The experts at ASE offer these guidelines to help take some of the anxiety out of your search:

1. REFERENCES
   • Ask friends, family and co-workers for recommendations on the best auto repair facility in your community.
   • Checkout the repair facilities website and Facebook page. This should give you more information.
   • Consult the Better Business Bureau (BBB) about the reputation of the shop. Inquire about the number, nature and resolution of complaints.
   • Look up online reviews from Google / Yelp / and other online review sites.

2. CREDENTIALS
   • Ask if the repair facility employees ASE Certified Automotive Technicians
   • Make sure there is an ASE Certified Technician on staff to handle your type of repairs--brakes or steering and suspension, for example.
   • Ask if the facility belongs to an organization or two for high-level repair centers such as:
     • AAA Approved Auto Repair w/American Automobile Association
     • ASE Blue Seal
     • ASA: Automotive Service Association
     • NADA: National Automobile Dealers Association
     • RepairPal
     • AskPatty Certified Female Friendly
        
3. ONSITE INSPECTION
   • Drive by the building. Make sure it is it clean and professional with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own.
   • Pull in and see if there is adequate parking and a neat, orderly appearance.
   • Go inside and make sure the waiting room is clean and comfortable.
     • A work station with free Wi-Fi is helpful if you need to work while waiting for your oil change.
     • A clean kids area with toys is a bonus if you have little children
     • Check out the restroom to make sure it’s clean. This says a lot about how the facility is run.

• Look for policies to be on display regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as professional, civic, community, or customer service awards.
• 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

• Is the front desk person friendly and courteous?
•  Is the Service Advisor willing to answer all of your questions in a way that you can understand what they are talking about?
• Do they have a policy to always contact you and get approval before they do any work on your vehicle?
• Does the repair facility specialize in your make & model?
• Does it normally handle the type of service or repair work your vehicle needs?

       5. CONVENIENCE

• Do they offer a shuttle service?
• Do they have loaner cars?
• Do they have a special deal with the local rent-a-car business?
• Do they have a waiting room where you can comfortably wait for minor services?
• 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.