Car repairs can be very expensive with any work needed on engines and transmissions being some of the most costly. A recent study showed that approximately 90% of all cars on the road today are in need of some sort of repair right now. Nearly one quarter have low or dirty oil. Finding a good mechanic and getting decent auto repair quotes are essential parts of owning a car today.
Tips for Getting Good Auto Repair Serivce:
- Know your car. This does not mean just pay attention to it when you are driving but read the manual. This can avoid you looking foolish for taking your car into be serviced because you do not know how something in your car works. Knowing the trim level can help identify a good deal about the engine and transmission. Have your VIN available as you need that when you are making an appointment.
- Have your paperwork on your car with you. Keeping detailed records of what you have had done on your car will help your technician discover what is wrong with your car. Bring all of this with you when you take your car in. The less time it takes to find what is wrong with your vehicle will mean lower costs and less time spent in the auto repair shop.
- Find a good car repair place. You have to decide between a small operation and taking your car into the dealership. If you have a car that is not common, you will probably want to go to the dealership. Remember, the people who work at a dealership are experts at the kinds of cars they sell. Mechanics at independent garages are not. Get auto repair quotes from both and ask around to find the best place to take your car. Make sure your garage uses original equipment manufacturer parts. These are better for your vehicle than generic parts.
- Has the garage ever worked on your kind of car? If you are concerned about this kind of thins, ask if they have much experience they have with your make and model of car. Cars and trucks are becoming more and more complicated. Make sure the garage where you take your car has people who are experienced at working on your kind of vehicle.
- Ask about the garage’s ASE certification. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) awards certification to mechanics twice a year. Ask your garage if they have this kind of certification and if not, why? Not having this certification should not rule out a garage but it is worth asking them what their status is.
- What does the garage charge for labor and parts? When you start getting auto repair quotes, do not just ask for a base price but ask what the change for labor. Many garages post this in very conspicuous places but if you are not clear about how much they charge, make sure you ask. Sometimes it can be confusing. You may think that repair you need is small but then the garage can take all day to complete it.
- Trust your gut. If you get a bad feeling about a garage, get back into your car and keep going. You do not need to go to someone you do not trust. Make sure the people you go to for your car repairs are willing to talk to you and answer your questions. For instance, when you are calling for auto repair quotes, does the person try to rush you? If they do not have time to answer your questions, they do not have time to fix your car.
- Ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Ask about how their car repair estimates match up with other garages in your area? Car repair services vary from garage to garage, how does the one you are looking at compare to others? What is their normal turn around time for the repairs that you need? If you feel like the garage is not interested in answering your questions, go someplace else. If they cannot take time to talk to you when they are trying to get your business you can bet they will not take more time once you are one.