There's no exact unit to measure how good an auto repair shop is unless you actually try their services. But in retrospect, there are certain qualities of an ideal car repair shop that you can always take into consideration.
As a car owner, it's crucial to get to know the best automotive services and which auto repair shop provides them before leaving your car in their hands. After all, your vehicle's life depends on it.
Just follow these 5 tips on how to choose the best auto repair shops that service vehicles for all your car needs.
1. Experience first before anything else
The first thing you want to check in vehicle repair services is how much experience they've got on their belts. When it comes to this, it's not entirely right to judge based on how long they've been running their business.
There are repair shops who just started their business but their mechanics have plenty of experience. There are also shops that have been running their business for many years but the quality of work they do does not live up to your expectations.
So how do you know if the auto repair shop has the experience to repair whatever needs to be fixed in your car? Simple, you just ask them questions. Go through their past work details and how long they have been working.
One thing you can do is ask friends or family for referrals. This is one of the easiest way to find a trustworthy mechanic. You can get straightforward advice and get your car fixed quickly and efficiently. On the flip side, they can also warn you against auto repair shops that can't be trusted, those that they've worked with in the past.
2. Read reviews online
Other than asking your friends and family for referrals, you can also count on the reviews strangers leave online. This can give you an idea of the quality of service an auto repair shop provides. You can check out Yelp, Google, Facebook, and DealerRater for reviews both good and bad.
Yes, that's right. Reading reviews can give you a look at all the good and bad reviews. This way, you'll know which auto repair shop to go to and which one to avoid. With this help from real customers, you'll be able to find a quality mechanic right away.
You can also refer to Better Business Bureau's website to see if there are any complaints against the repair shop you have selected. It's better to be sure than to regret it in the end. If this repair shop had complaints in the past, check how they resolved the issue. Seeing how they handle disputes and negative reviews in the past should give you an idea about their customer service.
3. Ask the right questions
Aside from looking into an auto repair shop's experience, make sure to ask for a license and certifications. It's best if they can back up their experience claims with licenses and certifications so you can fully trust them. Certification gives you that peace of mind knowing that the mechanics doing your repairs are highly trained and qualified to work on your car.
You also have to make sure that the shop is insured to protect you in case anything goes wrong during the repair. The same goes for their warranty and guarantee policies. It's important to find an auto repair shop that honors your vehicle warranty and even more so if they have their own warranty options. Car repairs are quite expensive so it's important to consider a shop that guarantees their service.
4. Get an estimate and compare prices
A professional auto repair shop will always let you know the price upfront after discussing what repairs you need for your car. If they don't give you the best estimate of how much you'll be spending, you might be overcharged when the work is done.
Select at least the top 3 auto repair shops from your search and compare their prices. This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a mechanic. Some repair shops may charge more for the same services than others. It's best to get a free quote first before making a decision.
5. Choose a local auto repair shop near you
Instead of going to an auto repair dealer which may overcharge you for services that don't cost that much, take your vehicle to a local repair shop. They can handle any heavy-duty work that your car needs. This includes major car issues that may seem impossible to fix. You can also be rest assured that you won't be overcharged plus, some mechanics even give you tips and advice on how to properly maintain your car.
There you have it! These are the 5 factors that you need to consider before choosing an auto repair shop. If you don't have the time or the right tools to fix a problem in your car, it's better to take it to an expert mechanic.
If you're looking for the best auto repair shop near you, Car Geeks is the place to go. It’s one of the best-rated auto service and repair companies in the industry. They check all the boxes! Check out their high-quality auto repair services. Call now or book an appointment to get a free quote.