It doesn't have to be daunting to find a repair shop that will complete work on your vehicle and meet your expectations. Although it's easy to get inundated with various options and occasionally feel lost as to how you should proceed, your best bet is to take a sheet of paper, list four or five repair shops in your city and begin jotting down the pros and cons for each. Opt for in-person visits over phone calls, as seeing each facility and speaking to a representative face to face can convince you whether a certain shop is the right one. And, perhaps most importantly, don't doubt your intuition. Here are some factors to consider.
Proper Certification
Your first responsibility when searching for a repair shop is to ensure it's properly certified. Meticulously look for up-to-date certificates on the wall and ensure you see accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which is commonly abbreviated to "ASE," as well as the American Automobile Association. Additionally, ensure the shop's mechanics' licenses are clearly displayed and are current -- you should see the licensing years listed. Ask about any specific training or certification that relates to the nature of your vehicle. For example, if you're dropping off a recreational vehicle, ensure the shop is properly qualified to do the job.
Length of the Job
An experienced shop representative should be able to give you a fairly accurate estimate as to how long the work will take. Although you're likely eager to get your vehicle back as soon as possible, it's also important to remember that you don't want to use a shop that does quick, shoddy work. Ask each shop how long your repair will take and compare the answers you're given. Ideally, you should hear four or five similar numbers, but if one is significantly longer or shorter, it's a cause for concern.
Warranty Policy
Many people neglect to ask about the shop's warranty policy, but remembering to obtain this information is vitally important. Seek a clear explanation of not only how the shop's warranty works, but how it covers both parts and labor. A professional shop's warranty should cover both, and you need to understand how you'll be protected if you experience a problem as a result of a faulty part or due to a labor issue. Always ask for a copy of the warranty in writing, read it carefully and ask any questions to ensure you fully understand the policy.
For more information on collision repair, talk to a company like Unlimited Collision.
Share6 June 2015
Hello. My name’s Samuel Jacobs. I retired from my job as an auto mechanic last year. During my years as a mechanic, I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Some have remained friends to this day. When I was working, there is one thing that I came across at least weekly. That is how uneducated people are when it comes to their vehicle’s tires. Properly cared for tires are crucial to the safety of your vehicle. Without them, your car isn’t going anywhere. If they give out on you while you are driving, there is the potential for serious injury. I’m going to share some tire safety information here. Things like the importance of correct inflation, how to check the tread, when to replace tires, tire rotation, and what to do in case of a blow-out. I hope you find this information to be helpful.