Looking for a Good Auto Shop?
Soccer
practice, music lessons, ballet classes, shopping, cooking, cleaning, plus full-time
employment. These are the hectic backdrops to 21st Century family life. Throw
in today’s advanced vehicle technology and it’s not surprising that
many motorists turn to professional auto services rather than do the work themselves.
The following tips, from the non-profit National Institute
for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) — the group that tests and certifies
automotive technicians — will help you choose wisely among the many automotive
repair facilities.
Start shopping for a repair
facility before you need one.
Ask your
friends and associates for their recommendations; consult local consumer groups.
Arrange for alternate transportation
in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
Look for a neat, well-organized facility,
with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment
in the service bays.
Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant or technicians willing to answer your questions.
Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work.
Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards.
Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE indicate the presence of professional, trained technicians.
Look for the ASE sign.
Facilities with a high percentage of ASE-certified professionals may also be members of the Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program.
Reward good service with repeat business and customer loyalty.
For a free brochure, send a self-addressed, stamped business-sized envelope:
ASE Right Repair Shop Brochure, Dept. ARA 205
101 Blue Seal Dr., Suite 101
Leesburg, VA 20175.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Visit www.asecert.org for more information.
(Courtesy of ARA Content)
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