Taking your car to the repair shop can be a stressful and sometimes intimidating event. When your vehicle is in disrepair or is due for service you shouldn’t find yourself in the lobby with your fingers crossed or worse yet, worrying if the shop is taking advantage of you. The following are a few simple steps you can take to feel more confident on your next visit to the garage.
Step One: Look for a shop that hires ASE certified technicians. Why you ask? The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 to help consumers find competent, professional technicians. The significance of this to you is that it’s voluntary for the technician to become an ASE certified professional. Unlike a lot of other service people such as plumbers or electricians, auto mechanics aren’t legally obligated to become certified. Those that go through the process of obtaining ASE certification are the ones who are dedicated to their craft and have the experience to do a quality job.
Step Two: Make the shop earn your trust and get an education. When a technician or service advisor recommends a repair or service, ask them if you can see what they’re recommending. An honest shop won’t mind showing you those worn out brakes, that dirty air filter or cracked up belt and you’ll probably learn a thing or two looking over your car with a professional. If they aren’t willing to show you what’s wrong with your car then how can you trust them to fix it?
Step Three: Know your vehicle’s service history and read your owner’s manual. As crazy as it sounds, that mysterious little book in the glove box actually does contain some valuable information. If the manufacturer lists service intervals for maintenance on your vehicle and you know the service history then you will already have an idea of what you need (aside from the results of an inspection) when you get to the shop. There’s no use paying for a service that isn’t due right? If the technician or service advisor insists on performing a service despite the manufacturer’s recommendations or your vehicle’s history, it may be for a good reason. Simply refer to step two and find out for yourself what’s going on with your car.
A little preparation can create a lot of peace of mind and save you money.
For more information on ASE, visit http://tinyurl.com/5cxyyd
Step One: Look for a shop that hires ASE certified technicians. Why you ask? The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 to help consumers find competent, professional technicians. The significance of this to you is that it’s voluntary for the technician to become an ASE certified professional. Unlike a lot of other service people such as plumbers or electricians, auto mechanics aren’t legally obligated to become certified. Those that go through the process of obtaining ASE certification are the ones who are dedicated to their craft and have the experience to do a quality job.
Step Two: Make the shop earn your trust and get an education. When a technician or service advisor recommends a repair or service, ask them if you can see what they’re recommending. An honest shop won’t mind showing you those worn out brakes, that dirty air filter or cracked up belt and you’ll probably learn a thing or two looking over your car with a professional. If they aren’t willing to show you what’s wrong with your car then how can you trust them to fix it?
Step Three: Know your vehicle’s service history and read your owner’s manual. As crazy as it sounds, that mysterious little book in the glove box actually does contain some valuable information. If the manufacturer lists service intervals for maintenance on your vehicle and you know the service history then you will already have an idea of what you need (aside from the results of an inspection) when you get to the shop. There’s no use paying for a service that isn’t due right? If the technician or service advisor insists on performing a service despite the manufacturer’s recommendations or your vehicle’s history, it may be for a good reason. Simply refer to step two and find out for yourself what’s going on with your car.
A little preparation can create a lot of peace of mind and save you money.
Photo: National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
For more information on ASE, visit http://tinyurl.com/5cxyyd
For more auto advice and info, check out my Examiner articles.
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