The experts at ASE offer these guidelines to help take some of the anxiety out of your search:
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REFERENCES
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Ask friends, family and co-workers for recommendations on the best auto repair facility in your community.
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Checkout the repair facilities website and Facebook page. This should give you more information.
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Consult the Better Business Bureau (BBB) about the reputation of the shop. Inquire about the number, nature and resolution of complaints.
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Look up online reviews from Google / Yelp / and other online review sites.
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CREDENTIALS
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Ask if the repair facility employees ASE Certified Automotive Technicians
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Make sure there is an ASE Certified Technician on staff to handle your type of repairs--brakes or steering and suspension, for example.
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Ask if the facility belongs to an organization or two for high-level repair centers such as:
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AAA Approved Auto Repair w/American Automobile Association
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ASE Blue Seal
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ASA: Automotive Service Association
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NADA: National Automobile Dealers Association
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RepairPal
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AskPatty Certified Female Friendly
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ONSITE INSPECTION
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Drive by the building. Make sure it is it clean and professional with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own.
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Pull in and see if there is adequate parking and a neat, orderly appearance.
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Go inside and make sure the waiting room is clean and comfortable.
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A work station with free Wi-Fi is helpful if you need to work while waiting for your oil change.
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A clean kids area with toys is a bonus if you have little children
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Check out the restroom to make sure it’s clean. This says a lot about how the facility is run.
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Look for policies to be on display regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
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Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as professional, civic, community, or customer service awards.
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Look for ASE Certifications hanging on the wall for each technician. There may also be trade school diplomas and certifications of advanced course work.
4. INTERVIEW
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Is the front desk person friendly and courteous?
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Is the Service Advisor willing to answer all of your questions in a way that you can understand what they are talking about?
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Do they have a policy to always contact you and get approval before they do any work on your vehicle?
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Does the repair facility specialize in your make & model?
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Does it normally handle the type of service or repair work your vehicle needs?
5. CONVENIENCE
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Do they offer a shuttle service?
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Do they have loaner cars?
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Do they have a special deal with the local rent-a-car business?
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Do they have a waiting room where you can comfortably wait for minor services?
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Do they have an after-hours key drop and pick-up procedure?
If after all this detective work you feel comfortable, we recommend starting with a small or minor job, such as an oil change or tire rotation. If you are satisfied you can reward their good service with repeat business and more complex work.