Sooner or later, every vehicle will need auto maintenance services. To keep your vehicle at peak performance, it’s essential that you take it to an auto shop regularly. Since your vehicle is both a significant investment and an essential part of your daily life, it’s important to know you can trust your mechanic with its upkeep. So, how do you determine which auto shop is best for you? Here we’ll discuss a few things to keep in mind during your search.
How Long Have They Been In Business?
An auto shop that has been in business for many years has a better chance of providing quality service. It usually means they’re trusted in their community and many people can vouch for their skill. This doesn’t mean that a new company is automatically worse, just that a better-established company is more likely to do a good job. You can also ask about the technicians’ experience! They may have been working in the industry for longer than the shop has been around.
Check Their Certifications
If an auto repair shop is acknowledged by establishments like AAA or the Better Business Bureau, it’s a good sign that they are trustworthy. These foundations are committed to objective evaluations of the businesses they work with. It pays to check a shop’s business details!
What Services do They Provide?
Make sure to check that your chosen auto shop provides all the services you might need. Almost any auto shop will perform more popular services – like oil changes, brake services, or tire rotation – but if you need something more intensive or specific, you might have trouble finding a place specializing in that service. Additionally, if you need service for an RV, motor home, or another vehicle that requires a different skill set, you might have a more challenging time finding shops that service them.
How Much do They Charge?
You know it’s important to consider pricing when choosing between automotive services. You should check with multiple auto body shops before committing to one. Getting more than one price estimate means you’re more likely to get a good deal on your repairs. Check for differences in repair estimates to ensure you’re getting the best value possible for your money.
Remember that the most expensive option does not necessarily mean the highest quality car care. Likewise, the most cost-effective choice is not necessarily the best either! It’s best not to base your decision on price alone.
Do They Offer Warranties?
Check if your chosen auto service offers warranties on their work. This means that if their repair fails or the problem recurs within a certain time, they’ll fix it again. This is a good sign that they provide quality car service and have confidence in their ability. Plus, it reassures you that if something goes wrong, you’ll be able to get it fixed quickly and with much less hassle.
Do They Offer Shuttle Services?
If you’re putting off vehicle maintenance because you won’t have another way to get around while your car is in the shop, you should look for an auto shop that offers a shuttle service. Whether it’s a nice bonus or a vital part of keeping your day on track, it’s good to know that your auto shop can help you get where you need to go while they’re working on your car.
Consider Customer Service
It’s important to evaluate the level of customer service when choosing your auto maintenance services. Are their customer service employees polite and professional? Are they responsive to your questions and concerns? It’s best to assess this before committing; customer service is the face of the company, and if you find it unsatisfactory, you might want to look elsewhere.
Check Reviews
Don’t forget to read customer reviews before you decide! These can give you a good idea of an automotive repair service’s skill and ability. If many former customers have good things to say about them, it’s a good indication that they do indeed provide good automotive service. Negative reviews don’t necessarily mean that a service is bad; reviews are easy to fake. Some sites have a verification system to make sure you’re seeing real reviews, so make sure you look for that.
Check for responses to reviews as well! If they respond to both positive and negative reviews, it shows they care about making things right with dissatisfied customers as well as retaining satisfied ones.
Word of Mouth
Another way to find a good place to take your car is to ask your friends, family and coworkers where they get their car repairs done. If someone you know and trust has a good opinion on their automotive technicians, it’s almost a shortcut to finding your next auto shop. This gives you a good idea of a shop’s quality straight from somebody who’s done business with them before. You can get insight on pricing, repair quality, and more – all in one step.
Read Testimonials
If the company’s website has a page for testimonials, make sure to give them a look! These are usually reviews that the company is most proud of and feel represent their service best. It’s a good indication of quality service when a customer agrees to detail their experience on the company’s website.
Call Pete’s Auto!
Has your car been making a new sound? Do you need engine service for your RV or brake service for your motor home? You need an auto repair shop that can cater to all your needs, whether your vehicle repair needs simpler, more popular services or something more specialized. At Pete’s Auto, we pride ourselves on automotive service excellence and a level of customer service that goes above and beyond. Check out our website and give us a call for all your auto service needs!