Your anxiety level is through the roof. Your faithful car that you rely on to get to work, to truck the kids to all their activities, and to whisk you to social events, is sick. It needs a doctor.
Many of us these days are lucky enough to lease our vehicles, driving them for three or four years. Then we turn them in and promptly lease something else. We get the oil changed, maybe rotate the tires, and not much else. If some major break occurs, the extended warranty usually will cover it. With luck, our wheels keep on turning and turning, just like that little pink wind-up rabbit.
However, in these days of belt-tightening, we are keeping our vehicles past the warranty periods. We are buying them out, extending the lease, or purchasing previously owned autos. So when something goes wrong, we don’t have the luxury of taking it in to the dealer and having the repair and parts covered.
If you don’t have friends or family who can recommend a trustworthy auto repair shop, you’ll have to rely on your own investigation and best instincts. By and large, most shops are run by honest, helpful individuals, but we all have heard a few horror stories. Here are some great tips on how to choose a car repair shop.
When you pull into the parking lot, look to see if the cars awaiting service are similar in value to the car you are driving. If you see a row of old clunkers covered with snow, or surrounded by weeds, then perhaps this isn’t the place for you.
As you step inside the front door, do you see an organized and tidy facility that looks obviously cared for, or is it dirty with old parts lying around
Hopefully, there will be someone to greet you and offer you a seat, if they are busy with another customer. Of course, if the shop is owner operated, you might have to wait a few moments for them to come in from the work area to wait on you.
While you are waiting, take notice of what is covering the walls. Are there certificates of merit, trade school diplomas, and evidence of certification What about team photos or other pictures depicting community involvement.
Check to see if there are labor rates, diagnostic fees, and guarantees posted. Do they accept debit or credit cards What about personal checks Or is their policy cash only
When you do speak to the mechanic, try not to self-diagnose the problem yourself. Unless it is very obvious, such as failing brakes, just describe the symptoms and let the technician suggest some possibilities. Then be sure and ask if the facility specializes in this type of repair, or if they can recommend someone who does.
Obviously it would be a very good idea to scope out an automotive repair shop before you actually need one. If you are stepping back from a leased vehicle, and are considering purchasing a vehicle outright, then be pro-active. Find out where the best mechanics and technicians hang out, beforehand.
Then, when you happily find yourself pleased with the auto repairs they have done for you, reward the shop with your repeat business. That is how a trusting relationship happens. Hopefully having good communication between you and your mechanic will help reduce those disturbing horror stories.
Tags: anxiety level, auto repair shop, car doctor, car repair shop, certificates of merit, extended warranty, few moments, horror stories, major break, warranty periods