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!
