Auto Repair: First Time Car Owner

It may be a decade old (or older) and not exactly the hottest thing on four wheels, but it is a treasure in the mind of a teenager: the first car, all their own. Usually purchased based on price and insurance rate, or handed down through the family, having survived multiple previous drivers, this vehicle may require a bit of work; in other words, auto repair may be a necessary phrase to become familiarized with. While body work may be the preference to the average teen- a cool paint job, new tires, maybe a new stereo system - more often than not, what lies under the hood or under the body of the car is what is in need of attention first and foremost.

Every driver must learn the guidelines involved in selecting an auto repair facility. Key factors to look out for when choosing a mechanic are adjectives used to describe the person and place working on the vehicle in question: reliable, professional, certified, trained, licensed and competent. What sort of work needs to be done at this time? Does the repair place do that sort of work? Are their charges for the work competitively priced with others in the area? While the lowest price is NOT always the best way to determine the right auto repair place, their estimate should come in close to the national franchise down the road. Price gouging is a red flag to look out for when entrusting repairs to be done right the first time around.

Another consideration is if the auto repair facility has certificates and license on display for their place of business and the technicians working at the location. These should be proudly displayed for customers to see. An association with AAA (Approved Auto Repair), iATN (International Auto Technicians Assoc.), ASA (Automotive Service Assoc.) and TechNet (Carquest Technicians Network) are all pluses because membership to one or more of these affiliates means that the shop and their employees must continuously meet high standards of operation and training. If the shop is also registered with the BBB (Better Business Bureau), SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), ASP (Automotive Service Professional), the business has been rigorously investigated to become a member and they are held up to a code of ethics and workmanship, or risk losing their membership to the association. This is great news for the repair shop’s customers and should afford piece of mind the work will be done well the first time and for a price that is fair.

Ownership of a car or truck is a big responsibility for any driver, young or old. And a mechanic should be chosen with the same care and effort put into selecting a doctor or dentist. If time is not pressing – a.k.a., the vehicle is not broken down alongside the road! Allow time for an evaluation of the place, request a written estimate, and go online and search for any customer complaints or positive reviews for the location being considered for the auto repair work.