Entering an auto repair shop can be akin to going to the doctor or the dentist: most people are filled with a sense of dread. After all, a repair shop appointment usually requires opening the check book or pulling out a credit card before exiting the facility, so it is vitally important that prior to the visit a customer is familiar with the shop they are allowing to do the repairs, and its reputation for completing the work on time and right the first time.
Friends, family or a telephone book are the usual guide to finding an auto repair shop once the warranty is expired on a vehicle. With repair locations lining the roads, both independently owned and national franchises alike, it can seem like a daunting process of elimination when choosing the right one to entrust a vehicle to. A personal recommendation from a friend or family member is a definite plus, if words like reliable, trustworthy and honest are applied to the mechanic or place of business. A customer testimonial is always a good sign a business is reputable. But, if no one offers their personal favorite auto repair shop, there is a way to discover one if a little research and effort is put forward on the part of the car owner.
If the vehicle in question is broken down alongside the road and about to be towed to a repair shop, this might not be the time to be researching a good mechanic, unless the driver holds a AAA card. If this is the case, a call to AAA will result in the vehicle being towed to a shop who is a member of the AAA association, which means quality workmanship and a code of ethics are in place and all should be well. If the car or truck is making an odd noise, or the brakes are in need of repair or body work is necessary, but the vehicle is still operational, then a little bit of detective work on the owner’s part can be done prior to relinquishing it to a repair facility.
In addition to AAA membership, other signs the auto repair shop takes their business reputation seriously are membership in IATN (International Auto Technicians Association), ASA (Automotive Service Association), and TechNet (Carquest Technicians Network). To receive membership status with this affiliate means the business and their employees must strive to meet a level of expertise in their field and continuously maintain an ethics level. In addition to these associations, certificates of membership to the BBB (Better Business Bureau), ASP (Automotive Service Professionals) and ICAR (Inter Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) means the facility has been rigorously investigated in order to become a member. All are good signs for the customer.
Before handing over the keys and opening the check book at an auto repair place, request a written estimate of all repairs to be completed, note certificates of memberships and affiliations, a business license, and technicians certificates of completion of classes and schooling, as well as all prices for service, parts and fluid disposal are displayed for customers to easily see. Any and all questions a driver has should be answered in a professional manner prior to work being done. Guarantees and warranties on work and parts should be explained in full, including any “Lifetime Guarantees” and voids. Note the level of professionalism of the employees toward their clientele, and then decide if this is the place to perform the work the vehicle requires at this time.
