Unlock Shop Secrets
How to Find a Good Auto Repair Shop
Tips on how to find an auto repair shop
The last thing you want when taking your car in for repairs is to be taken for a ride. Don’t just drop your car off at the nearest automotive repair garage, cross your fingers and hope for the best. Use these tips to find the best facility and the best value for your money.Homework and Prep
1. Get to Know Your Car
Read your owner’s manual and get to know the basics about your specific make and model, including the recommended service schedule, engine specs, tires and other general information.
2. Start Looking for a Shop Before You Need One
Start researching shops right after you get your car. You can make more thoughtful, qualified decisions about repairs when you’re not in an emergency situation — where you might be forced to take the nearest, but not best option. This way, even if you sadly need a quick tow, you can have your car taken to your facility of choice.
3. Ask for Recommendations
Talk to your family, friends and colleagues about where they service their cars and if they are happy with the service. Local car clubs are also a good resource. Positive word-of-mouth referrals are the best advertising for any shop.
4. Check Local Consumer Organizations
Call or go online with your local Better Business Bureau and review the reputation of your prospective facility. Are there any complaints? If so, what is the rate of resolution of those complaints?
5. Decide on a Dealership or Independent Shop
If your car is under warranty, the dealership’s service department may be your best choice — some warranty services may even be performed free of charge. (Although on average, labor and repairs cost a bit more at dealerships). On the flip side, you can often receive more personal service from a smaller, independent facility — and many times they are closer to home.
See Choose Between the Local Garage & The Dealer Service Department
See Choose Between the Local Garage & The Dealer Service Department
On Location
1. Checkout the Surroundings
Is the facility clean and well organized? Do the service bays have modern equipment? Are the other vehicles in the service area equal in value to your own car? If you have children, is there a play area for them? How long have they been in business? Answers to these questions will give you a clue as to how the shop values its customers and their business.
2. Look for Service with a Smile
You have the right to be treated professionally and courteously. Is the staff friendly? Are they open and willing to answer your questions? Do they take your concerns seriously, or are they condescending? Also watch how the crew treats other customers while you’re there, and ask them if they are satisfied with service and how long they’ve been coming to the shop.
3. Ask for References/Referrals
Any facility that stands behind their work should be happy to give you customer references. Call them and see if their service experiences match your expectations.
4. Read Posted Policies
Many shops display their policies (labor rates, materials, guarantees, approved methods of payment, etc.) near the front counter. If you don’t see them, ask before any work begins on your car. Also insist on an estimate of time and costs. If the work is guaranteed, find out for how long (in months and mileage).
5. Look for Signs of Recognition/Professional Memberships
Does your shop display customer service awards? Look in the window or door for decals from the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair, or other civic, community and professional organizations.
6. Look for Proof of Qualified Technicians
Mechanical genius or garage monkey? True professionals will display their credentials proudly for all to see. Look for trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced work, evidence of recent or continuing education and ASE certifications, a national standard of technician competence.
7. Ask if They Use Gates Parts
Finding a great installer to work on your car is only one 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. To learn more, see our section on high quality replacement parts.
After the Fact
1. Keep Good Records
Keep all paperwork, including repair bills with your owner’s manual. Your technician can see what work has already been performed on your car, which may help diagnose a problem more quickly — and it protects you from expensive, repeat repairs. (Brakes replaced last month? You don’t need to do it again!)
2. Keep Coming Back
The best reward for good service is a return customer. When you find a reliable, trustworthy shop, stay with them. A solid working relationship benefits both of you. They get your business, you get someone who knows you on a first-name basis, knows your car inside and out, and knows how to help you anticipate issues or problems down the road.
3. Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Any time you are satisfied or dissatisfied with service, speak up and let the service manager or owner know. Reputable shops will work hard to keep your business and value customer feedback, good and bad.
Car Repair Shop Tips
- Start small — once you select a car repair facility, schedule a minor job, like an oil change. If you’re satisfied, trust them with more complex repairs later on.
- Excellent automotive service techs are the lifeline of any shop — always look for high percentages of trained, qualified personnel.
