The relationship between car owners and mechanics is built on trust. Unless you are a car expert, it is almost impossible to know if what your mechanic is telling you is the truth.
Some unscrupulous auto repair experts are known to take advantage of this knowledge gap to fleece car owners from their hard-earned money.
The importance of finding a good auto repair shop is not only to avoid getting duped but also about safety. It is essential to work with auto repairers that know what they’re doing and have some level of experience in the field. With that said, here are some timeless tips for selecting the right auto repair shop.
What to Look for When Seeking a Trustworthy Auto Repair Shop
Look for Certifications: One of the easiest ways to know if an auto repair shop is trustworthy is to check if they are certified. A certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is one of the credentials to keep an eye out for.
The ASE, which has been around since the seventies, tests auto repairers before handing out certificates. This means all shops with ASE certification operate according to certain standards.
Apart from the ASE, an approval from AAA is another sign that an auto repair shop is worth it. AAA is an auto repair network which only recommends shops that meet specific requirements including using ASE-certified mechanics and offering a warranty on all repairs. Of course, there are other certifications and auto repair networks out there. Do a little homework before shopping around.
Check out Reviews from Other Customers: Reading reviews is another excellent way to determine if an auto repair shop is reliable. Usually, you will find a section for reviews on most auto repair websites.
However, don’t end your search there. Naturally, companies would only select reviews that paint them in a good light to put up on their sites. Therefore, you need to scour the internet. You can start by checking out Google Reviews.
Also, type the company’s name into the search engine and see what comes up. If you find a lot of people complaining about a particular auto shop, chances are their service isn’t outstanding.
Does the Service Advisor Explain the Problem with Your Vehicle: You can tell that an auto repair shop is professional and reliable by the amount of time a Service Advisor spends explaining what is wrong with your vehicle.
As I indicated above, most people don’t know about the inner workings of a car. However, this does not mean you cannot understand the problem with your vehicle.
Dedicated Service Advisors will take the time to break down the issue with your car using layman’s language. Some of the best Service Advisors even go a step further by demonstrating how they plan to fix the problem with your vehicle.
Do They Try to Scare You or Offer Costly Repairs: One of the common ways to spot a dubious mechanic is that he/she tries to scare you. There is a difference between highlighting the dangers of using a damaged vehicle and trying to frighten a customer.
The latter usually involves blowing the problem out of proportion and making you feel like you have no other option. If you are in danger from using a damaged vehicle, a good mechanic may mention that once and go ahead to explain how your car can be fixed. An insistence on how severe the issue is can be a red flag.
If you are told there is an issue with your car, take the time to find an online estimate and compare it with what your auto repair shop is charging.
If the price difference is vast, and your mechanic can’t satisfactorily explain the reason for the disparity in price, you may be better off taking your car elsewhere.
An Auto Repair Shop You Can Trust!
If you are located in Meridian, Idaho or a neighboring city, and you’re looking for a good auto repair shop, look no further than Meridian Automotive. We are a AAA approved, ASE-certified and Repair Pal-certified full-service auto repair shop and we have been in the business for nearly three decades. Contact us on (208) 297-5573 for all your auto repair needs.
We provide 36 months/36,000-mile warranty on most repairs. We also offer 24/7 towing, same-day service, and free shuttle service within 5 miles of our shop.
