Locating a shop specializing in your car’s make and model is of vital importance, as they will have extensive knowledge about it to quickly spot issues that need fixing more quickly and efficiently.
Price may be an important factor when choosing a repair shop, but that shouldn’t be your sole criteria for selection. Look for shops that prioritize customer service over anything else.
1. Ask for Referrals
Referred auto repair shops often provide superior services. Personal recommendations can help you locate a reputable auto repair shop that delivers high-quality work at reasonable rates.
Choose a shop that provides written estimates with both labor and part costs listed separately, as well as being willing to answer any of your queries about pricing and services provided.
2. Check Online Reviews
Shops that post reviews online often receive notice by consumers looking for an auto repair shop. Review sites can also serve to highlight your technicians and customer service experience.
Before choosing a shop for repairs, check its business practices such as providing an estimate, allowing you to inspect parts replaced, and providing a detailed invoice. Inquire about warranties or guarantees.
3. Check Licenses and Certifications
Many auto repair shops specialize in specific brands of vehicles; check to make sure the one you visit has experience servicing yours. Establish whether they can offer extended warranties and/or experienced technicians when dealing with it, according to Ibbotson.
Shops must display technician credentials and be willing to discuss them with customers. Invoices should detail each repair made, parts replaced, costs involved and quality standards met for all services rendered.
4. Check for Complaints
If you are dissatisfied with a repair service, try first to resolve it directly with the shop manager. If this doesn’t work out, contact your local consumer protection agency or state Attorney General’s office and see whether there have been any records filed about that repair shop in question.
Even the best mechanics can make mistakes, so always ask them why a repair costs as much as it does and compare warranties before signing any paperwork.
5. Check for a Balance Between Price and Quality
Customers typically rely on personal recommendations or online reviews when choosing an auto repair shop, while also considering aspects such as price and quality.
Start by comparing prices for similar repairs at multiple shops, and always obtain written estimates. A reputable shop should guarantee its work with an invoice that lists odometer reading, parts used and labor costs – making your search simpler!
6. Check for Convenience
Location can make it easier to remember to get repairs done; make sure the shop offers transportation or has a shuttle.
Before initiating any repairs, inquire if they offer written estimates that include itemized lists for both parts and labor costs. This will protect both parties involved.
7. Check for Reputation
Shops known for providing outstanding service are more likely to attract loyal customers and generate referrals; additionally, these businesses typically offer lower prices.
Review how long a shop has been operating and their response to customer service complaints. Expensive quotes could indicate extensive repairs while low rates might indicate only short-term fixes are planned by their mechanic.
Consider specialty shops specializing in tires or brakes as they may offer lower costs than dealers.
8. Check for Experience
When choosing an auto repair shop, it is crucial that you carefully investigate their technicians’ credentials. A reputable shop should readily supply this information.
Many repair shops provide free inspections or other services as a way of building customer loyalty and increasing revenue without breaking the bank. With Tekmetric’s real-time reports, it’s easy to see which marketing tactics are paying off for your shop.
9. Check for Customer Service
When visiting an auto repair shop, you should feel valued and heard – this will go a long way toward creating trust and driving repeat business.
Take time to evaluate a shop with minor repairs like an oil change or brake pad replacement; this will give you a good sense of their timeliness, cost-efficiency and more.
Be sure that the shop honors any warranties still applicable on your vehicle if applicable, including labor and parts warranties. Furthermore, inquire about warranties covering labor as well as parts.
10. Check for Value
Longstanding shops tend to have loyal customer bases. Be sure to inquire how the shop manages customer complaints or disputes.
Look for warranties that cover both parts and labor. In addition, look for shops displaying the AAA Approved Auto Repair logo which indicates someone from AAA has personally visited and evaluated the shop, providing follow up and investigations when necessary.
