Things to Look for When Choosing an Auto Repair Shop

When you have your car, you can get from one place to another with ease. If your vehicle has been a ubiquitous part of your daily life, you must have a go-to auto repair shop. In case you see early signs of issues, you can always have a trusted mechanic to take care of your car. However, it can be challenging to look for the ideal auto repair centre. So, we’ve listed some of the things you should consider before you choose your go-to auto shop.

1) The Shop’s Location
Whether you need an Audi service or body repairs, you must select a car centre that is near your home or workplace. If possible, opt for one that is within your town. So, if you encounter any car trouble, you won’t have to go far to have your car checked by a mechanic. It is true that you can always hire a towing service when your vehicle is not running. However, you must remember that these companies usually charge depending on the distance.

2) Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations
You can always go online and look for auto repair shops. However, it will still be helpful if you ask your friends, family and colleagues for service centres they’ve tried before. If it is a shop that someone you know recommends, it means that it has been proven to provide customer satisfaction. It does not even have to be the most recognised or biggest auto repair shop in your area.

3) Read Online Reviews
While your friends and family can provide you with useful information about the shops they’ve tried, they might not be able to cover all of the options available. So, it is still advisable if you search for reviews online. This way, you will have a broader range of choices. Moreover, the unbiased customer reviews will help you make an informed decision.

4) Check the Written Warranty
You must remember to ask the right questions when scouting for your go-to mechanic, especially when you need an Audi service. One of the essential things to ask is, “Do you offer a written warrant?” Request for the warranty’s coverage and validity. Ideally, the warranty should last at least a year. However, you will find other shops offering warranties for bodywork that is valid for two years while others provide three-year warranties for complete paint jobs. You should be cautious about service centres offering lifetime warranties.

5) Ask About their Insurance Policy
Have you ever thought if a car service centre will compensate you in case their workshop burns down? What if someone drives away with your vehicle? Of course, these are some things that we would not like to happen. However, it is still best to be prepared. So, it is advisable for you to ask the shop if they hold a fire and theft insurance. In unwanted incidents like those mentioned above, you have the assurance that you will get some compensation.

6) Check the Materials They Use
It is possible that you’d need repairs and replacement parts down the road. So, we recommend asking about the equipment and materials that the service centre uses. Ask whether they use new, pre-owned or aftermarket parts. Of course, using new parts is always a bonus point, but they tend to be expensive. You can save a lot of money when you use aftermarket parts for repairing significant damages on your vehicle. In some cases, they can even have the same quality as the ones that big manufacturers release. If you are going to need some paintwork, you should also ask how many coats of paint and clear coat they will need.

7) Compare Estimates
If you have the time and patience, try asking for estimates from different auto repair shops. Since you are determining your go-to car mechanic, you need to ensure that you are going to work with an honest and transparent professional. If they offer a written estimate, you can make sure that they won’t just add in hidden charges and unnecessary services along the way. On the other hand, if you notice that one shop offers an estimate that is far too cheap compared to other companies, then they might charge for unnecessary repairs and parts down the road. They may have possibly misdiagnosed the issue as well.

8) Listen to your Intuition
All things considered, you should never forget about your intuition. For instance, you’ve been eyeing a shop, but whenever you pass by it, you notice that they never seem to be busy. So, you start to feel in your gut that customers might have been avoiding this service centre. Well, there’s a chance that you are right. If you notice that an auto repair shop has a cluttered or disorganised work area, this may reflect the kind of service they can give to your vehicle. Encountering a grouchy manager or shop owner is also a red flag. If you feel that you are looking at a dodgy business, then trust your intuition and consider other service centres.

Author Bio:
David Giltner is a writer and online marketing specialist. He also writes articles for different websites during his spare time for extra income. At present, he works for Euro Prestige.