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Choosing the Right Repair Shop
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| Choosing the Right Repair Shop |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 21:51:53 |
| Rating |
 16 ( -2 -12.5% ) |
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Description:
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.
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.
I. Preliminaries
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.
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.
The backbone of
any shop is the competence of its technicians.
III. Follow-Up
Keep good records;
keep all paperwork.
Reward good service
with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop
owner to establish a relationship.
If the service
was not all you expected, don't rush to another shop. Discuss the problem
with the service manager or owner. Give the business a chance to resolve
the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a
sincere effort to keep your business.
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