If you own a car, you have probably been in need of a repair at some point. Finding the right repair shop or mechanic can be a nightmare. They are notoriously dishonest and often overcharge you for their work. Luckily, the following article has some great tips with regards to finding a great auto repair shop.
Friends and family are a good source when you are looking to get some work done on your car. Ask around to see if anyone can suggest someone to you before you go on your search. Never go with the opinion of one person. Ask a few and see what other answers you get.
Be open to asking any questions that cross your mind. Auto repair is a very complex thing. You will have questions, and don’t feel intimidated about asking them. If you don’t, you may not completely understand why the repairs were needed in the first place or how costly the current situation really is.
Ask a technician if they are A.S.E. certified before you agree to have them work on your vehicle. If they have this certification, it means they have passed a written test and have worked in the industry for at least 2 years. You will know that you are getting someone skilled by choosing someone with this.
If you feel pressured by the garage or dealership you visit to get your car maintained or repaired, do not hesitate to leave. Reliable mechanics will not put any pressure on their customers and will focus on providing quality service. Follow your gut feeling and stay away from the mechanics who do not seem trustworthy.
Take action if you believe a garage or dealership ripped you off. Notify one of the manager and give them a chance to issue a refund. If you are still not satisfied, contact your local Better Business Bureau to file a complaint. Your city or state consumer affair office is also a good resource.
Ask your auto mechanic about their A.S.E. certification. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence has a test twice a year for it. To earn this certification, mechanics must pass a written test while also having about two years of work experience in auto mechanics and repair. This certification increases your chances of finding competent mechanics.
Unless it is required by your car’s warranty, don’t feel obligated to use the repair shop at the dealership. There are many reputable independent auto repair shops and they are often cheaper. Ask your friends and family members for a recommendation if you are unsure which shops in your area are trustworthy.
Know about car parts prior to visiting a mechanic. They’re classified as rebuilt, re-manufactured, and reconditioned, salvage, and new. Obviously, “New” components are those recently created. “Refurbished”, “rebuilt”, etc. mean that the part is like new, and potentially even better than new, as it has been renovated and tested repeatedly. Salvage means that they are used and they have not been altered.
Some shops steal your tires and use old tires to replace them! This is done so they can profit from your ignorance. Before going in, chalk tires in order to mark them. If the marks are gone when you get your vehicle back, you have probably been swindled.
You should always pay attention to the way your car smells. An unpleasant smell is usually caused by a leak or an electrical short. It is best not to drive your car and find a mechanic who can come inspect it to determine what is causing the strong smell.
Avoid being run over by your own car! When you jack your car up, be sure to set your emergency brake. Place bricks behind the tires you are not working on to keep your car from rolling. Keep a set of wedges or three or four bricks in the trunk of your car in case you have to change a flat tire on a hill.
Be sure to verify that the shop that you is properly licensed. If they are not, there is probably a reason for it, which could range from fraud to faulty repairs. Never use a shop that does not hold all of the licenses that they should in order to operate as a business.
Take your owner’s manual with you when you go to the auto repair shop to get work done. If someone tells you that you need to get a service after a certain amount of miles, check and see if that matches what is in the manual. If it does not, let them know that you decline that particular service.
Never underestimate Walmart when it comes to having certain services done on your car. You can get an oil change there for quite a bit less than you will pay for one at an auto shop. They also sell tires that are priced much better than those at most tire shops.
Invest in a detailed repair manual for your vehicle. Even if you are not comfortable enough to fix your car yourself, you will at least get a better idea of how your car runs and perhaps diagnose a few problems yourself. Being knowledgeable will help you recognize an honest mechanic too.
Preventative maintenance is very important if you own a car. Do not hesitate to spend money on the tools you need to inspect and maintain your car or having a mechanic look at your car regularly. Maintaining your car regularly could help you save a lot on repairs or towing if your car breaks down.
Before adding a towing device to your vehicle, check to see if it rated for use on your particular car or truck. If it is not, it could cause damage that will translate into a trip to your auto repair shop. This is obviously not a trip that you want to take any time soon.
Having read the article above, you should now have a better understanding of how to find a reputable repair shop. It can be a tough task to do, particularly with so many shady ones around. But if you just remember what you have learned here, your car will be in tip-top shape in not time.
Providence Towing Service
880 Eddy Street
#10
Providence RI 02905
(401) 246-8851
http://www.providencetowingservice.com