The National Institute for
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a non-profit organization that tests and
certifies the competence of individual automotive repair technicians, offers
the following tips on choosing a repair facility.
Look for a repair facility
before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not
rushed.
Ask friends and associates for
their recommendations.
Consult local consumer
organization about the reputation of the shop; inquire about the number,
nature, and resolution of complaints.
Do not choose a shop based only
on a convenient location.
You probably won't find
hospital-clean conditions, but look for a tidy, well-organized facility,
with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern
equipment in the service bays.
Ask if the shop usually handles
your vehicle make and model or type of repair. Some facilities specialize.
Look for signs of technician
competence. The customer area should display trade school diplomas,
certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certifications-a nationally
recognized standard of technician competence.
Look too for community service
awards, plaques for civic involvement, customer service awards, membership
in the Better Business Bureau and other consumer groups.
Professionally run
establishments will have a courteous, helpful staff. The manager, service
writer, or technician should be willing to answer your questions.
Feel free to ask for the names
of a few customers as references. Call them.
Start with a minor job. Reward
good service with repeat business and more complex work.
