The average American spends just under $400 per year on car maintenance and repair work. Hopefully, your good maintenance routine means that you won’t face any major repair bills for years to come.
But what happens when that day finally comes? If you’re facing serious car troubles, choosing auto repair shops and comparing repair costs is urgent.
How can you find the best auto shop in your area that will do the job right — without breaking the bank? Here are our five best tips to ensure you have a positive auto repair experience.
1. Read Online Customer Reviews
Personal recommendations are best, but you can also learn a lot from reading online reviews. If customers were “wowed” by their auto repair experience, they’ll gladly tell the world about it. The same goes for a poor experience.
Start with a Google search of auto repair shops in your area. Cross-check the listing with the company website and third-party review sites like Yelp or the BBB. One bad review isn’t necessarily enough to cross the shop off your list, but a string of negative reviews is a red flag.
For an example of what to look for, Performance Auto Center has terrific testimonials on its website and other third-party review sites.
2. Auto Repair Experience
If your child was sick, who would you ask for help — a medical doctor, or your friend who likes to read WebMD articles?
The same principle is true for auto repair. You want to find a mechanic that has the knowledge, training, and experience to diagnose and repair the problem. Look for a shop whose owner has many years (preferably decades) of experience fixing old cars and newer models.
3. Types of Vehicles Serviced
Some auto repair shops work with many makes and models, while others are specialists in one or two brands. Other shops pride themselves on exceptional brake work, engine repair, or bodywork.
It’s a waste of time to take your Ford to a shop that specializes in BMWs or go to an engine specialist for a brake job. Call and ask about the shop’s specialties (if any) and which types of vehicles they work with.
4. Professionalism & Customer Service
Getting your car repaired can be a stressful experience, so you want to find a mechanic that puts you at ease.
When you call for a quote or visit the shop in person, are you greeted in a warm and friendly manner? Are your questions answered thoroughly, or does it feel like you’re getting the brush-off?
5. Comparing Repair Costs
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the cost factor of choosing auto repair shops. Obviously, you don’t want to overpay for your repair work. But beware of any low-ball offers that seem too good to be true (they usually are).
The best auto repair shops will provide a quote that’s somewhere in the middle. Keep in mind that women and minorities are sometimes quoted higher prices, so be sure to shop around for a fair price.
Choosing Auto Repair Shops Can Be Easy
As long as you do your due diligence, choosing auto repair shops isn’t difficult. Use the tips outlined above to ensure your auto repair experience is a positive one!
Whether you’re fixing old cars or other types of vehicles, our site has you covered. Keep browsing for more great automotive tips, advice, and insight.
