10 Must-Ask Automotive Repair Questions

ASA is a not-for-profit trade association “dedicated to providing excellence in service and repairs to consumers.” If your shop is a member-business, you can expect a commitment to customer service, repairs and service backed by years of experience, adherence to ASA’s Code of Ethics, and accurate diagnosis and repairs. Look for their sticker or seal in their facility. To find an ASA member-shop in your area, click here.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service, and requires them to be re-tested every five years to keep up with technology and remain certified. Repair facilities with at least one ASE technician are allowed to display the ASE sign. Businesses where 75% or more of their service personnel are certified are allowed to display ASE’s “Blue Seal of Excellence.” Look for ASE signs in all types of repair facilities, including dealerships, service stations, franchises, parts stores, and independent garages — and make sure the person who will be working on your car has the right training.

Cars today are engineering marvels with high-tech sensors, onboard computers and more. It takes a highly skilled, trained professional to properly service these systems. Look for trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced work, and evidence of recent or continuing education. True professionals will be proud to display these credentials.

Many shops specialize in servicing certain makes (especially European makes) or specific types of repairs, such as brakes, engine repair or air conditioning. You can often trust them to know their stuff. That said, don’t rule out shops that don’t specialize – highly trained and experienced technicians can be found in all types of repair facilities.

In many shops, it's standard practice to charge a nominal inspection or diagnostic fee, particularly when the diagnosis may take several hours. As with any type of charge, ALWAYS ASK BEFORE beginning any type of service.

If your service technician is honest, he should have no problem answering this question. If he tries to dodge the question or hesitates, he may have been over-exaggerating the problem to begin with. A good tech will tell you what must be done now and what you should consider doing down the road. He should outline the pros and cons of any car care procedure so that you can make an intelligent, informed decision.

Finding a great service technician to work on your car is only half of the service equation. The other half? Premium replacement parts. All the service expertise in the world can’t makeup for sub-standard, unreliable parts. For maximum vehicle life, choose Gates for all of your replacement part needs. For more on the Gates difference, see our section on quality used parts?

Ask your technician or service manager to show you the part that needs replacing and explain why.

Most reputable shops post their labor and service fees near the front counter. Ask for an estimate and breakout of services before you begin any repairs. If the technician can’t provide this, find another shop.

Dealerships often offer a courtesy or rental car if you have extensive repairs that may take more than a day. This is not as common with private, independently owned shops, but some do offer this benefit. If available, most “rental” cars are at a low fee or free.

As with labor and service fees, most reputable shops post their policies where customers can easily see them. This includes labor rates, materials, warranty repairs, approved methods of payment, and service guarantees. If you don’t see this information, ask before any work begins on your car. If the work is guaranteed, ask for how long, in terms of months and mileage.