Finding a good repair shop, auto service center or a trustworthy mechanic can be a daunting experience, but it need not be. There are many honest service providers, so if you are new to a particular town, city, or state, just follow these 7 top tips on finding a service center that is right for you, your car, and your budget.Finding a good repair shop, auto service center or a trustworthy mechanic can be a daunting experience, but it need not be. There are many honest service providers, so if you are new to a particular town, city, or state, just follow these 7 top tips on finding a service center that is right for you, your car, and your budget.
Ask Around
If you are new to an area, the logical place to start your search would be to ask for referrals from neighbors, colleagues, and even the local taxi drivers. All the people in your new town or area have to have their cars repaired, so who better to ask than the locals who deal with local establishments?
Nevertheless, you may want to cast your net a bit wider, so it might be good idea to also enquirer from the local-
Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are always on the lookout for good service at the lowest possible prices, so if you’re insurance company has a local branch, it is very likely that they will have firsthand experience of the local repair scene, since they have to pay for the repairs made to their client’s vehicles. However, insurance companies might receive lower rates than the public, but the level of service and professionalism from the establishments they use is almost certain to be same as that offered to the public.
Better Business Bureau
Repair facilities that habitually perform badly will eventually come to the notice of the BBB or similar organizations. However, bear in mind that one or two complaints against a repair shop or mechanic may be nothing more than a minor hiccup with a difficult client, but be on the lookout for establishments that have a record of performing badly consistently over an extended period of time.
Local Chamber of Commerce
Businesses, including repair shops that join a Chamber of Commerce value their reputation, which means that the chances are excellent that you will receive above average service and customer care from a repair shop that belongs to the local Chamber.
City Fleets
The managers of city-owned transit and transportation fleets are often the best source of information on the local or regional vehicle repair market, since they often have limited budgets to keep their vehicles running. As a result, they are forced to only work with establishments that ask a fair price for reliable service and good customer care, so make the fleet manager’s office one of your first ports of call.
New Establishments
New establishments are not necessarily bad. In fact, you may benefit from their desire to attract and retain repeat business, and especially so if the establishment trades under the flag of large franchise chain. New franchisees usually work under the close supervision of the frank is or for a period of time, which means that you could benefit from the experience in terms of receiving value for money.
Phone Book
Using the phone book is almost always the least reliable method of finding a good service provider of any type. Nonetheless, if none of the above tips delivered the desired result, the phone book is at least a viable alternative method of finding a good repair shop. However, don’t expect a miracle in the form of finding the ideal repair shop on your first call- finding good service in the Yellow Pages rarely happens, but that said, at least you will have a list of options to consider.
One more thing…
Regardless of who recommended you to a particular repair shop, it is incumbent on you to check out the establishment in person to see for yourself that:
• The shop is clean, neat and tidy, and especially in the service bay areas. Fancy trimmings and branding is not nearly as important as is a friendly, sincere greeting and a willingness to discuss your needs with you.
• The shop has clear, unambiguous written policies about how labor charges are calculated, refunds in the case of disputes, warranties, guarantees and repeat work under warranty conditions.
• The shop provides written quotes and estimates, and that they are willing to explain the exact cause(s) of the problem you need them to repair or resolve.
• The shop will provide you with an itemized bill that clearly lists the parts used, the exact labor charge, and the details of any warranties, guarantees, and their policy on parts returns and “comebacks”.
Professional repair shops are proud of the standard of their work, and in addition to their willingness to provide warranties on the parts they use, as well as their workmanship, they will have no problem reminding you that you are welcome to return the vehicle if you are not perfectly satisfied for any reason.