Your auto repair shop of choice need not be a supporter of local events, schools, and charities in its locality in order to be great. It is however necessary to find veteran mechanics there that have been serving everyone for years or even a decade or two. They should also have state accreditation and a license to operate in your area.
Hallmarks of Auto Repair Facility Excellence
From my personal experience, these are the hallmarks of an excellent auto shop.
- They're Always Ready to Learn: I've visited quite a lot of mechanic shops in my day, and the best ones almost always know how to adapt to modern conveniences. From auto roll-down windows to having an onboard computer and sensors knowing what's wrong with your car, the repair shop staff should always be on top of all the latest innovations. Most modern mechanics double as computer technicians with today's hybrid and computerized vehicles, to be honest.
- They Record Equipment Deterioration: I had a shop that actually recorded or kept tabs with the condition of all my parts. I took this benefit for granted until I started going to other repair shops that had to inspect my car from scratch every time. If you're with a repair shop for the long-term, the best ones keep tabs on records so they know when to repair or replace worn parts, filters, fan belts, and the like for the sake of preventive maintenance.
- They Practice Preventive Maintenance: A good repair shop practices preventive maintenance. Although they do like getting paid more for replacing equipment that has failed and installing new parts they can get a cut for plus labor fees, the customer-friendly facilities know how to take care of their customers. They can take measures to help you take better care of your car the same way a doctor knows how to help you take proper care of your body.
- The Full Shebang of Inspections and Tune-Ups: Your affordable auto repair shop of choice should feature a regular check-up schedule for your tire pressure, car fluid status, and filter status. The technicians take into account the error codes found on your console and determine whether it's the sensor or what's being monitored that has the problem. The mechanic should give you tips on how to properly clean your car.
In a Nutshell
In order to further assure you're getting quality service you can trust, you should get a facility staffed by employees and attendants that don't beat around the bush when it comes to what's wrong with your vehicle and how much it will cost. The availability of upfront quotations is a must as well as getting the best info on your car possible.