No one wants to deal with a car problem, but at least there’s an easy solution: you simply take it to the repair shop, let them work their magic, and then drive away without doing too much damage to your bank balance.
Or at least that’s the theory. In practice, finding a quality auto repair shop can be a lot more challenging than it should be, and choosing the wrong one can lead to poor work and even costlier issues further down the line.
The good news is that you don’t have to roll the dice and simply hope that the auto repair shop you choose will provide an overall good experience. There are a few telltale signs, like the ones we’ve outlined below, which should ensure you select a trusted partner that you stick with for years.
ASE Certification
Car repair work requires technical expertise. That can be hard to assess before you’ve had your vehicle fixed, but there is one clear way to know that your car is in capable hands: look for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification, which can only be acquired by passing rigorous tests. It can give you peace of mind that you’re entrusting your car with someone who takes their craft seriously.
Years of Experience
The auto repair industry is competitive, and that’s a good thing for consumers. It means that poor-quality shops simply don’t last. That’s not to say that a young auto repair shop won’t deliver quality work, but there will be added risk. A shop that has been in business for fifteen years or more means that it’ll have a good reputation in the local area.
Parts and Labor Warranty
The best auto repair shops don’t just say that they’ll do good work. They’ll stand by it. Any repair shop that gives vague details about its warranty should be a red flag. Most places provide a warranty of 12 months or 12,000 miles. Some, such as Reliable Automotive Shop, provide 48 months or 50,000 miles as standard on both parts and labor. It’s always a reassuring sign when a business has full confidence in its work.
Excellent Customer Reviews
Reading the experience of previous customers can go a long way towards helping you make the right choice. Most businesses include some reviews on their website, but it’s recommended to look a little deeper. Google Reviews, for example, can provide a much fuller picture. In fact, Google Reviews tell you so much that even seeing — or not seeing — a link to their Google page on their website can be illuminating. Poorly reviewed businesses will want to hide those reviews; a confident business will include a link that takes you right to the page.
Transparency and Communication
Transparency and communication essentially come down to trust. The best auto repair shops will clearly explain the issue with your car, what they’ll do to fix it, and how much it’ll cost, without rushing you to make a decision. If they do those things, then you can trust you’re in safe hands.
