Finding a trustworthy auto repair service is crucial for those who own cars. However, many people need help finding a shop they can trust.
Avoid shops that refuse to let you ride with the mechanic to show them the problem. Many advise you to be wary of any shop that suggests maintenance not listed in your owner’s manual.
Check Reviews
Many states have laws that benefit car owners, preventing vehicle repair firms from taking advantage of them. These laws typically require shops to give a cost estimate before starting repairs. A good shop, like Aldergrove’s Newest Auto Repair Shop for example, will offer a written estimate and a detailed invoice explaining the work done and what it costs.
A good auto repair Apopka FL shop can also answer questions about warranties. This is important because sometimes a car issue may be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, so choosing a shop that honors them is a good idea. It is worth the extra time to determine if your preferred shop has this policy before taking your vehicle there for service. Obtaining a referral from family and friends is also a great way to determine which shop is trustworthy.
Check Licenses
Regardless of where you live, your state should require all auto repair shops to be licensed. Depending on how your firm is classified, you may need to provide proof of insurance, a surety bond, financial statements, and more. Contact your local Department of Transportation or your state’s licensing agency to check for licenses.
It would help to ask for a written estimate before the shop starts working on your car. This will help you know exactly what they’re doing and how much it will cost, preventing misunderstandings. Most states require that this document includes a labor charge; the name, number, and price of each part replaced; and whether the features are new or used. It should also list the work order. Some shops offer time estimates, which should be included in your invoice.
Check Certifications
Many state laws require shops to give customers a time estimate for repairs (with varying conditions). Shops must also tell customers they can only charge the estimated cost if they authorize it by phone or in writing.
In addition, local shops often focus on a variety of car makes and models, which helps mechanics develop deep expertise across several types of vehicles. The same cannot always be said for dealership repair shops, which may focus more on meeting quotas or receiving monetary incentives.
In addition, ask what type of warranty the shop provides on parts and labor. The best auto repair shops will provide a written warranty on their work that includes the shop’s name and address, the date and time of the service, and an indication of whether the parts were new or rebuilt.
Check the Staff
It may sound cliche, but how you’re treated when you walk in the door can tell you a lot about how well-run the shop is. Look to see whether staff members are courteous and knowledgeable. How clean the facility is, and if it’s organized, can also be telling.
Some recommend asking for a list of employees and their job functions to understand what the shop values in its workers. The average length of employment can also be a good indicator.
Check if the shop follows your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule, and ask which replacement parts they use. Choosing shops that use brand-name parts is a good idea, as they are of higher quality and may have warranties.
Check the Location
Choosing a reasonably close shop to your home or work is a good idea. This can save you money on towing costs and makes it easier to drop off your car and pick it up.
If a shop is away, visiting it in person before you agree to any work is a good idea. This can give you a general feel for the place and help you decide whether or not it is trustworthy.
In addition to observing the general environment, you can also ask about their warranties and guarantees. Look for shops that offer warranties on their repair work and new parts. These can come in handy if the repairs don’t work. This is especially important for more costly repairs.
