Certified auto repair – The majority of people that are in need of certified auto repair don’t have a clue what’s wrong with the vehicle. Most of the time it’s difficult to know what’s wrong with a vehicle until the auto technician has a chance to diagnose the problem.
There are two steps to be taken to get the best prices for certified auto repair. The first step is done before the vehicle is taken to the certified auto repair shop. The second step is performed after the diagnosis is made to the vehicle.
Step One – Before the Vehicle’s Taken to the Certified Auto Repair Shop
When taking a car to a certified auto repair shop, the service advisor will usually advise the customer that there will be a diagnosis charge. The diagnosis charge can vary widely from one auto repair shop to another. Call a few local shops and find out what they charge to diagnose the problem. Here are a few things to ask an auto repair shop to help find the best bargain.
How much will it cost to diagnose the problem (state problem)?
What is the shop’s hourly labor rate?
Are there any other miscellaneous charges like shop supplies or hazardous waste?
Are the technicians ASE Certified?
What are the warranty on the repairs and is parts and labor covered?
After a few local shops have been contacted, compare notes and pick the best value. Don’t just look at price alone. Going to the auto repair shop with the lowest prices that don’t stand behind their work, could end up costing more in the long run.
Step Two – After the Vehicle’s Been Diagnosed by the Certified Auto Repair Shop
Once the cars been diagnosed, the service advisor will let the customer know what the repairs will cost. Ask the service advisor for a breakdown of what the repair entails. Ask for an itemized list of each part along with the price for each part that needs to be replaced. Find out how much the labor will cost to replace each part on the itemized list.
After the repair costs are itemized, call a few local certified auto repair shops. Ask if they can do any better on the price to repair the vehicle. If better pricing is found at another repair shop, go back to the shop that diagnosed the vehicle and see if they’ll match the prices. If they can’t at least match the prices, let them know that the vehicle will be taken out of their shop and repaired elsewhere. Chances are good that the original auto repair shop will at least meet the prices.
If inexpensive routine vehicle maintenance is needed, shop around at some local certified auto repair shops beforehand. Following these simple procedures before and after the vehicle is taken to the repair shop can help to save some substantial money.
How to Choose the Best Certified Auto Repair Shop
The costs of certified auto repair can be draining on one’s budget. Unnecessary repairs and overpriced jobs are some of the most common ways in which consumers today lose money. While there are many honest mechanics out there, there are plenty of auto shops that will try to squeeze more money out of people by suggesting replacements or repairs of parts that are not broken at all or in need of any repair.
It’s important to find a trustworthy and reliable certified auto repair shop that one can go to for their auto maintenance needs every time. Getting to know the mechanics will help build a good relationship with the shop and ensure that one gets a fair deal on their auto repair jobs. Here are a few tips on how to go about finding the best auto repair shop.
Research the Auto Shop and Your Car’s Warranty
Start looking now for a mechanic. Try talking to neighbors and friends and asking them what shops they’ve tried out and which ones they’ve liked. Perhaps they already have a favorite repair shop that they go to each time they need an auto maintenance job. Word-of-mouth popularity is usually the best voucher for an auto shop’s quality of service.
Find out about the car’s warranties. When looking around for a certified auto repair shop, ask each shop whether they honor the car’s warranty or if they have warranty programs of their own. Ask for their warranty information and read it a few times over so that it is clear on exactly what their contract entails.
Visit the Auto Shop Before Having Your Car Serviced
Does the auto shop display pricing? Honest auto shops will be upfront and open about their prices and should have them displayed visibly, at the front desk or on the widow. Some shops charge flat rates for labor and other shops charge per hour. So remember to ask how the price of a particular job is calculated.
Pay attention to how the auto shop runs its business. Look to see if the mechanics are neat and organized and seem to be working professionally and efficiently. Are there a lot of customers? A good shop will be almost immediately recognizable in the quality of their customer service. Are they polite and helpful? And are they open and transparent when discussing policies and pricing?
Are their mechanic certifications displayed on the walls for customers to see? Are there any service awards or other kinds of awards on display? Do their mechanics have trade school diplomas? Do they belong to industry organizations? All of these items are positive signs if they are there. Of course, certificates and awards don’t necessarily mean great or fair service, but they are a positive sign that demonstrates professional achievement.
Start With Some Small Repairs First
When deciding to try out a certified auto repair shop, start with small repairs. Go in for a smog check, an oil change, a tire rotation or a lube job. Remember to make an appointment, so that the job is more promptly taken care of. If pleased with the service the shop provides for these small tasks, the shop can be trusted for bigger and more important repairs.