Advice About Car Repairs
Car repairs are an unfortunate fact of life, especially if you rely heavily on an automobile for transportation. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert to find an experienced master technician that can provide quality work. It’s important to remember that some auto shops specialize on one type of vehicle, either foreign or domestic, while others work on both. Learn some tips to help you through the next round of car repairs.
Specialty Shops
Shop around until you find a garage that works on the type of vehicle you own – this will result in a faster turnaround time, and a more experienced auto tech. Ask around other people who own the same vehicle make and model if they have any experience with the shop to avoid wasting money.
Compare Quotes
Take your vehicle to at least three different auto shops if you are still able to drive it – do not attempt to take it to multiple garages if you suspect driving it will further damage the broken parts. Taking the vehicle to more than one shop will ensure that you are getting the best price and experience, as opposed to the best sales pitch for a higher price tag.
Price Match
Always leave with a written repair estimate so that you can physically show it to the other mechanics, especially if they have quoted you a lower price than the last shop. Most auto garages will try to match the price of the competition, or even sell you the same service for a lower price – some may even throw in an incentive service as well. If you are dissatisfied with the shop you are considering, just remember that even though the ball is in the mechanic’s court when your car is acting strange, it doesn’t mean that you have to play ball in that court.
ASE Certification
Always look for shops that have passed the Automotive Service of Excellence certification – they will be clearly labeled as ASE certified shops. If you take your vehicle to a shop that is not certified, then you will be risking both your car and money – unless you have a personal relationship with the mechanic, just turn and walk away to the next car repair shop.