These days most consumers would rather do just about anything than have to check under the hood of their car, yet they procrastinate on getting basic maintenance because they have little confidence in finding a reliable car care technician. This feeling of trepidation is increased by humorous yet negative advertising images that portray the average mechanic as lazy, inept and untrustworthy.
The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA, wants customers to know there are simple measures they can take to find a reputable and highly skilled auto-care technician.
Shop around for an auto care facility before you need repairs. More cars are on the road than ever before, and with the average cost of a new vehicle exceeding $23,000, people are driving their cars longer. Basic automobile maintenance is the best way to keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.
Ask that facility for references and follow up with calls to them. Reputable physicians always provide a list of references to prospective new patients, and your "car doctor" should be just as forthcoming. Don't be afraid to ask for references. A few minutes on the phone goes a long way to ensuring you get the quality car care you need.
Ask family, friends and co-workers to recommend a reputable auto care shop. Recommendations from friends, relatives, even perfect strangers account for 60% of all car-buying decisions. This same method should be used to find a quality auto care center.
Ask the Better Business Bureau (or Department of Consumer Affairs) in your area to check a business' reliability before you have repairs. Despite inflammatory reports in the media, National Consumer Satisfaction Index surveys consistently rate service provided by independent repair shops in the high ninety percent range. NAPA AutoCare Centers are all independently owned and operated. To achieve affiliation with NAPA, the shop owners must have gained a reputation for service quality in their communities. Most are members of the Better Business Bureau and all ascribe to the tenets of the organization.
Don't shop for price alone. It is important to remember that you are not just paying for the cost of the part and the time it takes to install it, but you are also paying for the professionalism and technical expertise of the mechanic. Also, beware the garage that promotes "free inspections." The shop will need to recoup the cost of the technician's time in some way, and that usually results in repairs that you probably don't need. All reputable auto care centers charge a nominal fee for basic inspections.
Consider shops backed by a national warranty program. Look for a written guarantee of parts and labor before you agree to have work performed on your vehicle. This will save you money, and provide you with confidence.
Look for signs that the shop has the equipment and skilled technicians needed to properly diagnose your car's problems. Nearly all cars built since the early 80s have computer-controlled systems designed to increase engine efficiency, reduce emissions and aid in engine troubleshooting. If a shop doesn't have the proper equipment or the expertise to diagnose your car, you may be taking a risk in having it repaired there.
Seek out an auto care center that employs ASE-certified technicians. It is the technicians that are certified, not the shop. So try make sure it is the certified person that will do the repairs on your vehicle. It is not generally known that auto care technicians must undergo continuous training and testing to achieve ASE certification in a variety of repair specialties. Once certified in a category, they must be re-evaluated every five years to maintain their ASE certification. The academic and technical training time it takes to receive an ASE Master Technician rating is equivalent to receiving a Master's degree from a state college. The ASE symbol is prominently displayed at certified facilities.
Ask if the repair facility uses brand name parts when repairing your vehicle. Brand name parts are typically engineered to original manufacturer's quality or better, and they often carry product warranties.
Choose an auto care center that provides a customer satisfaction policy. It is a way of doing business with a code of ethics that ensures your vehicle will be maintained and repaired to the highest possible standards.
