It’s no secret that car repairs can be expensive, and prices seem to keep climbing as time goes on. In fact, the average repair price has increased by approximately 20% over the past year. This has caused many people to look for a qualified mechanic that’s more affordable.
Not all are created equal, and there are certain criteria to keep in mind when hiring an auto repair professional. Let’s explore how to find the right certified automotive repair shop.
Ask Friends and Family
This is one of the best ways to get started on your search. Chances are that a friend or family member has worked with a reputable repair shop in the past.
Ask them about their experience, how much they paid, and the quality of the work performed. In some cases, you might immediately find a reliable mechanic through this method.
Check Their Past Reputation
Never work with someone without checking their past reputation. There should be no shortage of positive feedback on multiple review platforms.
It’s normal to encounter a handful of negative reviews. However, you should consider their recency. To clarify, if most reviews over the past six months are negative, you should avoid that company.
Are They Properly Certified?
The shop should only employ certified technicians. This guarantees a certain level of service and prevents poor-quality results.
An uncertified auto technician is more likely to make mistakes and be unprofessional. The good news is that this information is often easy to locate.
Shops are typically proud to showcase their team’s expertise. If you can’t find this info on their site, reach out to them to learn more.
Are You Comfortable Working with Them?
Trust your intuition when making your choice. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to look elsewhere. Unfortunately, there’s no shortage of disreputable repair shops looking to take advantage of customers.
You can discern these by assessing who goes out of their way to help you. If the shop looks at you as simply another sale, you should walk away.
The same can be said if you feel they’re overcharging you for basic services. The best shops will be welcoming and friendly, and leave the decision entirely up to you.
Do They Provide Written Warranties?
Warranties are your only form of protection regarding the work you pay for. Without a written warranty in place, you’ll have to handle financial issues on your own.
For example, imagine that a repair project without a warranty damaged certain parts of your car. Or, you paid hundreds of dollars to replace a cable that broke a week later.
Warranties are essential in scenarios like these, as you could return to the shop and resolve these issues at no cost. So it’s in your best interest to continue your search until you find shops with comprehensive warranties.
Find the Right Certified Automotive Pair Shop
Under no circumstances should you settle for less when looking for a certified automotive shop. The above information will ensure you make the best decision. From here, you’ll avoid many issues you may have otherwise encountered.
Speak with a representative at Express Auto Service today. Our team of reputable professionals is ready to handle your needs.