In spite of regular servicing and tuning, your car may need repairs at some point. This could be related to replacement of old tires, or something a brake problem. Ignoring vehicle issues isn’t the best idea, because it can compromise with on-road safety. In fact, you should get your car checked by a professional and certified mechanic, at least once in two months, depending on how extensively you use the vehicle. The first step, of course, is to find a local auto repair shop. We have a guide below that may come in handy.
- Ask around. If you new in town, references can be really handy. Ask your friends, relatives or neighbors for the auto repair services they have tried and would recommend.
- Check online. Find the top-rated auto shops in town based on independent reviews. The good news is many auto repair companies now have websites, so you can know a lot on the kind of services they offer.
- Emergency assistance. Some auto repair companies have mobile services, so if you are struck on the road, they can always get help. On the other hand, some shops have towing services, so they will take the car to the workshop and do the repairs, instead of on-road assistance. Either way, you can expect an auto repair shop to have some sort of emergency response.
- Don’t be tricked with pricing. While costs do matter for auto repair jobs, but that should be the reason to select a local service. When it comes to your vehicle’s performance and safety, compromises are not worth it. Find a company that’s reliable and can offer assured help, even if that means paying a tad more.
- Ask the basic questions. Here’s a quick list –
- Is your company licensed, insured?
- Do you have certified, trained and licensed mechanics?
- What kind of cars and models do you repair?
- How many cars are handled in your workshop?
- Will you offer an estimate in advance?
- Do you offer warranty on replacement parts?
- Is there any warranty on selected repair jobs?
- Do you offer tuning and servicing assistance?
- What are common repairs that your shop specializes in?
- Can you share a few references?
- How long have you been in business?
These are just some of the simple things that you can ask. The behavior and overall work profile of the concerned auto repair shop does matter, but don’t fall in the trap of “cheap quotes”.
