Ten Tips for SUV Owners

It's a rare motorist who doesn't have strong feelings about today's sport utility vehicles. Love 'em or hate 'em, one thing is certain-just like their automobile cousins, SUVs last longer, operate more efficiently, and command a higher resale value when they are properly maintained and serviced.

For those too busy or too overwhelmed by modern vehicles to perform their own maintenance, the pros at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offer some advice on choosing a repair establishment:

• Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
• Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations.
• 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 writer willing to answer all of your questions.
• Look for posted policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
• Ask if the repair facility usually handles your type of repair work.
• Start off with a minor job and progress to more complex work if you are pleased with the establishment.
• 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 of the technicians by ASE.

For a free brochure with tips on selecting a repair facility, send a self-addressed, stamped business-sized envelope to: ASE Repair Shop Brochure, Dept. NUW-801, 101 Blue Seal Dr., Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20175.

ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.