| | My repair shop is a small restauration store in a small dark lane (dark only in the evening). Restoration shops have a homeworker flair, I like it. Nevertheless, if something is broken, You need repair shops. The repair shop business is a moneymaking business. Here a consumer's tip how to find the right repair shop.
Choosing the Right Repair Shop
No matter what you drive--sports car, family sedan,
pick-up, or mini-van, when you go in for repairs or
service, you want the job done right. The following advice
should take much of the guesswork out of finding a good
repair establishment.
I. Preliminaries
Don't just drop your vehicle off at the nearest
establishment and hope for the best. That's not choosing a
shop, that's merely gambling.
- Read your owner's manual to become familiar with your
vehicle and follow the manufacturer's suggested
service schedule.
- Start shopping for a repair facility before you need
one; you can make better decisions when you are not
rushed or in a panic.
- Ask friends and associates for their recommendations.
Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of- mouth reputation is still valuable.
- Check with your local consumer organization regarding
the reputation of the shop in question.
- If possible, arrange for alternate transportation in
advance so you will not feel forced to choose a
facility solely on the basis of location.
Once you choose a repair shop, start off with a minor job;
if you are pleased, trust them with more complicated
repairs later
II. At the Shop
- Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with
vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own
and modern equipment in the service bays.
- Professionally run establishments will have a
courteous, helpful staff. The service writer should be
willing to answer all of your questions.
- Feel free to ask for the names of a few customers.
Call them.
- All policies (labor rates, guarantees, methods of
payment, etc.) should be posted and/or explained to
your satisfaction.
- Ask if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make
and model. Some facilities specialize.
- Ask if the shop usually does your type of repair,
especially if you need major work.
- Look for signs of professionalism in the customer
service area: civic and community service awards,
membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved
Auto Repair status, customer service awards.
The backbone of any shop is the competence of the
technicians.
- Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as
trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course
work, and ASE certifications--a national standard of
technician competence.
III. Follow-Up
- Keep good records; keep all paperwork.
- Reward good service with repeat business. It is
mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to
establish a relationship.
- If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to
another shop. Discuss the problem with the service
manager or owner. Give the business a chance to
resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer
feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your
business.
A Word about ASE
Perhaps years ago, a shade-tree mechanic whose only
credentials were a tool box and busted knuckles was enough.
But today's quality-conscious consumers demand more.
The independent, non-profit National Institute for
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) conducts the only
industry-wide, national certification program for
automotive technicians.
Consumers benefit from ASE's certification program
since it takes much of the guesswork out of finding a
competent technicians.
ASE certifies the competency of individual technicians
through a series of standardized specialty exams (brakes,
transmissions, engine repair, ect.)
ASE CERTIFIED
We employ technicians certified by the National
institute for AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE.
Let us show you their credentials
Certified technicians are issued pocket credentials
listing their area(s) of expertise and usually wear blue
and white ASE shoulder insignia, while employers often post
the ASE sign on the premises. There are over a quarter
million ASE technicians at work in every type of repair
facility.
This publication has been reviewed by the
Environmental Protection Agency. Distribution of this
document does not constitute or imply EPA endorsement of
any ASE service.
National Institute for AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE 13505 Dulles Technology
Dr. Herndon, VA 22071
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