechanic or shop that you feel confidence in, one that gave you the feeling that they care about serving you and properly caring for your auto’s repair or other maintenance or auto service needs.  Customer satisfaction should always come first!