It is critical to have your vehicle in good shape all the time — your safety, as well as that of your passengers, fellow drivers, and pedestrians, depend on it. While most of us are aware of this fact, still, we might get tempted to have our cars repaired as cheaply and quickly as possible. And then we face some undesirable outcomes later.
If you’re a new car owner, your best bet for servicing and maintenance is your local primary dealer if your manufacturer’s warranty demands so. On the other hand, if your vehicle is older, you’d want to choose among garages in your area – and finding a decent one is sometimes nerve-racking.
So how do you go about it?
1. Decide Which Repair Shop You Want
There are different types of auto repair shops:
Dealerships:
Most car dealers are familiar with the vehicles they sell. They know and understand the manufacturers’ warranty. They are also aware of common issues and have factory-trained workers. They also deal with the latest equipment and have full access to specific service advisories from the vehicle manufacturer. You can access their services but at premium prices. The best thing about consulting them is that your repair will turn out positive 90% of the time.
Independents:
These are less expensive than dealerships. Here you’re likelier to deal directly with the technician servicing your vehicle or the garage’s owner. However, there’re generally many independent garages to choose from in a particular local area. Besides, the quality of services offered by each one of them differs. A wrong selection can have dire consequences.
Specialists:
These are independent vehicle repair shops that only specialize in particular parts, vehicle systems, or car brands. For example, you’ll find one that focuses only on the engine, the tires, or the interior. By specializing in a particular area of vehicles, these shops are very effective and efficient in service delivery.
Auto repair chains:
These shops are connected to tire companies, department stores, vehicle part suppliers, or other businesses. They mainly focus on delivering high-volume services, which low and medium-level specialists do. They can provide quality services at low prices.
2. Conduct A Search
After you decide which type of repair shop you want, search. You can check online and create a shortlist of garages close to you. If you are required to leave your vehicle at the garage, which is very probable, you’ll be pleased that the garage is close to you. For example, if you live in Austin, TX and you own a BMW you might conduct a Google search for “ European Auto Repair Austin TX .” Being specific in your search will ultimately help you get better results and help you find the best auto repair shop near you.
You can also go on social media and ask for recommendations or check online for reviews. However, remember that testimonials or reviews from the garage owners’ pages and sites are likely to be subjective. Look at what the users or customers are saying. You can also inquire from friends and family. Ask them for recommendations. Still, after receiving these recommendations, carry out an online search. While they might have had a positive experience with particular repairs, it does not imply that the recommended garage offers good services in all vehicle aspects. Some garages are only specialized in specific areas and can thus provide substandard services in others.
3. Go and Evaluate the Auto Repair Shop
After you’ve narrowed down your list to few potentials, go and evaluate it yourself. Go for a slight repair, such as a tire rotation or an oil change. Talk to the employees and the owner. Also, inspect the shop while taking note of the following:
Appearance:
A good auto repair shop should be clean and well-organized, reflecting the workers’ attention to detail and their level of professionalism.
Technicians:
Look for the technicians’ credentials, which are sometimes pinned on the wall.
Amenities:
Shops that offer quality services often have calm and clean waiting areas, restrooms, and customers’ shuttle services. Look for a place that has comfortable sitting areas and updated equipment, making your visit worth every buck.
Warranty:
Inquire about the warranty. A good shop should, as a minimum, offer a 12,000-mile/12- month labor and parts warranty on their work.
Finding the best auto repair shop near you can be quite a hustle. However, don’t use shortcuts – always do your research. Make sure to follow these tips by first deciding on a type of repair shop, conducting research, and then trying one out for yourself. These tips will help you find the best auto repair shop near you.
