ASK THE EXPERT

Q. I am new to the area and am looking for an honest and reliable repair shop. What is the best way to find one?

One of the best ways to find a great auto repair shop is to ask your family, friends, and neighbors. A referral from someone you know is a great start. Once you have selected a shop, ask what type of certifications their technicians have, and even more importantly, ask if the technician that will be working on your vehicle is certified. Technicians that are ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified have received formal training, and have been tested to make certain they are qualified to do auto repairs. All certifications should be prominently displayed in the shop office or waiting room.

You also want to ask how long the shop has been in business. This will increase your comfort level that they will be around to service any necessary warranty issues in the future. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the shop is a member in good standing.

When you arrive at the shop, take a look around to see if it is neat, clean and organized. Also, make certain the staff is courteous and professional. You want to develop a relationship with a service advisor and be treated like a person, not a number. A competent service advisor will make certain your vehicle is thoroughly checked by the technician, explain in layman’s terms what work is necessary and why, provide you with a detailed estimate and a completion time. If you have answers to all of these questions, your transaction will be much smoother.

The service advisor should also check to see if all preventative maintenance is up to date on your vehicle. This will provide you a safer, longer-lasting vehicle, with less major repair and breakdown issues.

You can also visit AAA.com, where you will find approved auto repair shops that have met or exceeded AAA’s stringent customer service and repair guidelines, and are subject to AAA mediation.