Autosavings

A car is the second largest investment most of us make after a house, so it only makes sense that we want to trust the person who is going to be repairing it. And while you might think finding a reliable auto repair shop and a good mechanic might be a difficult task, it really isnt if you know what to search for. Lets get you on the right track.

The best way to guarantee you find a good repair shop is to start looking for that quality shop before your car needs repairs. Once your car is broken you are forced to rush around trying to find a place to have it fixed, and you wont have time to research the quality of the shop.

Its much better to establish a relationship with a repair shop and the mechanic long before things break. In fact, regular maintenance will reduce the risk of your vehicle breaking down and its the perfect way to decide whether you like what a shop has to offer. Start small with a simple oil change and build from there.

Rely on word of mouth when you start your search. Listen to what others have to say about different repair shops. Ask friends, family, and co-workers who they would recommend. You can also check with the BBB to find out who has had complaints against them.

Never base your decision on just the price. A lower price doesnt always mean a cheaper bill. Some shops have a flat rate charge for each repair type no matter how long it takes them. Others charge for every hour that it takes, which might work out cheaper but it could also work out to more if the mechanic runs into a snag. A higher rate doesnt always mean better service, but a lower rate doesnt always mean poor service. Do your research.

Once you think youve found the right shop snoop around a bit. Check to see that the shop appears well organized and neat.

There are also some questions worth asking:

1. Do they have up to date equipment
2. What type of diagnostic equipment do they have
3. Can they provide references from other customers
4. Do they specialize in a certain type of vehicle
5. Are their technicians certified
6. What brand of parts do they use
7. What is their policy relating to customer satisfaction
8. What is their warranty
9. What type of payments do they accept
10. What is their labor rate

Its important to keep a record of the maintenance and repairs youve had done to your vehicle. Make sure you keep the repair records in a safe place.

Using these tips, finding a reliable auto repair shop wont be that difficult.

Automotive service and repair has changed dramatically over a generation, according to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent group that tests and certifies the competence of auto technicians nationwide.

Today, high-tech systems that were unheard of 30 years ago – anti-lock brakes, electronic engine controls and computerized diagnostics – are commonplace. It doesn’t appear that the swift pace of technological advancement will slow any time soon, either, with the advent of hybrid vehicles and such features on the horizon as interactive suspensions, constantly variable-speed transmissions and 42-volt batteries.

For automotive service professionals, this means continual training and coursework to keep up with the torrent of changes. Disparaged years ago as “grease monkeys,” mechanics today have become automotive technicians, every bit as comfortable behind a computer screen and keyboard as under the hood with a wrench.

ASE is reminding motorists to follow the service schedules listed in their owners’ manuals before making a long-distance drive. While few people would ignore an ominous service engine light, many do skip oil changes. Yet in survey after survey, ASE-certified master auto technicians say that the old-fashioned oil change is one of the most vital services for getting the most from your automotive investment.

ASE was founded in 1972 as a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. Its 400,000 certified technicians wear blue-and-white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the ASE sign.

Automotive service and repair has changed dramatically over a generation, according to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent group that tests and certifies the competence of auto technicians nationwide.

Today, high-tech systems that were unheard of 30 years ago – anti-lock brakes, electronic engine controls and computerized diagnostics – are commonplace. It doesn’t appear that the swift pace of technological advancement will slow any time soon, either, with the advent of hybrid vehicles and such features on the horizon as interactive suspensions, constantly variable-speed transmissions and 42-volt batteries.

For automotive service professionals, this means continual training and coursework to keep up with the torrent of changes. Disparaged years ago as “grease monkeys,” mechanics today have become automotive technicians, every bit as comfortable behind a computer screen and keyboard as under the hood with a wrench.

ASE is reminding motorists to follow the service schedules listed in their owners’ manuals before making a long-distance drive. While few people would ignore an ominous service engine light, many do skip oil changes. Yet in survey after survey, ASE-certified master auto technicians say that the old-fashioned oil change is one of the most vital services for getting the most from your automotive investment.

ASE was founded in 1972 as a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. Its 400,000 certified technicians wear blue-and-white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the ASE sign.