Car Parts Plus

The Novice’s Guide To Choosing A Car Repair Garage

One of the biggest fears that drivers have is taking their vehicle to a repair facility only to get “taken” by greedy, unscrupulous mechanics. As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, the large majority of folks who are responsible for fixing your car when something goes wrong are honest and hard-working. If you’re having a problem under the hood, they want to help. That doesn’t mean there aren’t dishonest technicians. There are, and you need to be wary of them. But, it’s important to point out that most of them are trustworthy.

Today, I’m going to give you a blueprint for finding a car repair garage that you can trust. It’s easier than you might think.

Look For Membership

Every driver knows what AAA is; they’re one of the most respected automotive authorities. If a shop has a placard or sticker that says that the facility is a AAA member, that’s a good sign. In order for a shop to be a member, AAA representatives visit and basically “look under the hood” of the facility. A repair garage’s technicians must be trained to AAA’s standards. The equipment, including the computers, needs to be relatively new and well-managed.

There are a few associations like AAA that have similar qualifications. Your first line of defense against dishonest mechanics is to look for membership in these associations.

Talk To Customers

The employees who work at an auto repair shop will probably be open, upfront, and honest with you. But, if you’re visiting the garage for the first time, a third-party review will have more credibility. If you see a few customers waiting for their vehicles to be repaired, ask if they’ve been there before. If so, find out why they came back. Did they just come for an irresistible special on brake jobs? Or, do they consider the mechanics honest and knowledgeable? Ask and find out.

Are They Certified?

A lot of times, the mechanics in the shop will have special certifications. For example, they might have gone through extra training offered by Ford. Or, they may have received training for specific parts. Look around the facility. If the mechanics have specific certifications, they’ll likely post it on the wall. That’s another good sign that you’ll be dealing with professionals. If you don’t see anything posted, ask.

Making The Right Choice

Finding someone in whom you can trust when your vehicle is having problems is invaluable. Millions of drivers are understandably concerned about taking their car to a repair facility to have a minor problem fixed and being stuck with an enormous bill. Check whether a garage is a member of a professional automotive association, talk to customers, and ask about the mechanics’ certifications. Uncovering a great repair shop is simple if you follow those criteria.

Used Car Parts

Subscribe to this Car Parts Plus feed

Other Interesting Car Articles

• When your Car is Overheated (0)
• When Your Car Fails The Emissions Test (0)
• What To Do When Your Tire “Blows Out” (0)
• Overview Of Car Parts In An Emissions System (0)
• Overview Of A Car Brake Job (0)