Don't Leave It To Chance!

Don't Leave It To Chance!



Choosing the Right Repair Shop for Your Vehicle



Glove Box Tips from
Ted the Technician

EPA

National Institute for
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE


Choosing the Right Repair Shop


No matter what you drive--sports car, family sedan,
pick-up, or mini-van, when you go in for repairs or service,
you want the job done right. The following advice should take
much of the guesswork out of finding a good repair
establishment.


I. Preliminaries


Don't just drop your vehicle off at the nearest establishment
and hope for the best. That's not choosing a shop, that's
merely gambling.



* Read your owner's manual to become familiar with your
vehicle and follow the manufacturer's suggested service
schedule.



* Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one;
you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or
in a panic.

* Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. Even
in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth
reputation is still valuable.

* Check with your local consumer organization regarding the
reputation of the shop in question.

* If possible, arrange for alternate transportation in
advance so you will not feel forced to choose a facility
solely on the basis of location.

Once you choose a repair shop, start off with a minor job; if
you are pleased, trust them with more complicated repairs later



II. At the Shop


* Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in
the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern
equipment in the service bays.

* Professionally run establishments will have a courteous,
helpful staff. The service writer should be willing to
answer all of your questions.

* Feel free to ask for the names of a few customers. Call
them.

* All policies (labor rates, guarantees, methods of payment,
etc.) should be posted and/or explained to your
satisfaction.

* Ask if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and
model. Some facilities specialize.

* Ask if the shop usually does your type of repair,
especially if you need major work.



* Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service
area: civic and community service awards, membership in
the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair
status, customer service awards.



The backbone of any shop is the competence of the technicians.



* Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade
school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and
ASE certifications--a national standard of technician
competence.